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Pexeva (Paroxetine Mesylate) - 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 PEXEVA® (paroxetine mesylate) 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. PEXEVA® (paroxetine mesylate) is not approved for use in pediatric patients. (See Warnings: Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk, Precautions: Information for Patients, and Precautions: Pediatric Use.)

 

PEXEVA SUMMARY

PEXEVA® (paroxetine mesylate) is an orally administered psychotropic drug with a chemical structure related to paroxetine hydrochloride (Paxil®).

PEXEVA® (paroxetine mesylate) is indicated for the following:

Major Depressive Disorder

PEXEVA® (paroxetine mesylate) is indicated for the treatment of MDD.

The efficacy of paroxetine in the treatment of a major depressive episode was established in 6-week controlled trials of outpatients whose diagnoses corresponded most closely to the DSM- III category of MDD (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY). A major depressive episode implies a prominent and relatively persistent depressed or dysphoric mood that usually interferes with daily functioning (nearly every day for at least 2 weeks); it should include at least 4 of the following 8 symptoms: change in appetite, change in sleep, psychomotor agitation or retardation, loss of interest in usual activities or decrease in sexual drive, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, and a suicide attempt or suicidal ideation.

The effects of paroxetine in hospitalized depressed patients have not been adequately studied.

The efficacy of paroxetine in maintaining a response in MDD for up to 1 year was demonstrated in a placebo–controlled trial (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).

Nevertheless, the physician who elects to use PEXEVA® (paroxetine mesylate) for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

PEXEVA® (paroxetine mesylate) is indicated for the treatment of obsessions and compulsions in patients with OCD as defined in the DSM-IV. The obsessions or compulsions cause marked distress, are time-consuming, or significantly interfere with social or occupational functioning.

The efficacy of paroxetine was established in two 12-week trials with obsessive compulsive outpatients whose diagnoses corresponded most closely to the DSM-IIIR category of OCD (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY - Clinical Trials).

OCD is characterized by recurrent and persistent ideas, thoughts, impulses or images (obsessions) that are ego-dystonic and/or repetitive, purposeful and intentional behaviors (compulsions) that are recognized by the person as excessive or unreasonable.

Long-term maintenance of efficacy was demonstrated in a 6-month relapse prevention trial. In this trial, patients assigned to paroxetine showed a lower relapse rate compared to patients on placebo (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY - Clinical Trials). Nevertheless, the physician who elects to use PEXEVA® (paroxetine mesylate) for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Panic Disorder

PEXEVA® (paroxetine mesylate) is indicated for the treatment of PD, with or without agoraphobia, as defined in DSM-IV. PD 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 paroxetine was established in three 10- to 12–week trials in PD patients whose diagnoses corresponded to the DSM-IIIR category of PD (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY-Clinical Trials).

PD (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 was demonstrated in a 3-month relapse prevention trial. In this trial, patients with PD assigned to paroxetine demonstrated a lower relapse rate compared to patients on placebo (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY - Clinical Trials). Nevertheless, the physician who prescribes PEXEVA® (paroxetine mesylate) for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Paroxetine is indicated for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), as defined in DSM-IV. Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with an anxiolytic.

The efficacy of paroxetine in the treatment of GAD was established in two 8-week placebo-controlled trials in adults with GAD. Paroxetine has not been studied in children or adolescents with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY-Clinical Trials).

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (DSM-IV) is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation) that is persistent for at least 6 months and which the person finds difficult to control. It must be associated with at least 3 of the following 6 symptoms: Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge, being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating or mind going blank, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbance.

The efficacy of paroxetine in maintaining a response in patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, who responded during an 8-week acute treatment phase while taking paroxetine and were then observed for relapse during a period of up to 24 weeks, was demonstrated in a placebo-controlled trial (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY-Clinical Trials). Nevertheless, the physician who elects to use paroxetine for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).


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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Pexeva (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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Page last updated: 2015-08-10

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