PAXIL CR, contains paroxetine hydrochloride, an SSRI. It is the hydrochloride salt of a phenylpiperidine compound identified chemically as (-)-trans-4R-(4'-fluorophenyl)-3S-[(3',4'-methylenedioxyphenoxy) methyl] piperidine hydrochloride hemihydrate and has the empirical formula of C 19 H 20 FNO 3 ·HCl·1/2H 2 O. The molecular weight is 374.8 g/mol (329.4 g/mol as free base). The structural formula of paroxetine hydrochloride is: Paroxetine hydrochloride is an odorless, off‑white powder, having a melting point range of 120° C to 138°C and a solubility of 5.4 mg/mL in water. PAXIL CR tablets are intended for oral administration. Each extended‑release tablet contains 12.5 mg, 25 mg, or 37.5 mg paroxetine equivalent to 14.25 mg, 28.51 mg, or 42.76 mg of paroxetine hydrochloride, respectively. One layer of the tablet consists of a degradable barrier layer and the other contains the active material in a hydrophilic matrix. Inactive ingredients consist of glyceryl behenate, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymer type C, polyethylene glycols, polysorbate 80, polyvinylpyrrolidone, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, titanium dioxide, triethyl citrate and the following colorants: D&C Red No. 30 aluminum lake (25 mg), D&C Yellow No. 10 aluminum lake (12.5 mg), FD&C Blue No. 2 aluminum lake (37.5 mg), FD&C Yellow No. 6 aluminum lake (12.5 mg), red ferric oxide (25 mg) and Yellow ferric oxide (12.5 mg and 37.5 mg).

PAXIL CR is indicated in adults for the treatment of: Major depressive disorder (MDD) Panic disorder (PD) Social anxiety disorder (SAD) Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) PAXIL CR is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for use in adults for the treatment of: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Panic Disorder (PD) Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

PAXIL CR is supplied as a round extended-release tablet as follows: 12.5-mg yellow, round tablets, (One face is plain and the other is engraved with "12.5") 25-mg pink, round tablets, (One face is plain and the other is engraved with "25") 37.5 mg blue, round tablets, (One face is plain and the other is engraved with "37.5") Extended-release tablets:12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 37.5 mg tablets.

Swallow tablet whole; do not chew or crush. Recommended starting and maximum daily dosage: (2.2, 2.3) Indication Starting Dose Maximum Dose MDD 25 mg/day 62.5 mg/day PD 12.5 mg/day 75 mg/day SAD 12.5 mg/day 37.5 mg/day PMDD 12.5 mg/day 25 mg/day For PMDD, dose continuously or intermittently (luteal phase only). If inadequate response to starting dosage, titrate in 12.5 mg per day increments once weekly. Elderly patients, patients with severe renal impairment or severe hepatic impairment: Starting dose is 12.5 mg per day. Do not exceed 50 mg per day for treatment of MDD and PD and 37.5 mg per day for treatment of SAD. When discontinuing PAXIL CR, reduce dose gradually

Important Administration Instructions Administer PAXIL CR as a single daily dose in the morning, with or without food. Swallow tablets whole and do not chew or crush

Dosage in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder The recommended initial dosage and maximum dosage of PAXIL CR 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. Table 1: Recommended Daily Dosage of PAXIL CR in Patients with MDD, PD, and SAD Indication Starting Dose Maximum Dose MDD 25 mg 62.5 mg PD 12.5 mg 75 mg SAD 12.5 mg 37.5 mg 2.3 Dosage in Patients with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder The recommended starting dosage in women with PMDD is 12.5 mg per day. PAXIL CR 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

Screen for Bipolar Disorder Prior to Starting Paxil CR Prior to initiating treatment with Paxil CR or another antidepressant, screen patients for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania

Dosage Modifications for Elderly Patients, Patients with Severe Renal Impairment and Patients with Severe Hepatic Impairment The recommended initial dose of PAXIL CR 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

Switching Patients to or from a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor Antidepressant At least 14 days must elapse between discontinuation of an monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant and initiation of PAXIL CR. In addition, at least 14 days must elapse after stopping PAXIL CR before starting an MAOI antidepressant

Discontinuation of Treatment with Paxil CR Adverse reactions may occur upon discontinuation of PAXIL CR . Gradually reduce the dosage rather than stopping Paxil CR abruptly whenever possible.

Serotonin Syndrome: Increased risk when co-administered with other serotonergic agents, but also when taken alone. If occurs, discontinue PAXIL CR and serotonergic agents and initiate supportive measures. Embryofetal Toxicity: May cause fetal harm. Meta-analysis of epidemiological studies have shown increased risk (less than 2-fold) of cardiovascular malformations with exposure during the first trimester. ( 5.4 , 8.1) Increased Risk of Bleeding: Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, and other anticoagulant drugs may increase risk. Activation of Mania/Hypomania : Screen patients for bipolar disorder. Seizures : Use with caution in patients with seizure disorders. Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Angle-closure glaucoma has occurred in patients with untreated anatomically narrow angles, treated with antidepressants (5.9 ) Sexual Dysfunction: PAXIL CR may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction. 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 1000 patients treated are provided in Table 2. Table 2: Risk Differences of the Number of Patients of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of Antidepressants in Pediatric and Adult Patients Age Range Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Patients of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors per 1,000 Patients Treated I ncreases Compared to Placebo <18 years old 14 additional patients 18-24 years old 5 additional patients Decreases Compared to Placebo 25-64 years old 1 fewer patient ≥65 years old 6 fewer patients 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 PAXIL CR, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Serotonin Syndrome Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and SSRIs, including PAXIL CR, 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 . 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 PAXIL CR with MAOIs is contraindicated. In addition, do not initiate PAXIL CR 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 PAXIL CR, discontinue PAXIL CR before initiating treatment with the MAOI . Monitor all patients taking PAXIL CR for the emergence of serotonin syndrome. Discontinue treatment with PAXIL CR and any concomitant serotonergic agents immediately if the above symptoms occur, and initiate supportive symptomatic treatment. If concomitant use of PAXIL CR with other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome and monitor for symptoms

