2.1 Important Administration Instructions

Administer paroxetine extended-release tablets as a single daily dose in the morning, with or without food. Swallow tablets whole and do not chew or crush.

2.2 Dosage in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder

The recommended initial dosage and maximum dosage of paroxetine extended-release tablets in patients with MDD, PD, and SAD are presented in Table 1.

In patients with an inadequate response, dosage may be increased in increments of 12.5 mg per day at intervals of at least 1 week, depending on tolerability.

2.3 Dosage in Patients with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

The recommended starting dosage in women with PMDD is 12.5 mg per day. Paroxetine extended-release tablets may be administered either continuously (every day throughout the menstrual cycle) or intermittently (only during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, i.e., starting the daily dosage 14 days prior to the anticipated onset of menstruation and continuing through the onset of menses). Intermittent dosing is repeated with each new cycle.

In patients with an inadequate response, the dosage may be increased to the maximum recommended dosage of 25 mg per day, depending on tolerability. Institute dosage adjustments at intervals of at least 1 week.

2.4 Screen for Bipolar Disorder Prior to Starting Paroxetine Extended-Release Tablets

Prior to initiating treatment with paroxetine extended-release tablets or another antidepressant, screen patients for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

2.5 Dosage Modifications for Elderly Patients, Patients with Severe Renal Impairment and Patients with Severe Hepatic Impairment

The recommended initial dose of paroxetine extended-release tablets is 12.5 mg per day for elderly patients, patients with severe renal impairment, and patients with severe hepatic impairment. Reduce initial dose and increase up-titration intervals if necessary. Dosage should not exceed 50 mg per day for MDD or PD and should not exceed 37.5 mg per day for SAD [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5, 8.6)].

2.6 Switching Patients to or from a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor Antidepressant

At least 14 days must elapse between discontinuation of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant and initiation of paroxetine extended-release tablets. In addition, at least 14 days must elapse after stopping paroxetine extended-release tablets before starting an MAOI antidepressant [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

2.7 Discontinuation of Treatment with Paroxetine Extended-Release Tablets

Adverse reactions may occur upon discontinuation of paroxetine extended-release tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]. Gradually reduce the dosage rather than stopping paroxetine extended-release tablets abruptly whenever possible.

5.1 Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Adolescents and Young Adults

In pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressant classes) that included approximately 77,000 adult patients and 4,500 pediatric patients, the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in antidepressant-treated patients age 24 years and younger was greater than in placebo-treated patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among drugs, but there was an increased risk identified in young patients for most drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors across the different indications, with the highest incidence in patients with MDD. The drug-placebo differences in the number of cases of suicidal thoughts and behaviors per 1,000 patients treated are provided in Table 2.

It is unknown whether the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond four months. However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with MDD that antidepressants delay the recurrence of depression and that depression itself is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for any indication for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially during the initial few months of drug therapy, and at times of dosage changes. Counsel family members or caregivers of patients to monitor for changes in behavior and to alert the healthcare provider. Consider changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing paroxetine extended-release tablets, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

5.2 Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and SSRIs, including paroxetine extendedrelease tablets, can precipitate serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. The risk is increased with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, meperidine, methadone, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John's Wort) and with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin, i.e., MAOIs [see Contraindications (4), Drug Interactions (7.1)]. Serotonin syndrome can also occur when these drugs are used alone.

Serotonin syndrome signs and symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, and gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).

The concomitant use of paroxetine extended-release tablets with MAOIs is contraindicated. In addition, do not initiate paroxetine extended-release tablets in a patient being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. No reports involved the administration of methylene blue by other routes (such as oral tablets or local tissue injection). If it is necessary to initiate treatment with an MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue in a patient taking paroxetine extended-release tablets, discontinue paroxetine extended-release tablets before initiating treatment with the MAOI [see Contraindications (4), Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Monitor all patients taking paroxetine extended-release tablets for the emergence of serotonin syndrome. Discontinue treatment with paroxetine extended-release tablets and any concomitant serotonergic agents immediately if the above symptoms occur, and initiate supportive symptomatic treatment. If concomitant use of paroxetine extended-release tablets with other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome and monitor for symptoms.

