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Paxil CR (Paroxetine Hydrochloride) - Summary

 
 



Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of PAXIL CR or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. PAXIL CR is not approved for use in pediatric patients. (See WARNINGS: Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk, PRECAUTIONS: Information for Patients, and PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use.)

 

PAXIL CR SUMMARY

PAXIL CR (paroxetine hydrochloride) is an orally administered psychotropic drug with a chemical structure unrelated to other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or to tricyclic, tetracyclic, or other available antidepressant or antipanic agents.

Major Depressive Disorder

PAXIL CR is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder.

The efficacy of PAXIL CR in the treatment of a major depressive episode was established in two 12-week controlled trials of outpatients whose diagnoses corresponded to the DSM-IV category of major depressive disorder (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Trials).

A major depressive episode (DSM-IV) implies a prominent and relatively persistent (nearly every day for at least 2 weeks) depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities, representing a change from previous functioning, and includes the presence of at least 5 of the following 9 symptoms during the same 2-week period: Depressed mood, markedly diminished interest or pleasure in usual activities, significant change in weight and/or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, a suicide attempt, or suicidal ideation.

The antidepressant action of paroxetine in hospitalized depressed patients has not been adequately studied.

PAXIL CR has not been systematically evaluated beyond 12 weeks in controlled clinical trials; however, the effectiveness of immediate-release paroxetine hydrochloride in maintaining a response in major depressive disorder for up to 1 year has been demonstrated in a placebo-controlled trial (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Trials). The physician who elects to use PAXIL CR for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Panic Disorder

PAXIL CR is indicated for the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, as defined in DSM-IV. Panic disorder is characterized by the occurrence of unexpected panic attacks and associated concern about having additional attacks, worry about the implications or consequences of the attacks, and/or a significant change in behavior related to the attacks.

The efficacy of PAXIL CR controlled-release tablets was established in two 10-week trials in panic disorder patients whose diagnoses corresponded to the DSM-IV category of panic disorder (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Trials).

Panic disorder (DSM-IV) is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks, i.e., a discrete period of intense fear or discomfort in which 4 (or more) of the following symptoms develop abruptly and reach a peak within 10 minutes: (1) palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate; (2) sweating; (3) trembling or shaking; (4) sensations of shortness of breath or smothering; (5) feeling of choking; (6) chest pain or discomfort; (7) nausea or abdominal distress; (8) feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint; (9) derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself); (10) fear of losing control; (11) fear of dying; (12) paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations); (13) chills or hot flushes.

Long-term maintenance of efficacy with the immediate-release formulation of paroxetine was demonstrated in a 3-month relapse prevention trial. In this trial, patients with panic disorder assigned to immediate-release paroxetine demonstrated a lower relapse rate compared to patients on placebo (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Trials). Nevertheless, the physician who prescribes PAXIL CR for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Social Anxiety Disorder

PAXIL CR is indicated for the treatment of social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, as defined in DSM-IV (300.23). Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a marked and persistent fear of 1 or more social or performance situations in which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny by others. Exposure to the feared situation almost invariably provokes anxiety, which may approach the intensity of a panic attack. The feared situations are avoided or endured with intense anxiety or distress. The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared situation(s) interferes significantly with the person's normal routine, occupational or academic functioning, or social activities or relationships, or there is marked distress about having the phobias. Lesser degrees of performance anxiety or shyness generally do not require psychopharmacological treatment.

The efficacy of PAXIL CR as a treatment for social anxiety disorder has been established, in part, on the basis of extrapolation from the established effectiveness of the immediate-release formulation of paroxetine. In addition, the efficacy of PAXIL CR was established in a 12-week trial, in adult outpatients with social anxiety disorder (DSM-IV). PAXIL CR has not been studied in children or adolescents with social phobia (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Trials).

The effectiveness of PAXIL CR in long-term treatment of social anxiety disorder, i.e., for more than 12 weeks, has not been systematically evaluated in adequate and well-controlled trials. Therefore, the physician who elects to prescribe PAXIL CR for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

PAXIL CR is indicated for the treatment of PMDD.

