Side Effects > Paxil CR

Paxil CR Side Effects

Generic Name: paroxetine

Please note - some side effects for Paxil CR may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

Side Effects of Paxil CR - for the Consumer

Paxil CR Controlled-Release Tablets

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Paxil CR Controlled-Release Tablets:

Anxiety; back pain; blurred vision; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; gas; increased sweating; increased urination; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; numbness or tingling of the skin; sinus inflammation; stomach pain or upset; trouble concentrating; trouble sleeping; weakness; yawning.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Paxil CR Controlled-Release Tablets:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; black or bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; decreased concentration; decreased coordination; exaggerated reflexes; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; memory loss; new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still; persistent or severe ringing in the ears; persistent, painful erection; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; significant weight loss; stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; unusual weakness; vision changes; worsening of depression.

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Paxil CR Side Effects - for the Professional

Paxil CR

The information included under the “Adverse Findings Observed in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trials With Paxil CR” subsection of ADVERSE REACTIONS is based on data from 11 placebo-controlled clinical trials. Three of these studies were conducted in patients with major depressive disorder, 3 studies were done in patients with panic disorder, 1 study was conducted in patients with social anxiety disorder, and 4 studies were done in female patients with PMDD. Two of the studies in major depressive disorder, which enrolled patients in the age range 18 to 65 years, are pooled. Information from a third study of major depressive disorder, which focused on elderly patients (60 to 88 years), is presented separately as is the information from the panic disorder studies and the information from the PMDD studies. Information on additional adverse events associated with Paxil CR and the immediate-release formulation of paroxetine hydrochloride is included in a separate subsection.

Adverse Findings Observed in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trials With Paxil CR:

Adverse Events Associated With Discontinuation of Treatment

Major Depressive Disorder

Ten percent (21/212) of patients treated with Paxil CR discontinued treatment due to an adverse event in a pool of 2 studies of patients with major depressive disorder. The most common events (≥1%) associated with discontinuation and considered to be drug related (i.e., those events associated with dropout at a rate approximately twice or greater for Paxil CR compared to placebo) included the following:

	Paxil CR (n = 212)	Placebo (n = 211)
Nausea	3.7%	0.5%
Asthenia	1.9%	0.5%
Dizziness	1.4%	0.0%
Somnolence	1.4%	0.0%

In a placebo-controlled study of elderly patients with major depressive disorder, 13% (13/104) of patients treated with Paxil CR discontinued due to an adverse event. Events meeting the above criteria included the following:

	Paxil CR (n = 104)	Placebo (n = 109)
Nausea	2.9%	0.0%
Headache	1.9%	0.9%
Depression	1.9%	0.0%
LFT’s abnormal	1.9%	0.0%

Panic Disorder

Eleven percent (50/444) of patients treated with Paxil CR in panic disorder studies discontinued treatment due to an adverse event. Events meeting the above criteria included the following:

	Paxil CR (n = 444)	Placebo (n = 445)
Nausea	2.9%	0.4%
Insomnia	1.8%	0.0%
Headache	1.4%	0.2%
Asthenia	1.1%	0.0%

Social Anxiety Disorder

Three percent (5/186) of patients treated with Paxil CR in the social anxiety disorder study discontinued treatment due to an adverse event. Events meeting the above criteria included the following:

	Paxil CR (n = 186)	Placebo (n = 184)
Nausea	2.2%	0.5%
Headache	1.6%	0.5%
Diarrhea	1.1%	0.5%

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Spontaneously reported adverse events were monitored in studies of both continuous and intermittent dosing of PAXIL CR in the treatment of PMDD. Generally, there were few differences in the adverse event profiles of the 2 dosing regimens. Thirteen percent (88/681) of patients treated with PAXIL CR in PMDD studies of continuous dosing discontinued treatment due to an adverse event.

The most common events (≥1%) associated with discontinuation in either group treated with Paxil CR with an incidence rate that is at least twice that of placebo in PMDD trials that employed a continuous dosing regimen are shown in the following table. This table also shows those events that were dose dependent (indicated with an asterisk) as defined as events having an incidence rate with 25 mg of PAXIL CR that was at least twice that with 12.5 mg of Paxil CR (as well as the placebo group).

	Paxil CR 25 mg (n = 348)	Paxil CR 12.5 mg (n = 333)	Placebo (n = 349)
TOTAL	15%	9.9%	6.3%
Nausea*	6.0%	2.4%	0.9%
Asthenia	4.9%	3.0%	1.4%
Somnolence*	4.3%	1.8%	0.3%
Insomnia	2.3%	1.5%	0.0%
Concentration Impaired*	2.0%	0.6%	0.3%
Dry mouth*	2.0%	0.6%	0.3%
Dizziness*	1.7%	0.6%	0.6%
Decreased Appetite*	1.4%	0.6%	0.0%
Sweating*	1.4%	0.0%	0.3%
Tremor*	1.4%	0.3%	0.0%
Yawn*	1.1%	0.0%	0.0%
Diarrhea	0.9%	1.2%	0.0%

* Events considered to be dose dependent are defined as events having an incidence rate with 25 mg of Paxil CR that was at least twice that with 12.5 mg of Paxil CR (as well as the placebo group).

Commonly Observed Adverse Events

Major Depressive Disorder

The most commonly observed adverse events associated with the use of PAXIL CR in a pool of 2 trials (incidence of 5.0% or greater and incidence for PAXIL CR at least twice that for placebo, derived from Table 2) were: Abnormal ejaculation, abnormal vision, constipation, decreased libido, diarrhea, dizziness, female genital disorders, nausea, somnolence, sweating, trauma, tremor, and yawning.

Using the same criteria, the adverse events associated with the use of Paxil CR in a study of elderly patients with major depressive disorder were: Abnormal ejaculation, constipation, decreased appetite, dry mouth, impotence, infection, libido decreased, sweating, and tremor.

Panic Disorder

In the pool of panic disorder studies, the adverse events meeting these criteria were: Abnormal ejaculation, somnolence, impotence, libido decreased, tremor, sweating, and female genital disorders (generally anorgasmia or difficulty achieving orgasm).

