Paroxetine (Paxil)

SSRI antidepressant

Dosing

(mg/d): Depression (20), Anxiety disorders (40-60), OCD (60-80).

Management

Side effects: apathy, sexual dysfunction, sleep disruption, nausea, restless legs, akathisia. Warning: osteopenia in post-menopausal women. Raises levels of meds metabolized through CYP 2D6, 3A4, 2B6. Raise dose by x1.3 if using with carbamazepine.

Worst SSRI overall (WD risk, cognitive impairment, pregnancy teratogen, weight gain, sedation, anticholinergic and antihistaminergic).

EMR Text