Paroxetine

What it is

Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It blocks the serotonin transporter so that more serotonin remains in the synapse, and with continued use this changes how mood and anxiety circuits respond. It is used in depression and in anxiety disorders.

Used for

• Depression
• Anxiety

What to know while taking it

It is usually taken in the morning, with or without food, and the effect develops gradually rather than at once. Weight gain is more common with paroxetine than with other SSRIs. It is a strong inhibitor of a liver enzyme that clears several other medicines, so metoprolol can accumulate and slow the pulse or lower blood pressure more than expected, while ibuprofen and related anti-inflammatories combined with an SSRI raise the risk of bleeding from the stomach. Of the SSRIs it has the most pronounced withdrawal profile, so it is not stopped abruptly; any change is planned with the prescriber.

When to see a doctor

A markedly slow pulse, dizziness on standing or breathlessness while also taking metoprolol should be checked. Black or bloody stools, vomited blood, or dizziness, electric-shock sensations and severe restlessness after doses have been missed are reasons to see a doctor.

Worth knowing

• Do not stop abruptly
• Withdrawal symptoms on stopping
• Can change body weight