5.3 Drug Interactions Leading to QT Prolongation

The CYP2D6 inhibitory properties of paroxetine can elevate plasma levels of thioridazine and pimozide. Since thioridazine and pimozide given alone produce prolongation of the QTc interval and increase the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmias, the use of paroxetine extended-release tablets is contraindicated in combination with thioridazine and pimozide [see Contraindications (4), Drug Interactions (7), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

5.4 Embryofetal Toxicity

Based on meta-analyses of epidemiological studies, exposure to paroxetine in the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with a less than 2-fold increase in the rate of cardiovascular malformations among infants. For women who intend to become pregnant or who are in their first trimester of pregnancy, paroxetine extended-release tablets, should be initiated only after consideration of the other available treatment options [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

5.5 Increased Risk of Bleeding

Drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake inhibition, including paroxetine extended-release tablets, increase the risk of bleeding events. Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, and other anticoagulants may add to this risk. Case reports and epidemiological studies (case-control and cohort design) have demonstrated an association between use of drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and the occurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding. Based on data from the published observational studies, exposure to SSRIs, particularly in the month before delivery, has been associated with a less than 2-fold increase in the risk of postpartum hemorrhage [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Bleeding events related to drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake have ranged from ecchymoses, hematomas, epistaxis, and petechiae to life-threatening hemorrhages.

Inform patients about the increased risk of bleeding associated with the concomitant use of paroxetine extended-release tablets and antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants. For patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor the international normalized ratio.

5.6 Activation of Mania or Hypomania

In patients with bipolar disorder, treating a depressive episode with paroxetine extended-release tablets or another antidepressant may precipitate a mixed/manic episode. During controlled clinical trials of immediate-release paroxetine hydrochloride, hypomania or mania occurred in approximately 1% of paroxetine-treated unipolar patients compared to 1.1% of active-control and 0.3% of placebotreated unipolar patients. Prior to initiating treatment with paroxetine extended-release tablets, screen patients for any personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania.

5.7 Discontinuation Syndrome

Adverse reactions after discontinuation of serotonergic antidepressants, particularly after abrupt discontinuation, include: nausea, sweating, dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances (e.g., paresthesia, such as electric shock sensations), tremor, anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, hypomania, tinnitus, and seizures. A gradual reduction in dosage rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible [See Dosage and Administration (2.7)].

Adverse reactions have been reported upon discontinuation of treatment with paroxetine in pediatric patients. The safety and effectiveness of paroxetine extended-release tablets in pediatric patients have not been established [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

5.8 Seizures

Paroxetine extended-release tablets have not been systematically evaluated in patients with seizure disorders. Patients with history of seizures were excluded from clinical studies. Paroxetine extended-release tablets should be prescribed with caution in patients with a seizure disorder and should be discontinued in any patient who develops seizures.

5.9 Angle-Closure Glaucoma

The pupillary dilation that occurs following use of many antidepressant drugs including paroxetine extended-release tablets may trigger an angle closure attack in a patient with anatomically narrow angles who does not have a patent iridectomy. Cases of angleclosure glaucoma associated with use of paroxetine hydrochloride tablets have been reported. Avoid use of antidepressants, including paroxetine extended-release tablets, in patients with untreated anatomically narrow angles.

5.10 Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia may occur as a result of treatment with SNRIs and SSRIs, including paroxetine extended-release tablets. Cases with serum sodium lower than 110 mmol/L have been reported. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia include headache, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, confusion, weakness, and unsteadiness, which may lead to falls. Signs and symptoms associated with more severe and/or acute cases have included hallucination, syncope, seizure, coma, respiratory arrest, and death. In many cases, this hyponatremia appears to be the result of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH).

In patients with symptomatic hyponatremia, discontinue paroxetine extended-release tablets and institute appropriate medical intervention. Elderly patients, patients taking diuretics, and those who are volume-depleted may be at greater risk of developing hyponatremia with SNRIs and SSRIs. [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].

