Questions and Answers
What is the trade name of Paroxetine?
What classification does Paroxetine fall under?
Antidepressant / SSRI
What is the FDA category for Paroxetine?
D
What is the half-life of Paroxetine?
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How does Paroxetine primarily function in the brain?
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What conditions is Paroxetine indicated for?
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The initial dose for depression is ______ to ______ mg/day.
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What are some common side effects of Paroxetine?
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Which of the following medications should not be taken with Paroxetine? (Select all that apply)
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Paroxetine is safe for use during pregnancy.
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What should patients avoid while taking Paroxetine?
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Do not give Paroxetine within ______ days of MAOIs.
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Study Notes
Paroxetine Overview
- Generic name: Paroxetine; trade name: Paxil.
- Classification as an antidepressant and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
- FDA category D indicating potential risks during pregnancy.
Pharmacokinetics
- Well absorbed following oral administration, effective even with food.
- Drug is widely distributed in the body; highly bound to plasma proteins.
- Concentrations in breast milk match those in plasma.
- Undergoes hepatic metabolism; renal excretion is the primary elimination route.
- Average half-life of approximately 20 hours.
Mechanism of Action
- Influences neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin, crucial for nerve communication in the brain.
- Inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, enhancing its availability in the synaptic cleft.
Therapeutic Applications
- Effective in treating major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Dosage Information
- Available in immediate-release (IR) and controlled-release (CR) tablet formulations.
- Initial dosing for depression ranges from 12.5 to 20 mg/day, typically administered in the morning.
- Potential for gradual dose increases every 3 to 4 weeks up to a maximum of 50 mg/day; discontinuation should be gradual.
Side Effects
- Side effects vary with dosage; generally mild and may include nausea, vomiting, somnolence, sweating, tremor, and fatigue initially.
- After 5 to 6 weeks, common side effects include headache, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction.
- Serious side effects may involve bone fractures, glaucoma, hyponatremia, and increased risk of suicidality.
Drug Interactions
- Significant interactions with digoxin, MAOIs, phenobarbital, phenytoin, pimozide, procyclidine, ritonavir, St. John's Wort, thioridazine, tryptophan, and Warfarin.
Nursing Considerations
- Avoid administration within 14 days of MAOIs, and do not co-prescribe with pimozide or thioridazine.
- Not advisable for use in pregnant or breastfeeding patients.
Patient Education
- Instruct patients to swallow CR tablets whole without crushing, chewing, or cutting.
- Advise on safety precautions related to central nervous system effects.
- Warn against the use of St. John's Wort and to report any visual disturbances or thoughts of suicide.
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Test your knowledge about Paroxetine with these flashcards. Learn key definitions, classifications, and pharmacologic information about this SSRI antidepressant. Perfect for students and healthcare professionals alike!