Social Anxiety Disorder

In the social anxiety disorder study, the adverse events meeting these criteria were: Nausea, asthenia, abnormal ejaculation, sweating, somnolence, impotence, insomnia, and libido decreased.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

The most commonly observed adverse events associated with the use of Paxil CR either during continuous dosing or luteal phase dosing (incidence of 5% or greater and incidence for Paxil CR at least twice that for placebo, derived from Table 6) were: Nausea, asthenia, libido decreased, somnolence, insomnia, female genital disorders, sweating, dizziness, diarrhea, and constipation.

In the luteal phase dosing PMDD trial, which employed dosing of 12.5 mg/day or 25 mg/day of PAXIL CR limited to the 2 weeks prior to the onset of menses over 3 consecutive menstrual cycles, adverse events were evaluated during the first 14 days of each off-drug phase. When the 3 off-drug phases were combined, the following adverse events were reported at an incidence of 2% or greater for Paxil CR and were at least twice the rate of that reported for placebo: Infection (5.3% versus 2.5%), depression (2.8% versus 0.8%), insomnia (2.4% versus 0.8%), sinusitis (2.4% versus 0%), and asthenia (2.0% versus 0.8%).

Incidence in Controlled Clinical Trials

Table 2 enumerates adverse events that occurred at an incidence of 1% or more among patients treated with Paxil CR, aged 18 to 65, who participated in 2 short-term (12-week) placebo-controlled trials in major depressive disorder in which patients were dosed in a range of 25 mg to 62.5 mg/day. Table 3 enumerates adverse events reported at an incidence of 5% or greater among elderly patients (ages 60 to 88) treated with Paxil CR who participated in a short-term (12-week) placebo-controlled trial in major depressive disorder in which patients were dosed in a range of 12.5 mg to 50 mg/day. Table 4 enumerates adverse events reported at an incidence of 1% or greater among patients (19 to 72 years) treated with Paxil CR who participated in short-term (10-week) placebo-controlled trials in panic disorder in which patients were dosed in a range of 12.5 mg to 75 mg/day. Table 5 enumerates adverse events reported at an incidence of 1% or greater among adult patients treated with Paxil CR who participated in a short-term (12-week), double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in social anxiety disorder in which patients were dosed in a range of 12.5 to 37.5 mg/day. Table 6 enumerates adverse events that occurred at an incidence of 1% or more among patients treated with Paxil CR who participated in three, 12-week, placebo-controlled trials in PMDD in which patients were dosed at 12.5 mg/day or 25 mg/day and in one 12-week placebo-controlled trial in which patients were dosed for 2 weeks prior to the onset of menses (luteal phase dosing) at 12.5 mg/day or 25 mg/day. Reported adverse events were classified using a standard COSTART-based Dictionary terminology.

The prescriber should be aware that these figures cannot be used to predict the incidence of side effects in the course of usual medical practice where patient characteristics and other factors differ from those that prevailed in the clinical trials. Similarly, the cited frequencies cannot be compared with figures obtained from other clinical investigations involving different treatments, uses, and investigators. The cited figures, however, do provide the prescribing physician with some basis for estimating the relative contribution of drug and nondrug factors to the side effect incidence rate in the population studied.

Table 2. Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events Occurring in ≥1% of Patients Treated With PAXIL CR in a Pool of 2 Studies in Major Depressive Disorder1,2

Body System/Adverse Event	% Reporting Event
	Paxil CR (n = 212)	Placebo (n = 211)
Body as a Whole
Headache	27%	20%
Asthenia	14%	9%
Infection3	8%	5%
Abdominal Pain	7%	4%
Back Pain	5%	3%
Trauma4	5%	1%
Pain5	3%	1%
Allergic Reaction6	2%	1%
Cardiovascular System
Tachycardia	1%	0%
Vasodilatation7	2%	0%
Digestive System
Nausea	22%	10%
Diarrhea	18%	7%
Dry Mouth	15%	8%
Constipation	10%	4%
Flatulence	6%	4%
Decreased Appetite	4%	2%
Vomiting	2%	1%
Nervous System
Somnolence	22%	8%
Insomnia	17%	9%
Dizziness	14%	4%
Libido Decreased	7%	3%
Tremor	7%	1%
Hypertonia	3%	1%
Paresthesia	3%	1%
Agitation	2%	1%
Confusion	1%	0%
Respiratory System
Yawn	5%	0%
Rhinitis	4%	1%
Cough Increased	2%	1%
Bronchitis	1%	0%
Skin and Appendages
Sweating	6%	2%
Photosensitivity	2%	0%
Special Senses
Abnormal Vision8	5%	1%
Taste Perversion	2%	0%
Urogenital System
Abnormal Ejaculation9,10	26%	1%
Female Genital Disorder9,11	10%	<1%
Impotence9	5%	3%
Urinary Tract Infection	3%	1%
Menstrual Disorder9	2%	<1%
Vaginitis9	2%	0%

1 Adverse events for which the Paxil CR reporting incidence was less than or equal to the placebo incidence are not included. These events are: Abnormal dreams, anxiety, arthralgia, depersonalization, dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, hyperkinesia, increased appetite, myalgia, nervousness, pharyngitis, purpura, rash, respiratory disorder, sinusitis, urinary frequency, and weight gain.

2 <1% means greater than zero and less than 1%.

3 Mostly flu.

4 A wide variety of injuries with no obvious pattern.

5 Pain in a variety of locations with no obvious pattern.

6 Most frequently seasonal allergic symptoms.

7 Usually flushing.

8 Mostly blurred vision.

9 Based on the number of males or females.

10 Mostly anorgasmia or delayed ejaculation.

11 Mostly anorgasmia or delayed orgasm.

Table 3. Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events Occurring in ≥5% of Patients Treated With Paxil CR in a Study of Elderly Patients With Major Depressive Disorder1,2

Body System/Adverse Event	% Reporting Event
	Paxil CR (n = 104)	Placebo (n = 109)
Body as a Whole
Headache	17%	13%
Asthenia	15%	14%
Trauma	8%	5%
Infection	6%	2%
Digestive System
Dry Mouth	18%	7%
Diarrhea	15%	9%
Constipation	13%	5%
Dyspepsia	13%	10%
Decreased Appetite	12%	5%
Flatulence	8%	7%
Nervous System
Somnolence	21%	12%
Insomnia	10%	8%
Dizziness	9%	5%
Libido Decreased	8%	<1%
Tremor	7%	0%
Skin and Appendages
Sweating	10%	<1%
Urogenital System
Abnormal Ejaculation3,4	17%	3%
Impotence3	9%	3%

1 Adverse events for which the Paxil CR reporting incidence was less than or equal to the placebo incidence are not included. These events are nausea and respiratory disorder.

