Can you take paroxetine for life?

Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. While paroxetine can be an effective treatment for these conditions, many patients wonder whether it is safe to take the medication for an extended period of time, or even for life. In this article, we will explore the available evidence on the long-term use of paroxetine and provide an analytical perspective on this issue.

The Safety of Long-Term Paroxetine Use:

  1. Lack of Long-Term Studies

Despite the widespread use of paroxetine, there is a lack of long-term studies on its safety and efficacy. Most studies on paroxetine have been conducted over a period of weeks or months, and there is little research on the long-term effects of the medication (Gartlehner et al., 2017). This means that we have limited information on the potential risks and benefits of taking paroxetine for an extended period of time.

  1. Dependence and Withdrawal

One of the main concerns with taking paroxetine for a long period of time is the potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Paroxetine can be difficult to stop, and some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to discontinue the medication (Fava et al., 2015). These symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, headaches, and other unpleasant side effects. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can be severe and long-lasting, which can be distressing for patients.

  1. Increased Risk of Side Effects

Another concern with long-term paroxetine use is the potential for an increased risk of side effects. While paroxetine is generally well-tolerated, some patients may develop side effects over time, such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and gastrointestinal problems (Byerly et al., 2013). These side effects can be particularly problematic for patients who are taking the medication for an extended period of time.

  1. Lack of Evidence on Efficacy

There is also a lack of evidence on the long-term efficacy of paroxetine. While the medication has been shown to be effective in the short term, there is little research on its effectiveness over a period of years (Gartlehner et al., 2017). This means that we do not know whether the benefits of paroxetine continue over the long term, or if patients may develop a tolerance to the medication over time.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while paroxetine can be an effective treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, there is a lack of long-term studies on its safety and efficacy. Patients who are considering taking paroxetine for an extended period of time should be aware of the potential risks and benefits of the medication, and should work closely with their healthcare provider to monitor their symptoms and any potential side effects. Ultimately, the decision to take paroxetine for life should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual patient’s needs and concerns.


There are various forms of drugs available, such as tablets or liquids, and each may have a separate patient information leaflet (PIL) for different doses. It is important to refer to the PIL for the specific form and dose of the drug that you have been prescribed.

You can search for further information and PILs on websites such as:

  • The British National Formulary (BNF)
  • Electronic medicines compendium (emc)
  • The National Library of Medicine's DailyMed
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
  • Different drug forms like tablets or liquids have specific patient information leaflets (PIL) for various doses. Refer to the PIL for your prescribed drug form and dose.

    Search for PILs on websites like:

    France

    • ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé): ansm.sante.fr

    Spain

    • AEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios): aemps.gob.es

    Germany

    • BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte): bfarm.de

    Italy

    For questions about your medication:

    • Consult your doctor, a healthcare professional, or a pharmacist

    France

    • Contact SOS Médecins: 3624
    • For mental health support, contact SOS Suicide: 01 45 39 40 00

    Belgium (French)

    Switzerland (French)

    • La Main Tendue: 143
    • Website: 143.ch

    Canada (French)

    • Centre de prévention du suicide du Québec: 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553)
    • Website: cpsquebec.ca

    Spain

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Teléfono de la Esperanza: 717 003 717

    Germany

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefonseelsorge: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222

    Italy

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefono Amico: 199 284 284

    Netherlands

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact 113 Zelfmoordpreventie: 0800 0113

    Portugal

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Sos Voz Amiga: 21 354 45 45, 91 280 26 69, or 96 352 46 60

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