Paroxetine
Brand: Paxil (US/EU) / Paro-20 (IN) / Paxtin (BD)
Antidepressant
SSRI (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor)
Pharmacokinetics
| Half-life | 21 hours |
| Tmax | 5.2 h |
| Bioavailability | 50 % (approx) |
| Protein Binding | 95 % |
| Volume of Distribution | 3 L/kg (approx) |
| Clearance Route | hepatic |
| Active Metabolites | no |
| Notes | Powerful CYP2D6 inhibitor; highest withdrawal potential among SSRIs. |
⚠️ Safety & Warnings
Severity: Moderate
Adverse Effects:
Dry mouth, constipation, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, withdrawal symptoms on abrupt cessation
Contraindications:
Concurrent MAOI use
Precautions:
Avoid abrupt discontinuation; avoid in pregnancy (risk of cardiac defects in 1st trimester); avoid in elderly if possible due to anticholinergic burden.