2 <1% means greater than zero and less than 1%.

3 Based on the number of males.

4 Mostly anorgasmia or delayed ejaculation.

Table 4. Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events Occurring in ≥1% of Patients Treated With Paxil CR in a Pool of 3 Panic Disorder Studies1,2

Body System/Adverse Event	% Reporting Event
	Paxil CR (n = 444)	Placebo (n = 445)
Body as a Whole
Asthenia	15%	10%
Abdominal Pain	6%	4%
Trauma3	5%	4%
Cardiovascular System
Vasodilation4	3%	2%
Digestive System
Nausea	23%	17%
Dry Mouth	13%	9%
Diarrhea	12%	9%
Constipation	9%	6%
Decreased Appetite	8%	6%
Metabolic/Nutritional Disorders
Weight Loss	1%	0%
Musculoskeletal System
Myalgia	5%	3%
Nervous System
Insomnia	20%	11%
Somnolence	20%	9%
Libido Decreased	9%	4%
Nervousness	8%	7%
Tremor	8%	2%
Anxiety	5%	4%
Agitation	3%	2%
Hypertonia5	2%	<1%
Myoclonus	2%	<1%
Respiratory System
Sinusitis	8%	5%
Yawn	3%	0%
Skin and Appendages
Sweating	7%	2%
Special Senses
Abnormal Vision6	3%	<1%
Urogenital System
Abnormal Ejaculation7,8	27%	3%
Impotence7	10%	1%
Female Genital Disorders9,10	7%	1%
Urinary Frequency	2%	<1%
Urination Impaired	2%	<1%
Vaginitis9	1%	<1%

1 Adverse events for which the reporting rate for Paxil CR was less than or equal to the placebo rate are not included. These events are: Abnormal dreams, allergic reaction, back pain, bronchitis, chest pain, concentration impaired, confusion, cough increased, depression, dizziness, dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, fever, flatulence, headache, increased appetite, infection, menstrual disorder, migraine, pain, paresthesia, pharyngitis, respiratory disorder, rhinitis, tachycardia, taste perversion, thinking abnormal, urinary tract infection, and vomiting.

2 <1% means greater than zero and less than 1%.

3 Various physical injuries.

4 Mostly flushing.

5 Mostly muscle tightness or stiffness.

6 Mostly blurred vision.

7 Based on the number of male patients.

8 Mostly anorgasmia or delayed ejaculation.

9 Based on the number of female patients.

10 Mostly anorgasmia or difficulty achieving orgasm.

Table 5. Treatment-Emergent Adverse Effects Occurring in ≥1% of Patients Treated With Paxil CR in a Social Anxiety Disorder Study1,2

Body System/Adverse Event	% Reporting Event
	Paxil CR (n = 186)	Placebo (n = 184)
Body as a Whole
Headache	23%	17%
Asthenia	18%	7%
Abdominal Pain	5%	4%
Back Pain	4%	1%
Trauma3	3%	<1%
Allergic Reaction4	2%	<1%
Chest Pain	1%	<1%
Cardiovascular System
Hypertension	2%	0%
Migraine	2%	1%
Tachycardia	2%	1%
Digestive System
Nausea	22%	6%
Diarrhea	9%	8%
Constipation	5%	2%
Dry Mouth	3%	2%
Dyspepsia	2%	<1%
Decreased Appetite	1%	<1%
Tooth Disorder	1%	0%
Metabolic/Nutritional Disorders
Weight Gain	3%	1%
Weight Loss	1%	0%
Nervous System
Insomnia	9%	4%
Somnolence	9%	4%
Libido Decreased	8%	1%
Dizziness	7%	4%
Tremor	4%	2%
Anxiety	2%	1%
Concentration Impaired	2%	0%
Depression	2%	1%
Myoclonus	1%	<1%
Paresthesia	1%	<1%
Respiratory System
Yawn	2%	0%
Skin and Appendages
Sweating	14%	3%
Eczema	1%	0%
Special Senses
Abnormal Vision5	2%	0%
Abnormality of Accommodation	2%	0%
Urogenital System
Abnormal Ejaculation6,7	15%	1%
Impotence6	9%	0%
Female Genital Disorders8,9	3%	0%

1 Adverse events for which the reporting rate for Paxil CR was less than or equal to the placebo rate are not included. These events are: Dysmenorrhea, flatulence, gastroenteritis, hypertonia, infection, pain, pharyngitis, rash, respiratory disorder, rhinitis, and vomiting.

2 <1% means greater than zero and less than 1%.

3 Various physical injuries.

4 Most frequently seasonal allergic symptoms.

5 Mostly blurred vision.

6 Based on the number of male patients.

7 Mostly anorgasmia or delayed ejaculation.

8 Based on the number of female patients.

9 Mostly anorgasmia or difficulty achieving orgasm.

Table 6. Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events Occurring in ≥1% of Patients Treated With PAXIL CR in a Pool of 3 Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Studies With Continuous Dosing or in 1 Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Study With Luteal Phase Dosing1,2,3

