Therapeutic Action
Antidepressant, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI)
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Drug reference
Antidepressant, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI)
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Major depression Generalised anxiety Severe post-traumatic stress disorder
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Administer with caution and monitor use in patients with epilepsy, diabetes, hepatic or renal impairment (start at a lower dose); history of gastrointestinal bleeding, bipolar disorders, suicidal ideation (in young adults) or closed-angle glaucoma. May cause: gastrointestinal disturbances, drowsiness (caution when driving or operating machinery), fatigue, headache, dizziness, seizures, sexual dysfunction, blurred vision, hyponatraemia especially in older patients; mental disorders: anxiety, insomnia, agitation, aggressive behaviour, suicidal ideation in young adults; frequent withdrawal symptoms if discontinued abruptly: dizziness, paraesthesia, nightmares, anxiety, tremors and headaches. Avoid combination with: aspirin, NSAIDs and warfarin (risk of bleeding); serotonergic drugs: other SSRI, tricyclic antidepressants, ondansetron, tramadol, etc. (risk of serotonin syndrome). Monitor combination with: risperidone (increased plasma concentration), drugs which lower the seizure threshold (antipsychotics, mefloquine, etc.). Avoid alcohol during treatment (increased risk of adverse effects). Pregnancy and breast-feeding: re-evaluate whether the treatment is still necessary; if it is continued, maintain paroxetine at effective dose. Observe the neonate (risk of agitation, tremors, hypotony, respiratory difficulties, sleeping disorders, etc.) if the mother was under treatment in the rd 3 trimester of pregnancy. If treatment starts during pregnancy or breast-feeding, preferably use sertraline.
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20 mg scored tablet
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Major depression Adult: 10 mg once daily for 3 days, then 20 mg once daily. In case of insufficient response after 3 weeks, increase up to 40 mg daily max. Generalised anxiety, severe post-traumatic stress disorder Adult: 10 to 20 mg once daily
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Major depression: at least 9 months. Discontinue treatment gradually (e.g. half dose once daily for 2 weeks then on alternate days for 2 weeks). If signs of relapse or withdrawal occur, increase the dose then decrease it more gradually. Generalised anxiety, severe post-traumatic stress disorder: 2 to 3 months after symptoms resolve. Discontinue treatment gradually (over at least 2 weeks).
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It is necessary to wait at least 2 to 3 weeks before assessing the antidepressant effect. This must be explained to the patient.
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– – Below 25 °C
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10 mg once daily for 3 days, then 20 mg once daily. In case of insufficient response after 3 weeks, increase up to 40 mg daily max.
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10 to 20 mg once daily
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