paroxetine
Paroxetine is used to treat depression, panic disorder (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks), social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of interacting with others or performing in front of others that interferes with normal life), obsessive-compulsive disorder (bothersome thoughts that won't go away and the need to perform certain actions over and over), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; excessive worrying that is difficult to control), and posttraumatic stress disorder (disturbing psychological symptoms that develop after a frightening experience). Paroxetine is also used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD, physical and psychological symptoms that occur before the onset of the menstrual period each month) hot flashes (sudden feelings of warmth, especially in the face, neck, and chest) in women who are experiencing menopause (stage of life when menstrual periods become less frequent and stop and women may experience other symptoms and body changes). Paroxetine is in a class of medications called selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It treats depression and other mental illnesses by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance. There is not enough information available at this time to know how paroxetine works to treat hot flashes.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Decisions about medication use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking paroxetine affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
In some people, paroxetine may raise levels of a hormone called prolactin, and high prolactin levels can stop ovulation, which may make it harder to get pregnant. Paroxetine has also been associated with changes in sexual function, such as a decrease in sex drive. If you have concerns about fertility while taking paroxetine, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Does taking paroxetine increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons. Some studies have suggested that paroxetine might slightly increase the chance of miscarriage, but depression itself has also been linked to a higher chance of miscarriage, making it difficult to know what is driving the risk. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh these factors in your individual situation.
Does taking paroxetine increase the risk of birth defects?
About 3 out of 100 babies are born with a birth defect in the general population. Some studies have suggested that first-trimester exposure to paroxetine might be associated with a small increased chance of birth defects, particularly heart defects (background rate about 1 in 100), while other studies have not found an increased risk. If there is an increased chance, it is expected to be small, and this should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Can taking paroxetine during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Some studies have suggested that paroxetine use throughout pregnancy may be associated with complications such as preterm delivery (before 37 weeks), though untreated depression has also been linked to similar complications. Some, but not all, studies suggest SSRI use in the second half of pregnancy may slightly increase the chance of persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn (a condition that occurs in 1–2 per 1,000 births overall, with less than 1% chance among SSRI-exposed pregnancies in these studies). Paroxetine use late in pregnancy can also cause temporary newborn symptoms such as jitteriness, irritability, or trouble feeding or breathing, which are usually mild and resolve on their own. Talk with your healthcare provider about monitoring during pregnancy and after birth.
Can taking paroxetine during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
It is not known whether paroxetine increases the chance of behavior or learning issues. One prescription-based study suggested an increased chance of autism spectrum disorder with SSRI use including paroxetine, while another did not; such studies have limitations including not confirming whether the medication was actually taken or accounting for other factors. Small studies of children exposed during the third trimester have not found differences in developmental or behavioral outcomes compared to unexposed children. These uncertainties are best discussed with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking paroxetine?
Paroxetine passes into breastmilk in small amounts, and in some cases mild side effects in the infant have been reported. If a breastfeeding infant shows symptoms such as trouble sleeping, restlessness, or increased crying, the child's healthcare provider should be contacted. Decisions about breastfeeding while taking paroxetine should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Source: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet
paroxetine