Body System/Adverse Event	% Reporting Event
	Continuous Dosing		Luteal Phase Dosing
	Paxil CR (n = 681)	Placebo (n = 349)	Paxil CR (n = 246)	Placebo (n = 120)
Body as a Whole
Asthenia	17%	6%	15%	4%
Headache	15%	12%	-	-
Infection	6%	4%	-	-
Abdominal pain	-	-	3%	0%
Cardiovascular System
Migraine	1%	<1%	-	-
Digestive System
Nausea	17%	7%	18%	2%
Diarrhea	6%	2%	6%	0%
Constipation	5%	1%	2%	<1%
Dry Mouth	4%	2%	2%	<1%
Increased Appetite	3%	<1%	-	-
Decreased Appetite	2%	<1%	2%	0%
Dyspepsia	2%	1%	2%	2%
Gingivitis	-	-	1%	0%
Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders
Generalized Edema	-	-	1%	<1%
Weight Gain	-	-	1%	<1%
Musculoskeletal System
Arthralgia	2%	1%	-	-
Nervous System
Libido Decreased	12%	5%	9%	6%
Somnolence	9%	2%	3%	<1%
Insomnia	8%	2%	7%	3%
Dizziness	7%	3%	6%	3%
Tremor	4%	<1%	5%	0%
Concentration Impaired	3%	<1%	1%	0%
Nervousness	2%	<1%	3%	2%
Anxiety	2%	1%	-	-
Lack of Emotion	2%	<1%	-	-
Depression	-	-	2%	<1%
Vertigo	-	-	2%	<1%
Abnormal Dreams	1%	<1%	-	-
Amnesia	-	-	1%	0%
Respiratory System
Sinusitis	-	-	4%	2%
Yawn	2%	<1%	-	-
Bronchitis	-	-	2%	0%
Cough Increased	1%	<1%	-	-
Skin and Appendages
Sweating	7%	<1%	6%	<1%
Special Senses
Abnormal Vision	-	-	1%	0%
Urogenital System
Female Genital Disorders4	8%	1%	2%	0%
Menorrhagia	1%	<1%	-	-
Vaginal Moniliasis	1%	<1%	-	-
Menstrual Disorder	-	-	1%	0%

1 Adverse events for which the reporting rate of PAXIL CR was less than or equal to the placebo rate are not included. These events for continuous dosing are: Abdominal pain, back pain, pain, trauma, weight gain, myalgia, pharyngitis, respiratory disorder, rhinitis, sinusitis, pruritis, dysmenorrhea, menstrual disorder, urinary tract infection, and vomiting. The events for luteal phase dosing are: Allergic reaction, back pain, headache, infection, pain, trauma, myalgia, anxiety, pharyngitis, respiratory disorder, cystitis, and dysmenorrhea.

2 <1% means greater than zero and less than 1%.

3 The luteal phase and continuous dosing PMDD trials were not designed for making direct comparisons between the 2 dosing regimens. Therefore, a comparison between the 2 dosing regimens of the PMDD trials of incidence rates shown in Table 5 should be avoided.

4 Mostly anorgasmia or difficulty achieving orgasm.

Dose Dependency of Adverse Events

The following table shows results in PMDD trials of common adverse events, defined as events with an incidence of ≥1% with 25 mg of Paxil CR that was at least twice that with 12.5 mg of Paxil CR and with placebo.

Incidence of Common Adverse Events in Placebo, 12.5 mg and 25 mg of PAXIL CR in a Pool of 3 Fixed-Dose PMDD Trials

	Paxil CR 25 mg (n = 348)	Paxil CR 12.5 mg (n = 333)	Placebo (n = 349)
Common Adverse Event
Sweating	8.9%	4.2%	0.9%
Tremor	6.0%	1.5%	0.3%
Concentration Impaired	4.3%	1.5%	0.6%
Yawn	3.2%	0.9%	0.3%
Paresthesia	1.4%	0.3%	0.3%
Hyperkinesia	1.1%	0.3%	0.0%
Vaginitis	1.1%	0.3%	0.3%

A comparison of adverse event rates in a fixed-dose study comparing immediate-release paroxetine with placebo in the treatment of major depressive disorder revealed a clear dose dependency for some of the more common adverse events associated with the use of immediate-release paroxetine.

Male and Female Sexual Dysfunction With SSRIs

Although changes in sexual desire, sexual performance, and sexual satisfaction often occur as manifestations of a psychiatric disorder, they may also be a consequence of pharmacologic treatment. In particular, some evidence suggests that SSRIs can cause such untoward sexual experiences.

Reliable estimates of the incidence and severity of untoward experiences involving sexual desire, performance, and satisfaction are difficult to obtain; however, in part because patients and physicians may be reluctant to discuss them. Accordingly, estimates of the incidence of untoward sexual experience and performance cited in product labeling, are likely to underestimate their actual incidence.

The percentage of patients reporting symptoms of sexual dysfunction in the pool of 2 placebo-controlled trials in nonelderly patients with major depressive disorder, in the pool of 3 placebo-controlled trials in patients with panic disorder, in the placebo-controlled trial in patients with social anxiety disorder, and in the intermittent dosing and the pool of 3 placebo-controlled continuous dosing trials in female patients with PMDD are as follows:

	Major Depressive Disorder		Panic Disorder		Social Anxiety Disorder		PMDD Continuous Dosing		PMDD Luteal Phase Dosing
	Paxil CR	Placebo	Paxil CR	Placebo	Paxil CR	Placebo	Paxil CR	Placebo	Paxil CR	Placebo
n (males)	78	78	162	194	88	97	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Decreased Libido	10%	5%	9%	6%	13%	1%	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Ejaculatory Disturbance	26%	1%	27%	3%	15%	1%	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Impotence	5%	3%	10%	1%	9%	0%	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
n (females)	134	133	282	251	98	87	681	349	246	120
Decreased Libido	4%	2%	8%	2%	4%	1%	12%	5%	9%	6%
Orgasmic Disturbance	10%	<1%	7%	1%	3%	0%	8%	1%	2%	0%

There are no adequate, controlled studies examining sexual dysfunction with paroxetine treatment.

Paroxetine treatment has been associated with several cases of priapism. In those cases with a known outcome, patients recovered without sequelae.

While it is difficult to know the precise risk of sexual dysfunction associated with the use of SSRIs, physicians should routinely inquire about such possible side effects.

