Who should not take paroxetine?

Paroxetine is a medication that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of antidepressants. It is commonly prescribed to treat various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While paroxetine can be an effective treatment option for some people, there are certain individuals who should not take paroxetine. Here’s what you need to know:

Allergic Reactions

Individuals who have had an allergic reaction to paroxetine or any other SSRI antidepressant should not take paroxetine. Signs of an allergic reaction can include skin rash, hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Individuals who are taking or have recently taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant should not take paroxetine. MAOIs can interact with paroxetine and cause a serious reaction called serotonin syndrome, which can include symptoms such as agitation, confusion, fever, sweating, and tremors.

Liver and Kidney Problems

Individuals who have severe liver or kidney problems should not take paroxetine. Paroxetine is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the kidneys, so individuals with liver or kidney problems may not be able to eliminate the medication from their body properly, which can increase the risk of side effects.

Bipolar Disorder

Individuals with bipolar disorder should use caution when taking paroxetine. Paroxetine can cause manic episodes in some individuals with bipolar disorder, which can include symptoms such as elevated mood, racing thoughts, and impulsive behavior.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Paroxetine is not recommended during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, as it may increase the risk of birth defects. Paroxetine is also excreted in breast milk and may be harmful to a nursing infant. It is important to discuss any questions or concerns regarding paroxetine and pregnancy or breastfeeding with a healthcare provider.

In conclusion, while paroxetine can be an effective treatment option for various mental health conditions, there are certain individuals who should not take paroxetine. Individuals who have had an allergic reaction to paroxetine or any other SSRI antidepressant, are taking or have recently taken a MAOI antidepressant, have severe liver or kidney problems, have bipolar disorder, or are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take paroxetine. It is important to discuss any questions or concerns regarding paroxetine with a healthcare provider.


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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