Synonyms
Aropax; Paxil; Seroxat
Definition
Paroxetine is an antidepressant that inhibits potently and specifically serotonin reuptake (SSRI). It was introduced in 1992. It is mainly used in the treatment of major depression, social anxiety disorder or social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and sometimes of migraine. It is claimed to be as effective as older tricyclic antidepressants but with a more favorable side-effect profile. Its major side effects are nausea, sleep disturbances, decreased libido, and possible weight gain. The most serious concern with paroxetine treatment is the emerging risk for suicidal ideation and behavior in some adolescents and adults that led to the recommendation not to prescribe it for children. Debate continues about the seriousness of symptoms upon discontinuation of paroxetine.
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© 2015 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
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(2015). Paroxetine. In: Stolerman, I.P., Price, L.H. (eds) Encyclopedia of Psychopharmacology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-36172-2_200544
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-36172-2_200544
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Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-36171-5
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-36172-2
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