Paroxetine (Paxil)

Category:

  • Antidepressant

Description:

  • SSRI (Selective serotonin uptake inhibitor)

Indications:

  • Depression

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder

  • Panic disorder

Contraindications:

  • Concurrent use of MAO inhibitors

  • Concurrent use of other SSRIs

Precautions:

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • Insomnia

  • Decreased libido

  • Ejaculatory failure

  • Nausea

  • Fatigue

  • Dry mouth

  • Dizziness

  • Nausea

Dosage:

Administered orally (tablets)

Adult:

  • Depression: 20 mg PO QD

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder: 

    • 20 mg PO QD x 1 week, then 

    • 30 mg PO QD x 1 week, then 

    • 40 mg PO QD

  • Panic disorder: 

    • 10 mg PO QD x 1 week, then 

    • 20 mg PO QD x 1 week, then

    • 30 mg PO QD x 1 week, then

    • 40 mg PO QD

Therapeutic effects may not appear for a week or longer after initiating therapy. Changes in dosage should not be made more often than weekly.

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300 

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