Paroxetine Controlled Release (Cont.)

How Does Paroxetine Controlled Release Work?

Paroxetine controlled release is part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs for short. SSRIs, such as paroxetine controlled release, act on a specific chemical within the brain known as serotonin. Serotonin is one of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.
 
As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release serotonin. The serotonin enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough serotonin reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any serotonin that remains in the gap between cells. This is called "reuptake."
 
Normally, this process works without any problems. When the levels of serotonin become unbalanced, however, it can cause a variety of conditions, including depression. Paroxetine controlled release helps to block the reuptake of serotonin so that more serotonin remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the serotonin a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell.
 
Paroxetine controlled release tablets are specially designed to slowly and evenly release the medication. It is thought that this might provide more consistent effects throughout the day or may cause fewer side effects. However, paroxetine controlled release has not been directly compared to the regular version, paroxetine hydrochloride (Paxil®), in clinical studies.
 

Paroxetine Controlled Release Effects

There have been several studies looking at the effects of paroxetine controlled release for a variety of conditions.
 
Paroxetine Controlled Release for Depression
Studies have shown paroxetine controlled release to be effective for depression treatment in adults. In these studies, people taking paroxetine controlled release had more improvement in their depression symptoms than those not taking the medication. Also, long-term studies have shown that paroxetine controlled release can help prevent relapse (or a return of depression symptoms).
(Paroxetine Controlled Release Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;