Weight and Vital Sign Changes

Significant weight loss may be an undesirable result of treatment with paroxetine for some patients but, on average, patients in controlled trials with Paxil CR or the immediate-release formulation, had minimal weight loss (about 1 pound). No significant changes in vital signs (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse, and temperature) were observed in patients treated with Paxil CR, or immediate-release paroxetine hydrochloride, in controlled clinical trials.

ECG Changes

In an analysis of ECGs obtained in 682 patients treated with immediate-release paroxetine and 415 patients treated with placebo in controlled clinical trials, no clinically significant changes were seen in the ECGs of either group.

Liver Function Tests

In a pool of 2 placebo-controlled clinical trials, patients treated with Paxil CR or placebo exhibited abnormal values on liver function tests at comparable rates. In particular, the controlled-release paroxetine-versus-placebo comparisons for alkaline phosphatase, SGOT, SGPT, and bilirubin revealed no differences in the percentage of patients with marked abnormalities.

In a study of elderly patients with major depressive disorder, 3 of 104 patients treated with Paxil CR and none of 109 placebo patients experienced liver transaminase elevations of potential clinical concern.

Two of the patients treated with PAXIL CR dropped out of the study due to abnormal liver function tests; the third patient experienced normalization of transaminase levels with continued treatment. Also, in the pool of 3 studies of patients with panic disorder, 4 of 444 patients treated with PAXIL CR and none of 445 placebo patients experienced liver transaminase elevations of potential clinical concern. Elevations in all 4 patients decreased substantially after discontinuation of PAXIL CR. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown.

In placebo-controlled clinical trials with the immediate-release formulation of paroxetine, patients exhibited abnormal values on liver function tests at no greater rate than that seen in placebo-treated patients.

Hallucinations

In pooled clinical trials of immediate-release paroxetine hydrochloride, hallucinations were observed in 22 of 9,089 patients receiving drug and in 4 of 3,187 patients receiving placebo.

Other Events Observed During the Clinical Development of Paroxetine

The following adverse events were reported during the clinical development of Paxil CR and/or the clinical development of the immediate-release formulation of paroxetine.

Adverse events for which frequencies are provided below occurred in clinical trials with the controlled-release formulation of paroxetine. During its premarketing assessment in major depressive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and PMDD, multiple doses of PAXIL CR were administered to 1,627 patients in phase 3 double-blind, controlled, outpatient studies. Untoward events associated with this exposure were recorded by clinical investigators using terminology of their own choosing. Consequently, it is not possible to provide a meaningful estimate of the proportion of individuals experiencing adverse events without first grouping similar types of untoward events into a smaller number of standardized event categories.

In the tabulations that follow, reported adverse events were classified using a COSTART-based dictionary. The frequencies presented, therefore, represent the proportion of the 1,627 patients exposed to Paxil CR who experienced an event of the type cited on at least 1 occasion while receiving Paxil CR. All reported events are included except those already listed in Tables 2 through 6 and those events where a drug cause was remote. If the COSTART term for an event was so general as to be uninformative, it was deleted or, when possible, replaced with a more informative term. It is important to emphasize that although the events reported occurred during treatment with paroxetine, they were not necessarily caused by it.

Events are further categorized by body system and listed in order of decreasing frequency according to the following definitions: Frequent adverse events are those occurring on 1 or more occasions in at least 1/100 patients (only those not already listed in the tabulated results from placebo-controlled trials appear in this listing); infrequent adverse events are those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1,000 patients; rare events are those occurring in fewer than 1/1,000 patients.

Adverse events for which frequencies are not provided occurred during the premarketing assessment of immediate-release paroxetine in phase 2 and 3 studies of major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The conditions and duration of exposure to immediate-release paroxetine varied greatly and included (in overlapping categories) open and double-blind studies, uncontrolled and controlled studies, inpatient and outpatient studies, and fixed-dose and titration studies. Only those events not previously listed for controlled-release paroxetine are included. The extent to which these events may be associated with Paxil CR is unknown.

Events are listed alphabetically within the respective body system. Events of major clinical importance are also described in the PRECAUTIONS section.

Body as a Whole

Infrequent were chills, face edema, fever, flu syndrome, malaise; rare were abscess, anaphylactoid reaction, anticholinergic syndrome, hypothermia; also observed were adrenergic syndrome, neck rigidity, sepsis.

Cardiovascular System

Infrequent were angina pectoris, bradycardia, hematoma, hypertension, hypotension, palpitation, postural hypotension, supraventricular tachycardia, syncope; rare were bundle branch block; also observed were arrhythmia nodal, atrial fibrillation, cerebrovascular accident, congestive heart failure, low cardiac output, myocardial infarct, myocardial ischemia, pallor, phlebitis, pulmonary embolus, supraventricular extrasystoles, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, vascular headache, ventricular extrasystoles.

Digestive System

Infrequent were bruxism, dysphagia, eructation, gastritis, gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux, gingivitis, hemorrhoids, liver function test abnormal, melena, pancreatitis, rectal hemorrhage, toothache, ulcerative stomatitis; rare were colitis, glossitis, gum hyperplasia, hepatosplenomegaly, increased salivation, intestinal obstruction, peptic ulcer, stomach ulcer, throat tightness; also observed were aphthous stomatitis, bloody diarrhea, bulimia, cardiospasm, cholelithiasis, duodenitis, enteritis, esophagitis, fecal impactions, fecal incontinence, gum hemorrhage, hematemesis, hepatitis, ileitis, ileus, jaundice, mouth ulceration, salivary gland enlargement, sialadenitis, stomatitis, tongue discoloration, tongue edema.

Endocrine System

Infrequent were ovarian cyst, testes pain; rare were diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism; also observed were goiter, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis.

Hemic and Lymphatic System

Infrequent were anemia, eosinophilia, hypochromic anemia, leukocytosis, leukopenia, lymphadenopathy, purpura; rare were thrombocytopenia; also observed were anisocytosis, basophilia, bleeding time increased, lymphedema, lymphocytosis, lymphopenia, microcytic anemia, monocytosis, normocytic anemia, thrombocythemia.

Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders

Infrequent were generalized edema, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, peripheral edema, SGOT increased, SGPT increased, thirst; rare were bilirubinemia, dehydration, hyperkalemia, obesity; also observed were alkaline phosphatase increased, BUN increased, creatinine phosphokinase increased, gamma globulins increased, gout, hypercalcemia, hypercholesteremia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, ketosis, lactic dehydrogenase increased, non-protein nitrogen (NPN) increased.

Musculoskeletal System

Infrequent were arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis; rare were myasthenia, myopathy, myositis; also observed were generalized spasm, osteoporosis, tenosynovitis, tetany.

Nervous System

Frequent were depression; infrequent were amnesia, convulsion, depersonalization, dystonia, emotional lability, hallucinations, hyperkinesia, hypesthesia, hypokinesia, incoordination, libido increased, neuralgia, neuropathy, nystagmus, paralysis, vertigo; rare were ataxia, coma, diplopia, dyskinesia, hostility, paranoid reaction, torticollis, withdrawal syndrome; also observed were abnormal gait, akathisia, akinesia, aphasia, choreoathetosis, circumoral paresthesia, delirium, delusions, dysarthria, euphoria, extrapyramidal syndrome, fasciculations, grand mal convulsion, hyperalgesia, irritability, manic reaction, manic-depressive reaction, meningitis, myelitis, peripheral neuritis, psychosis, psychotic depression, reflexes decreased, reflexes increased, stupor, trismus.

Respiratory System

Frequent were pharyngitis; infrequent were asthma, dyspnea, epistaxis, laryngitis, pneumonia; rare were stridor; also observed were dysphonia, emphysema, hemoptysis, hiccups, hyperventilation, lung fibrosis, pulmonary edema, respiratory flu, sputum increased.

Skin and Appendages

Frequent were rash; infrequent were acne, alopecia, dry skin, eczema, pruritus, urticaria; rare were exfoliative dermatitis, furunculosis, pustular rash, seborrhea; also observed were angioedema, ecchymosis, erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum, hirsutism, maculopapular rash, skin discoloration, skin hypertrophy, skin ulcer, sweating decreased, vesiculobullous rash.

Special Senses

Infrequent were conjunctivitis, earache, keratoconjunctivitis, mydriasis, photophobia, retinal hemorrhage, tinnitus; rare were blepharitis, visual field defect; also observed were amblyopia, anisocoria, blurred vision, cataract, conjunctival edema, corneal ulcer, deafness, exophthalmos, glaucoma, hyperacusis, night blindness, parosmia, ptosis, taste loss.

Urogenital System

Frequent were dysmenorrhea*; infrequent were albuminuria, amenorrhea*, breast pain*, cystitis, dysuria, prostatitis*, urinary retention; rare were breast enlargement*, breast neoplasm*, female lactation, hematuria, kidney calculus, metrorrhagia*, nephritis, nocturia, pregnancy and puerperal disorders*, salpingitis, urinary incontinence, uterine fibroids enlarged*; also observed were breast atrophy, ejaculatory disturbance, endometrial disorder, epididymitis, fibrocystic breast, leukorrhea, mastitis, oliguria, polyuria, pyuria, urethritis, urinary casts, urinary urgency, urolith, uterine spasm, vaginal hemorrhage.

* Based on the number of men and women as appropriate.

Postmarketing Reports

Voluntary reports of adverse events in patients taking immediate-release paroxetine hydrochloride that have been received since market introduction and not listed above that may have no causal relationship with the drug include acute pancreatitis, elevated liver function tests (the most severe cases were deaths due to liver necrosis, and grossly elevated transaminases associated with severe liver dysfunction), Guillain-Barré syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, priapism, syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion, symptoms suggestive of prolactinemia and galactorrhea; extrapyramidal symptoms which have included akathisia, bradykinesia, cogwheel rigidity, dystonia, hypertonia, oculogyric crisis which has been associated with concomitant use of pimozide; tremor and trismus; status epilepticus, acute renal failure, pulmonary hypertension, allergic alveolitis, anaphylaxis, eclampsia, laryngismus, optic neuritis, porphyria, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia (including torsade de pointes), thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, events related to impaired hematopoiesis (including aplastic anemia, pancytopenia, bone marrow aplasia, and agranulocytosis), and vasculitic syndromes (such as Henoch-Schönlein purpura). There has been a case report of an elevated phenytoin level after 4 weeks of immediate-release paroxetine and phenytoin coadministration. There has been a case report of severe hypotension when immediate-release paroxetine was added to chronic metoprolol treatment.

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Side Effects by Body System

Gastrointestinal

A study of 26,005 antidepressant users has reported 3.6 times more upper GI bleeding episodes with the use of SSRIs relative to the population who did not receive antidepressant medications. Upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding was observed up to 3.2 times more frequently in patients receiving paroxetine.

Gastrointestinal side effects have frequently included nausea (15% to 36%), dry mouth (4% to 36%), constipation (5% to 16%), diarrhea (6% to 19%), increased appetite (3%), decreased appetite (2% to 12%), flatulence (4% to 8%), vomiting (2% to 3%), oropharynx disorder (2%), taste perversion (2%), gingivitis (1%), and dyspepsia (2% to 13%). Bruxism, upper GI bleeding, colitis, dysphagia, eructation, gastritis, gastroenteritis, glossitis, increased salivation, rectal hemorrhage, ulcerative stomatitis, aphthous stomatitis, bloody diarrhea, bulimia, cholelithiasis, duodenitis, enteritis, esophagitis, fecal impaction, fecal incontinence, gum hemorrhage, hematemesis, ileitis, ileus, intestinal obstruction, melena, mouth ulceration, peptic ulcer, peritonitis , salivary gland enlargement, sialadenitis, stomach ulcer, stomatitis, tongue discoloration, tongue edema, loss of taste, and tooth caries have also been reported.

Nervous system

Chorea has been reported in 13 patients. One incidence of chorea occurred after a single dose of paroxetine.

Severe psychomotor retardation and stupor have been reported in one patient.

According to the manufacturer, one study reported that seizures occurred in 0.26% of patients treated with other commonly used antidepressants.