The efficacy of PAXIL CR in the treatment of PMDD has been established in 3 placebo-controlled trials (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Trials).

The essential features of PMDD, according to DSM-IV, include markedly depressed mood, anxiety or tension, affective lability, and persistent anger or irritability. Other features include decreased interest in usual activities, difficulty concentrating, lack of energy, change in appetite or sleep, and feeling out of control. Physical symptoms associated with PMDD include breast tenderness, headache, joint and muscle pain, bloating, and weight gain. These symptoms occur regularly during the luteal phase and remit within a few days following the onset of menses; the disturbance markedly interferes with work or school or with usual social activities and relationships with others. In making the diagnosis, care should be taken to rule out other cyclical mood disorders that may be exacerbated by treatment with an antidepressant.

The effectiveness of PAXIL CR in long-term use, that is, for more than 3 menstrual cycles, has not been systematically evaluated in controlled trials. Therefore, the physician who elects to use PAXIL CR for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).


See all Paxil CR indications & dosage >>

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Paxil CR (Paroxetine)

What if the Women's Health Initiative had used transdermal estradiol and oral progesterone instead? [2014]
The author considers hypothetical comparisons between oral conjugated equine estrogens and transdermal estradiol and between oral medroxyprogesterone acetate and oral micronized progesterone for their effects on four primary outcomes of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI): cardiovascular disease risk, cerebrovascular disease risk, venous thromboembolism risk, and breast cancer risk.

One-year long-term safety extension study of ospemifene for the treatment of vulvar and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women with a uterus. [2013]
atrophy in postmenopausal women with a uterus... CONCLUSIONS: Daily doses of ospemifene 30 mg and ospemifene 60 mg yielded few

Paroxetine in the treatment of dysthymic disorder without co-morbidities: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, flexible-dose study. [2013]
Few published studies have evaluated selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in dysthymia without current co-morbid major depression. In this 12-week study, 40 dysthymic patients were randomly assigned to either placebo (n=19) or 20-40 mg/day of paroxetine (n=21)...

The paroxetine 352 bipolar trial: A study in medical ghostwriting. [2012]
that could adversely affect patient health... CONCLUSIONS: Few industry-sponsored studies gain public scrutiny. It is important

Meta-analysis of efficacy and treatment-emergent suicidality in adults by psychiatric indication and age subgroup following initiation of paroxetine therapy: a complete set of randomized placebo-controlled trials. [2011.11]
CONCLUSIONS: Across all disorders, overall suicidality incidence was similar between paroxetine and placebo. However, a higher frequency of suicidal behavior occurred with paroxetine in MDD, which was largely explained by the higher incidence in young adults. These data support the efficacy of paroxetine therapy; however, they also highlight the need for careful monitoring of suicidality during antidepressant therapy, particularly in younger adults. (c) Copyright 2011 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.

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Clinical Trials Related to Paxil CR (Paroxetine)

Combination Of PAXIL Tablet And Benzodiazepines [Completed]
This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of combination therapy of PAXIL and benzodiazepine anxiolytics. PAXIL Tablet will be administered to patients with depression or depressive episodes who have received Benzodiazepines for at least 4 weeks, and changes in the symptoms of depression will be evaluated by use of the rate and extent of decrease in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D).

Paxil Japanese Post Marketing Paediatric Study in Depression (Double-blind, Placebo Controlled Study) [Terminated]
This study is designed to compare the efficacy of oral paroxetine 10 to 40 mg/day (initial dose: 10 mg/day) versus placebo administered once daily (after evening meal) for 8 weeks in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) based on the change from baseline to Week 8/end-of-study in the CDRS-R total score in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group study.

PAXIL CR Bioequivalence Study [Completed]
This study is to determine if controlled release paroxetine tablets manufactured at two different sites behave similarly in healthy volunteers.