5.11 Reduction of Efficacy of Tamoxifen

Some studies have shown that the efficacy of tamoxifen, as measured by the risk of breast cancer relapse/mortality, may be reduced with concomitant use of paroxetine as a result of paroxetine's irreversible inhibition of CYP2D6 and lower blood levels of tamoxifen [see Drug Interactions (7.1)]. One study suggests that the risk may increase with longer duration of coadministration. However, other studies have failed to demonstrate such a risk. When tamoxifen is used for the treatment or prevention of breast cancer, prescribers should consider using an alternative antidepressant with little or no CYP2D6 inhibition.

5.12 Bone Fracture

Epidemiological studies on bone fracture risk during exposure to some antidepressants, including SSRIs, have reported an association between antidepressant treatment and fractures. There are multiple possible causes for this observation, and it is unknown to what extent fracture risk is directly attributable to SSRI treatment.

5.13 Sexual Dysfunction

Use of SSRIs, including paroxetine extended-release tablets, may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. In male patients, SSRI use may result in ejaculatory delay or failure, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction. In female patients, SSRI use may result in decreased libido and delayed or absent orgasm.

It is important for prescribers to inquire about sexual function prior to initiation of paroxetine extended-release tablets and to inquire specifically about changes in sexual function during treatment, because sexual function may not be spontaneously reported. When evaluating changes in sexual function, obtaining a detailed history (including timing of symptom onset) is important because sexual symptoms may have other causes, including the underlying psychiatric disorder. Discuss potential management strategies to support patients in making informed decisions about treatment.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Safety data for paroxetine extended-release tablets is from 11 short-term, placebo-controlled clinical trials including 3 studies in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) (Studies 1, 2, and 3), 3 studies in patients with panic disorder (PD) (Studies 4, 5, and 6), 1 study in patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) (Study 7), and 4 studies in female patients with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (Studies 8, 9, 10, and 11) [see Clinical Studies (14)]. These 11 trials included 1,627 patients treated with paroxetine extended-release tablets.

• Studies 1 and 2 were 12-week studies that enrolled patients 18 to 65 years old who received paroxetine extended-release tablets at doses ranging from 25 mg to 62.5 mg once daily. Study 3 was a 12-week study in patients 60 to 88 years old who received paroxetine extended-release tablets at doses ranging from 12.5 mg to 50 mg once daily.
• Studies 4, 5, and 6 were 10-week studies in patients 19 to 72 years old who received paroxetine extended-release tablets at doses ranging from 12.5 mg to 75 mg once daily.
• Study 7 was a 12-week study that enrolled adult patients who received paroxetine extended-release tablets at doses ranging from 12.5 mg to 37.5 mg once daily.
• Studies 8, 9, and 10 were 12-week, placebo-controlled trials in female patients 18 to 46 years old who received paroxetine extended-release tablets at doses of 12.5 mg or 25 mg once daily. Study 11 was a 12-week placebo-controlled trial in patients 18 to 46 years old who received paroxetine extended-release tablets 2 weeks prior to the onset of menses (luteal phase dosing) at doses of 12.5 mg or 25 mg once daily.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following reactions have been identified during post approval use of paroxetine. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Acute pancreatitis, elevated liver function tests (the most severe cases were deaths due to liver necrosis, and grossly elevated transaminases associated with severe liver dysfunction), Guillain-Barré syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), priapism, syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion (SIADH), prolactinemia and galactorrhea; extrapyramidal symptoms which have included akathisia, bradykinesia, cogwheel rigidity, dystonia, hypertonia, trismus; status epilepticus, acute renal failure, pulmonary hypertension, allergic alveolitis, anosmia, hyposmia, anaphylaxis, eclampsia, laryngismus, optic neuritis, porphyria, restless legs syndrome (RLS), ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia (including torsade de pointes), hemolytic anemia, events related to impaired hematopoiesis (including aplastic anemia, pancytopenia, bone marrow aplasia, and agranulocytosis), and vasculitic syndromes (such as Henoch-Schönlein purpura).

7.1 Clinically Significant Drug Interactions

Table 6 includes clinically significant drug interactions with paroxetine extended-release tablets.