In one study, paroxetine was found to decrease rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, increase REM latency, increase awakenings, and reduce actual sleep time. Another study found a decreased amount of REM sleep without a detrimental effect on subjective sleep quality.

Nearly all selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, mixed serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and tricyclic antidepressants cause sleep abnormalities to some extent. These antidepressants have marked dose-dependent effects on rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, causing reductions in the overall amount of REM sleep over the night and delays the first entry into REM sleep (increased REM sleep onset latency (ROL)), both in healthy subjects and depressed patients. The antidepressants that increase serotonin function appear to have the greatest effect on REM sleep. The reduction in REM sleep is greatest early in treatment, but gradually returns towards baseline during long-term therapy; however, ROL remains long. Following discontinuation of therapy the amount of REM sleep tends to rebound. Some of these drugs (i.e., bupropion, mirtazapine, nefazodone, trazodone, trimipramine) appear to have a modest or minimal effect on REM sleep.

Nervous system side effects have frequently included somnolence (9% to 24%), dizziness (7% to 14%), insomnia (8% to 24%), tremor (4% to 11%), nervousness (2% to 9%), paresthesia (1% to 4%), decreased libido in both male and female patients (3% to 15%), 'drugged' feeling (2%), confusion (1%), sleep abnormalities, abnormal dreams (1% to 4%), impaired concentration (2% to 4%), myoclonus (1% to 3%), amnesia (1% to 2%), tremor (4% to 8%), hypertonia (2% to 3%), and vertigo (2%). Abnormal thinking, alcohol abuse, ataxia, dystonia, dyskinesia, hypesthesia, hypokinesia, incoordination, paralysis, abnormal gait, akinesia, antisocial reaction, aphasia, choreoathetosis, circumoral paresthesias, convulsion, delirium, delusions, dysarthria, extrapyramidal syndrome, fasciculations, grand mal convulsions, hyperalgesia, meningitis, myelitis, neuralgia, neuropathy, nystagmus, peripheral neuritis, decreased reflexes, increased reflexes, stupor, torticollis, trismus, tardive dyskinesia, seizures, status epilepticus, serotonin syndrome, extrapyramidal symptoms (including akathisia, bradykinesia, cogwheel rigidity, dystonia, and hypertonia), changes in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, chorea, psychomotor retardation, and stupor have also been reported.

Psychiatric

Other commonly used antidepressants induced mania in 11% of patients in one study.

Pooled results from clinical trials report hallucinations in 22 of 9089 patients who received paroxetine and 4 of 3187 patients who received placebo.

Psychiatric side effects have frequently included anxiety (2% to 5%), agitation (2% to 5%), depersonalization (3%), depression (2%), lack of emotion (2%), and emotional lability. Euphoria, hallucinations, hostility, increased libido, neurosis, paranoid reaction, antisocial reaction, delusions, drug dependence, hysteria, manic-depressive reaction, psychotic depression, and psychosis. Mania has been reported in up to 2% of bipolar patients.

Dermatologic

Seven cases of alopecia have been reported. In all cases, hair loss was eventually reversible.

A case of cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis has been reported following treatment with paroxetine. The patient originally developed the lesions after treatment with escitalopram. The lesions disappeared one week following discontinuation of escitalopram and reappeared upon rechallenge. When the patient was switched to paroxetine a similar reaction occurred.

Dermatologic side effects have frequently included sweating (5% to 34%), rash (2% to 3%), photosensitivity (2%), eczema (1%), and pruritus. Acne, alopecia, contact dermatitis, dry skin, ecchymosis, herpes simplex, urticaria, erythema nodosus, erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, fungal dermatitis, furunculosis, herpes zoster, hirsutism, maculopapular rash, seborrhea, skin discoloration, skin hypertrophy, skin ulcer, decreased sweating, vesiculobullous rash, and toxic epidermal necrolysis have also been reported. Two cases of cutaneous vasculitis have also been reported.

Genitourinary

There are no controlled clinical data regarding sexual dysfunction with paroxetine use.

There are several reports of priapism associated with paroxetine use. In cases in which outcome was reported, all patients fully recovered.

Genitourinary side effects reported in males have included ejaculatory disturbance (13% to 28%), impotence (2% to 9%), and priapism. Genitourinary side effects reported in females have included anorgasmia, orgasmic disturbance, dysmenorrhea, eclampsia, menstrual disorder (2%), vaginitis (2%), amenorrhea, menorrhagia, abortion, endometrial disorder, female lactation, leukorrhea, mastitis, salpingitis, uterine spasm, vaginal hemorrhage, metrorrhagia, and vaginal moniliasis. Urinary tract infection (3%), sexual dysfunction, urinary frequency, urinary disorder, difficulty with micturition, urinary hesitancy, breast pain, breast atrophy, breast enlargement, fibrocystic breast, cystitis, dysuria, hematuria, nocturia, polyuria, pyuria, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary urgency, epididymitis, kidney calculus, kidney pain, nephritis, oliguria, urethritis, urinary casts, and urolith have also been reported.

Cardiovascular

The effects on blood pressure have been reported to be inconsistent.

Cardiovascular side effects have frequently included palpitation (2% to 3%), vasodilation (2% to 4%), hypertension (2%), and tachycardia (including torsade de pointes). Bradycardia, hematoma, hypotension, postural hypotension, syncope, angioedema, angina pectoris, nodal arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, bundle branch block, cerebral ischemia, cerebrovascular accident, congestive heart failure, heart block, low cardiac output, myocardial infarct, myocardial ischemia, phlebitis, supraventricular extrasystoles, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, varicose vein, supraventricular tachycardia, vascular headache, vasculitic syndromes (including Henoch-Schonlein purpura), ventricular extrasystoles, and ventricular fibrillation have also been reported.

Endocrine

Paroxetine- induced hyponatremia may be more common in elderly female patients and those who are volume depleted or are receiving concomitant diuretic therapy.

Endocrine side effects have included diabetes mellitus, goiter, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroiditis. Hyperprolactinemia, hyponatremia, and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) are increasingly being associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors including paroxetine. A case of severe life-threatening hyponatremia in a patient receiving paroxetine has been reported.