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 PAXIL CR is contraindicated in combination with thioridazine and pimozide

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, PAXIL CR, should be initiated only after consideration of the other available treatment options

Increased Risk of Bleeding Drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake inhibition, including PAXIL CR, increase the risk of bleeding events. Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory 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 . 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 PAXIL CR and antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants. For patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor the international normalized ratio

Activation of Mania or Hypomania In patients with bipolar disorder, treating a depressive episode with PAXIL CR 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 placebo‑treated unipolar patients. Prior to initiating treatment with PAXIL CR, screen patients for any personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania

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 . Adverse reactions have been reported upon discontinuation of treatment with paroxetine in pediatric patients. The safety and effectiveness of PAXIL CR in pediatric patients have not been established

Seizures PAXIL CR has not been systematically evaluated in patients with seizure disorders. Patients with history of seizures were excluded from clinical studies. PAXIL CR should be prescribed with caution in patients with a seizure disorder and should be discontinued in any patient who develops seizures

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

Hyponatremia Hyponatremia may occur as a result of treatment with SNRIs and SSRIs, including PAXIL CR. 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 PAXIL CR 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.

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 . 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

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

Sexual Dysfunction Use of SSRIs, including PAXIL CR, may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction [ see Adverse Reactions]. 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 PAXIL CR 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.

Drugs Highly Bound to Plasma Protein: Monitor for adverse reactions and reduce dosage of PAXIL CR or other protein-bound drugs (e.g., warfarin) as warranted. Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6: Reduce dosage of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 as warranted. Concomitant use with Tamoxifen: Consider use of an alternative antidepressant with little or no CYP2D6 inhibition. ( 5.11 , 7 ) 7.1 Clinically Significant Drug Interactions Table 6 includes clinically significant drug interactions with PAXIL CR. Table 6: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with PAXIL CR Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact The concomitant use of SSRIs, including PAXIL CR, and MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention PAXIL CR is contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue . Examples selegiline, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, linezolid, methylene blue Pimozide and Thioridazine Clinical Impact Increased plasma concentrations of pimozide and thioridazine, drugs with a narrow therapeutic index, may increase the risk of QTc prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Intervention PAXIL CR is contraindicated in patients taking pimozide or thioridazine . Other Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact The concomitant use of serotonergic drugs with PAXIL CR increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dosage increases. If serotonin syndrome occurs, consider discontinuation of PAXIL CR and/or concomitant serotonergic drugs . Examples Other SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, tryptophan, buspirone, St. John’s Wort Drugs that Interfere with Hemostasis (antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants) Clinical Impact The concurrent use of an antiplatelet agent or anticoagulant with PAXIL CR may potentiate the risk of bleeding. Intervention Inform patients of the increased risk of bleeding associated with the concomitant use of PAXIL CR and antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants. For patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor the international normalized ratio . Examples aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin, warfarin Drugs Highly Bound to Plasma Protein Clinical Impact PAXIL CR is highly bound to plasma protein. The concomitant use of PAXIL CR with another drug that is highly bound to plasma protein may increase free concentrations of PAXIL CR or other tightly-bound drugs in plasma. Intervention Monitor for adverse reactions and reduce dosage of PAXIL CR or other protein-bound drugs as warranted. Examples warfarin Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6 Clinical Impact PAXIL CR is a CYP2D6 inhibitor . The concomitant use of PAXIL CR with a CYP2D6 substrate may increase the exposure of the CYP2D6 substrate. Intervention Decrease the dosage of a CYP2D6 substrate if needed with concomitant PAXIL CR use. Conversely, an increase in dosage of a CYP2D6 substrate may be needed if PAXIL CR is discontinued. Examples propafenone, flecainide, atomoxetine, desipramine, dextromethorphan, metoprolol, nebivolol, perphenazine, tolterodine, venlafaxine, risperidone. Tamoxifen Clinical Impact Concomitant use of tamoxifen with PAXIL CR may lead to reduced plasma concentrations of the active metabolite (endoxifen) and reduced efficacy of tamoxifen Intervention Consider use of an alternative antidepressant little or no CYP2D6 inhibition . Fosamprenavir/Ritonavir Clinical Impact Co-administration of fosamprenavir/ritonavir with paroxetine significantly decreased plasma levels of paroxetine. Intervention Any dose adjustment should be guided by clinical effect (tolerability and efficacy).