Efficacy and Tolerability of Controlled-Release Paroxetine

Paroxetine controlled-release (CR) was developed with the objective of minimizing the occurrence and severity of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-associated adverse events, thereby improving clinical outcomes. Paroxetine CR delays the onset and controls the rate of absorption of medication. Multicenter controlled clinical trials have found lower rates of early-onset, treatment-associated nausea and lower dropout rates from adverse events in depressed patients treated with paroxetine CR compared with those treated with the conventional, immediate-release formulation. At the same time, clinical response and remission rates are favorable. Other studies have demonstrated the efficacy and tolerability of paroxetine CR in geriatric depression, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. The CR formulation of paroxetine appears to represent an effective pharmacokinetic approach to minimizing SSRI adverse events and thereby enhancing clinical outcomes.