Hematologic

The mechanism of paroxetine- induced bleeding may be related to drug-induced platelet dysfunction.

Hematologic side effects have included anemia, leukopenia, lymphadenopathy, purpura, abnormal erythrocytes, basophilia, increased bleeding time, eosinophilia, hypochromic anemia, iron deficiency anemia, leukocytosis, lymphedema, abnormal lymphocytes, lymphocytosis, microcytic anemia, monocytosis, normocytic anemia, thrombocythemia, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, and events related to impaired hematopoiesis (including aplastic anemia, pancytopenia, bone marrow aplasia, and agranulocytosis). Several cases have also been reported suggesting that paroxetine may cause bleeding in patients with normal bleeding times, platelet counts, prothrombin times, and partial thromboplastin times.

Other

A withdrawal syndrome, similar to that seen in other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, has been reported. Recent clinical trials by the manufacturer reported withdrawal events to be serious in 0.3% of patients who discontinued therapy with controlled-release paroxetine tablets. Patients discontinuing paroxetine have complained of vertigo, lightheadedness, gait instability, malaise, myalgia, middle insomnia, nausea, emesis, diarrhea, and/or visual phenomena (similar to that associated with migraine) during withdrawal. Two cases of behavioral syndromes including severe aggressive and suicidal impulsivity following paroxetine withdrawal have been reported. One case of withdrawal hypomania has been reported. One case of unilateral facial numbness with blurred peripheral vision has also been reported upon withdrawal.

In one retrospective chart review of 352 patients who were supervised during tapering and discontinuation from serotonin reuptake inhibitor therapy, dizziness, lethargy, paresthesia, nausea, vivid dreams, irritability, and lowered mood were the most common symptoms reported. Patients with at least one qualitatively new symptom were defined in the paroxetine group at a rate of 17.2%.

Patients should be monitored for symptoms when discontinuing treatment. A gradual reduction in dosage rather than abrupt discontinuation of therapy is recommended when possible. If intolerable symptoms occur following discontinuation of therapy, then resumption of the previous dose may be considered. Subsequently, discontinuation of therapy may be retried at a more gradual rate.

Other side effects have frequently included headache (15% to 27%), asthenia (14% to 22%), infection (6% to 8%), abdominal pain (4% to 7%), chest pain (3%), back pain (3% to 5%), chills (2%), migraine (1%), and trauma (3% to 8%). Face edema, withdrawal syndrome, malaise, neck pain, adrenergic syndrome, cellulitis, moniliasis, neck rigidity, pelvic pain, sepsis, ulcer, ear pain, tinnitus, otitis media, deafness, pallor, hyperacusis, otitis externa, parosmia, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome- like reaction.

Renal

Renal side effects have included acute renal failure.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have frequently included respiratory disorder (7%), sinusitis (4% to 8%), yawn (2% to 5%), rhinitis (3% to 4%), increased cough (1% to 2%), bronchitis (1% to 2%), and pharyngitis (4%). Asthma, dyspnea, epistaxis, hyperventilation, pneumonia, respiratory flu, emphysema, hemoptysis, hiccups, lung fibrosis, pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolus, increased sputum, stridor, porphyria, laryngismus, and alteration in voice have also been reported.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects have included allergic reactions in up to 2% of patients including allergic alveolitis and anaphylaxis.

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included a single case of severe hepatotoxicity with jaundice. Hepatitis and abnormal liver function tests have been reported rarely.

The manufacturer states that in placebo-controlled clinical trials patients receiving paroxetine experienced abnormal values on liver function tests at a rate equal to or less than that reported in patients receiving placebo. However, there have been postmarketing reports of patients developing elevated serum transaminases resulting in severe liver dysfunction, as well as, a few cases of elevated liver function tests resulting in death secondary to liver necrosis.

Ocular

Ocular side effects have frequently included blurred vision (4%), abnormality of accommodation (2%), and abnormal vision (2% to 5%). Conjunctivitis, eye pain, keratoconjunctivitis, mydriasis, amblyopia, anisocoria, blepharitis, cataract, conjunctival edema, corneal ulcer, diplopia, exophthalmos, eye hemorrhage, glaucoma, night blindness, photophobia, ptosis, retinal hemorrhage, optic neuritis, and visual field effect have also been reported.

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects have frequently included myopathy (2%), myalgia (2% to 5%), myasthenia (1%), and arthralgia (2%). Arthritis, arthrosis, bursitis, myositis, osteoporosis, generalized spasm, tenosynovitis, and tetany have also been reported. A single case of bruxism has been reported.

In one study using the healthcare data from the providence of Ontario, Canada reviewing 8239 patients treated for hip fractures, the adjusted odds ratio for hip fracture was 2.4 for exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (including fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline), compared to participants who had no exposure to antidepressants.

Metabolic

Controlled studies reported an average weight loss of approximately 1 pound per patient versus smaller changes reported with placebo.

The results of one study appear to indicate that treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (i.e., paroxetine, sertraline, citalopram) may cause an increase in serum total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and/or LDL cholesterol. However, additional studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Numerous cases of hyponatremia have been reported following treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Risk factors for the development of SSRI- associated hyponatremia including advanced age, female gender, concomitant use of diuretics, low body weight, and lower baseline serum sodium levels have been identified. Hyponatremia tends to develop within the first few weeks of treatment (range 3 to 120 days) and typically resolves within 2 weeks (range 48 hours to 6 weeks) after therapy has been discontinued with some patients requiring treatment. The proposed mechanism for the development of hyponatremia involves the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) via release of antidiuretic hormone.

Metabolic side effects have frequently included weight gain (3%) and weight loss (1%). Edema, peripheral edema, thirst, bilirubinemia, dehydration, gout, hypercalcemia, hypercholesteremia, hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, porphyria, and ketosis have also been reported. In addition, increased levels of SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, BUN, creatinine phosphokinase, gamma globulins, lactic dehydrogenase, and non- protein nitrogen (NPN) have been reported. An increase in serum cholesterol has been reported following use of paroxetine.

General

General side effects including abnormal bleeding have been reported.

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