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of paroxetine extended-release tablets in pediatric patients have not been established [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Three placebo-controlled trials in 752 pediatric patients with MDD have been conducted with immediate-release paroxetine, and effectiveness was not established in pediatric patients.

Decreased appetite and weight loss have been observed in association with the use of SSRIs.

In placebo-controlled clinical trials conducted with pediatric patients, the following adverse reactions were reported in at least 2% of pediatric patients treated with immediate-release paroxetine hydrochloride and at a rate at least twice that for pediatric patients receiving placebo: emotional lability (including self-harm, suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide, crying, and mood fluctuations), hostility, decreased appetite, tremor, sweating, hyperkinesia, and agitation.

Adverse reactions upon discontinuation of treatment with immediate-release paroxetine hydrochloride in the pediatric clinical trials that included a taper phase regimen, which occurred in at least 2% of patients and at a rate at least twice that of placebo, were: emotional lability (including suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, mood changes, and tearfulness), nervousness, dizziness, nausea, and abdominal pain.

8.5 Geriatric Use

SSRIs and SNRIs, including paroxetine extended-release tablets, have been associated with cases of clinically significant hyponatremia in elderly patients, who may be at greater risk for this adverse reaction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].

In premarketing clinical trials with immediate-release paroxetine hydrochloride, 17% of paroxetine treated patients (approximately 700) were 65 years or older. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed a decreased clearance in the elderly, and a lower starting dose is recommended; however, no overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.6 Renal and/or Hepatic Impairment

Increased plasma concentrations of paroxetine occur in patients with renal and hepatic impairment. The initial dosage of paroxetine extended-release tablets should be reduced in patients with severe renal impairment and patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

12.1 Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action of paroxetine in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), panic disorder (PD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is unknown, but is presumed to be linked to potentiation of serotonergic activity in the central nervous system resulting from inhibition of neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT).

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Studies at clinically relevant doses in humans have demonstrated that paroxetine blocks the uptake of serotonin into human platelets. In vitro studies in animals also suggest that paroxetine is a potent and highly selective inhibitor of neuronal serotonin reuptake (SSRI) and has only very weak effects on norepinephrine and dopamine neuronal reuptake.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Drug Interaction Studies

There are clinically significant, known drug interactions between paroxetine and other drugs [see Drug Interactions (7)].

Figure 1. Impact of Paroxetine on the Pharmacokinetics of Co-Administered Drugs (log scale)

Figure 2. Impact of Co-Administered Drugs on the Pharmacokinetics of Paroxetine

Theophylline: Reports of elevated theophylline levels associated with immediate-release paroxetine treatment have been reported. While this interaction has not been formally studied, it is recommended that theophylline levels be monitored when these drugs are concurrently administered.

Drugs Metabolized by Cytochrome CYP3A4

An in vivo interaction study involving the coadministration under steady-state conditions of paroxetine and terfenadine, a substrate for CYP3A4, revealed no effect of paroxetine on terfenadine pharmacokinetics. In addition, in vitro studies have shown ketoconazole, a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4 activity, to be at least 100 times more potent than paroxetine as an inhibitor of the metabolism of several substrates for this enzyme, including terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, triazolam, and cyclosporine. Paroxetine's extent of inhibition of CYP3A4 activity is not expected to be of clinical significance.

Specific Populations

The impact of specific populations on the pharmacokinetics of paroxetine are shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3. Impact of Specific Population on the Pharmacokinetics of Paroxetine (log scale)

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

14.1 Major Depressive Disorder

The efficacy of paroxetine extended-release tablets as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) was established in two 12-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, flexible dose studies with paroxetine extended-release tablets (Study 1 and Study 2) in adult patients who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV criteria for MDD. Study 1 and 2 included patients 18 to 65 years old who received paroxetine extended-release tablets doses of 25 to 62.5 mg/day (N = 212) or placebo (N = 211) once daily compared to immediate-release paroxetine 20 mg to 50 mg (N = 217). A third 12-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, flexible dose study with paroxetine extended-release tablets (Study 3) included elderly patients, ranging in age from 60 to 88 years old and used paroxetine extended-release tablets doses of 12.5 to 50 mg/day (N = 104) or placebo (N = 109) once daily compared to immediate- release paroxetine 10 mg to 40 mg (N = 106). In all three studies, paroxetine extendedrelease tablets were statistically superior to placebo in improving depressive symptoms as measured by the following: the mean change from baseline in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) total score at Week 12, the mean change from baseline in the Hamilton Depressed Mood item score at Week 12, and the mean change from baseline in the Clinical Global Impression (CGI)–Severity of Illness score.