Special Drug Use Investigation for PAXIL Tablet (Pediatric Panic Disorder) [Completed]
The objectives of this survey was to retrospectively collect and evaluate the information on the efficacy and safety of PAXIL tablets ("PAXIL", hereinafter) in pediatric subjects (aged under 18) with panic disorder under conditions of actual use.

Special Drug Use Investigation for PAXIL Tablet (20mg-Clinical Symptom Progression) [Completed]
Overall improvement, severities and changes of specific clinical symptoms were surveyed in outpatients with depression or in a depressed state to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PAXIL tablets in patients in whom the PAXIL dose was increased and those treated with a constant dose.

more trials >>

Reports of Suspected Paxil CR (Paroxetine) Side Effects

Foetal Exposure During Pregnancy (98)Atrial Septal Defect (43)Ventricular Septal Defect (24)Patent Ductus Arteriosus (18)Talipes (17)Cardiac Murmur (17)Maternal Exposure During Pregnancy (12)Suicidal Ideation (10)Drug Ineffective (9)Coarctation of THE Aorta (9)more >>


PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Based on a total of 8 ratings/reviews, Paxil CR has an overall score of 6.62. The effectiveness score is 7.75 and the side effect score is 6.50. The scores are on ten point scale: 10 - best, 1 - worst. Below are selected reviews: the highest, the median and the lowest rated.
 

Paxil CR review by 43 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Moderately Effective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   anxiety
Dosage & duration:   37.5 cr (dosage frequency: daily) for the period of 10 years
Other conditions:   dizziness,nausea,some sadness
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   completely ended panic attacks,most sweating,most blushing,much discomfort.
Side effects:   more anxiety at first for about 3 weeks. some headaches,nausea
Comments:   I started the medicine 8-10 years ago and took the medicine religously to begin with. Took about 4 weeks to really make a difference. However, did notice change after only a couple weeks. I slack off many times and after a day or two of missed pills I notice dizziness and mild headache plus some nausea. Not good to do, but it happens. After being on the medicine as many years as I have, I don't think it is as effective as others may be, but I have tried many...Prozac,Zoloft and numerous others I don't remember the name of and nothing worked as well for me as Paxil..Another note is that anxiety runs in my family and a few aunts and uncles in my family have had the same good luck with Paxil. I often wonder since we are related if it treats something in our brain the same as it seems to work for this family??? Something to think about if you know someone else in your family that suffers from depression or other mental illness.

 

Paxil CR review by 34 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Moderately Effective
Side effects:   Severe Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Anxiety/Panic attacks
Dosage & duration:   25 mg taken daily in the morning for the period of 1.5 yrs
Other conditions:   sinus
Other drugs taken:   Klonopin
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   Controls the anxiety and fear of being without breathing.
Side effects:   GAIN WEIGHT (60 pnds) fron 125 lbs to 180 lbs (5'4"). Lazyness, sugar and candy cravings, depression form gain weight, sleep a lot, no concordance, No sex, confussion, nightmares, moody, constinspation at the begginng, face breakouts, intolerance, short of breath, headeach..among others.
Comments:   Begginng dose: 25 mg for 1.5 yr.(may 08 to dec 09). Dec 09: want 2 have bbs..so I talked 2 my Doc and I start with 12.5 this week (dec 7, 09). To end the process. If I can turn back time..OMG..I used alternative treatments..no drugs..

 

Paxil CR review by 37 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Moderately Effective
Side effects:   Moderate Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   depression
Dosage & duration:   12.5 mg taken daily for the period of one year
Other conditions:   none
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   It reduced some of the side effects of depression such as insomnia, frequent crying and feelings of hopeless.
Side effects:   Weight gain (25 lbs.), difficulty concentrating, cravings for carbohydrates, lack of interest in sex.
Comments:   Withdrawing from the drug was done slowly, with a gradual reduction over a six week period. Treatment was accompanied by talk therapy. The withdrawal from the drug itself was difficult, as it led to the emergence of anxiety and panic attacks and a new case of mild depression.

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Page last updated: 2015-08-10

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