616 - Paroxetine

Paroxetin is an anti-depressive member of the ‘SSR’ Group of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, and is administered for the treatment of depression, post-traumatic stress disruptions, anxiety, panic- and compulsive –disorders. The effective mechanism of the agent is based upon the inhibition of the serotonin transporter ‘SERT’, and thus ultimately the re-uptake of serotonin in the nerve cell. This causes the serotonin concentration to be enhanced in the synaptic cleft, which has the effect of triggering anti-depressive effects. Apart from the foregoing, paroxetin is a strong ‘CYP2D6’ inhibitor, but this produces more possible side effects for the patient as with other similar anti-depressive agents. These include vomiting, headache, vertigo, tremor and sexual dysfunction.

Type of drug: Antidepressant
Metabolism: CYP2D6, CYP3A4, P-gp(ABCB1)
Half life t½: 12-44h
Steady State: 1-2 weeks
TDM: useful
Additional informations: Inhibition of CYP2D6