Long-term efficacy of paroxetine for treatment of MDD in outpatients was established with one randomized withdrawal study with immediate-release paroxetine. Patients who responded to immediate-release paroxetine (HDRS total score < 8) during an initial 8-week open-label treatment phase were then randomized to continue immediate-release paroxetine or placebo, for up to 1 year. Patients treated with immediate-release paroxetine demonstrated a statistically significant lower relapse rate during the withdrawal phase (15%) compared to those on placebo (39%). Effectiveness was similar for male and female patients.

14.2 Panic Disorder

The effectiveness of paroxetine extended-release tablets in the treatment of panic disorder (PD) was evaluated in three 10-week, multicenter, flexibledose studies (Studies 4, 5, and 6) comparing paroxetine extended-release tablets (12.5 mg to 75 mg daily) to placebo in adult outpatients 19 to 72 years of age who met panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia) criteria according to DSM-IV. These trials were assessed on the basis of their outcomes on 3 variables: (1) the proportions of patients free of full panic attacks at Week 10; (2) change from baseline to Week 10 in the median number of full panic attacks; and (3) change from baseline to Week 10 in the median Clinical Global Impression Severity score. For Studies 4 and 5, paroxetine extendedrelease tablets were superior to placebo on 2 of these 3 variables. Study 6 failed to consistently demonstrate a statistically significant difference between paroxetine extended-release tablets and placebo on any of these variables.

For all 3 studies, the mean dose of paroxetine extended-release tablets for completers at Week 10 was approximately 50 mg/day. Subgroup analyses did not indicate that there were any differences in treatment outcomes as a function of age or gender.

Long-term maintenance effects of paroxetine in patients with PD were demonstrated in a randomized-withdrawal study using immediate-release paroxetine.

Patients who were responders during a 10-week, double-blind trial (followed by a 3-month double-blind maintenance phase) of immediate-release paroxetine were re-randomized to continue immediate-release paroxetine or placebo in a 3-month, double-blind withdrawal phase. Patients randomized to immediate-release paroxetine were statistically significantly less likely to relapse than placebo-treated patients.

14.3 Social Anxiety Disorder

The efficacy of paroxetine extended-release tablets as a treatment for social anxiety disorder (SAD) was established, in part, on the basis of extrapolation from the established effectiveness of immediate-release paroxetine in the treatment of SAD. In addition, the effectiveness of paroxetine extended-release tablets in the treatment of SAD was demonstrated in one 12-week, multicenter, double-blind, flexible-dose, placebo-controlled study of adult outpatients with a primary diagnosis of SAD by DSM-IV criteria (Study 7). In Study 7, the effectiveness of paroxetine extended-release tablets (12.5 mg to 37.5 mg daily) compared to placebo was evaluated on the basis of (1) change from baseline in the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) total score at Week 12 and (2) the proportion of responders who scored 1 or 2 (very much improved or much improved) on the CGI Global Improvement score at Week 12.

In Study 7, paroxetine extended-release tablets demonstrated statistically significant superiority over placebo on both the change on LSAS total score at Week 12 and the CGI Improvement responder criterion at Week 12. For patients who completed the trial, 64% of patients treated with paroxetine extendedrelease tablets compared to 35% of patients treated with placebo were CGI Improvement responders at Week 12.

Subgroup analyses did not indicate that there were any differences in treatment outcomes as a function of gender. Subgroup analyses of studies utilizing the immediate-release formulation of paroxetine generally did not indicate differences in treatment outcomes as a function of age, race, or gender.

14.4 Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

The effectiveness of paroxetine extended-release tablets for the treatment of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) utilizing a continuous dosing regimen has been established in 2 placebo-controlled trials in female patients ages 18 to 46 (Studies 8 and 9 [N = 672]). Patients in these trials met DSMIV criteria for PMDD. Of 1,030 patients including Study 10, who were treated with daily doses of paroxetine extended-release tablets 12.5 or 25 mg/day, or placebo continuously throughout the menstrual cycle for a period of 3 menstrual cycles, the mean duration of the PMDD symptoms was approximately 11 ± 7 years. Patients on systemic hormonal contraceptives were excluded from these trials. Therefore, the efficacy of paroxetine extended-release tablets in combination with systemic (including oral) hormonal contraceptives for the continuous daily treatment of PMDD is unknown.

The VAS score is a patient-rated instrument that mirrors the diagnostic criteria of PMDD as identified in the DSM-IV, and includes assessments for mood, physical symptoms, and other symptoms associated with PMDD. In Studies 8 and 9, 12.5 mg/day and 25 mg/day of paroxetine extended-release tablets were statistically significantly more effective than placebo as measured by change from baseline to Month 3 on the luteal phase VAS score.

In an additional study employing luteal phase dosing (Study 11), patients (N = 366) were treated for the 2 weeks prior to the onset of menses with 12.5 or 25 mg/day of paroxetine extended-release tablets or placebo for a period of 3 months. In this trial, 12.5 mg/day and 25 mg/day of paroxetine extendedrelease tablets, as luteal phase dosing, was statistically significantly more effective than placebo as measured by change from baseline to luteal phase VAS score at Month 3.

There is insufficient information to determine the effect of race or age on outcome in Studies 8, 9, 10, and 11.

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted from 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Advise patients and caregivers to look for the emergence of suicidality, especially early during treatment and when the dosage is adjusted up or down, and instruct them to report such symptoms to the healthcare provider [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Important Administration Instructions

Instruct patients to swallow paroxetine extended-release tablets whole and to not chew or crush the tablets [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

Serotonin Syndrome

Caution patients about the risk of serotonin syndrome, particularly with the concomitant use of paroxetine extended-release tablets with other serotonergic drugs including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, St. John's Wort, and with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin (in particular, MAOIs, both those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid). Instruct patients to contact their health care provider or report to the emergency room if they experience signs or symptoms of serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Concomitant Medications

Advise patients to inform their physician if they are taking, or plan to take, any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, since there is a potential for drugdrug interactions [see Warning and Precautions (5.3), Drug Interactions (7)].

Increased Risk of Bleeding

Inform patients about the concomitant use of paroxetine extended-release tablets with aspirin, NSAIDs, other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, or other anticoagulants because the combined use has been associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Advise patients to inform their health care providers if they are taking or planning to take any prescription or over-the counter medications that increase the risk of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Activation of Mania/Hypomania

Advise patients and their caregivers to observe for signs of activation of mania/hypomania and instruct them to report such symptoms to the healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

Discontinuation Syndrome

Advise patients not to abruptly discontinue paroxetine extended-release tablets and to discuss any tapering regimen with their healthcare provider. Inform patients that adverse reactions can occur when paroxetine extended-release tablets are discontinued [See Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Sexual Dysfunction

Advise patients that use of paroxetine extended-release tablets may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction in both male and female patients. Inform patients that they should discuss any changes in sexual function and potential management strategies with their healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)].

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Advise women to notify their healthcare provider if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during treatment with paroxetine extended-release tablets. Advise women of risks associated with first trimester use of paroxetine extended-release tablets and that use later in pregnancy may lead to an increased risk for neonatal complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, tube feeding, and/or persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4), Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Advise women that there is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to paroxetine extended-release tablets during pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4), Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Lactation

Advise breastfeeding women using paroxetine extended-release tablets to monitor infants for agitation, irritability, poor feeding and poor weight gain and to seek medical care if they notice these signs [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Advise men that paroxetine extended-release tablets may affect sperm quality, which may impair fertility; it is unknown if this effect is reversible [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].

Allergic Reactions

Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they develop an allergic reaction such as rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing [see Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2)].