Paroxetine Hydrochloride

Paroxetine HCL CR is indicated in adults for the treatment of: Major depressive disorder (MDD) Panic disorder (PD) Social anxiety disorder (SAD) Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) Paroxetine HCL CR is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated in adults for the treatment of ( 1 ): Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Panic Disorder (PD) Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Paroxetine HCL CR extended‑release tablets, USP are available as:

• 12.5 mg yellow, round tablets, one face is plain and the other face is engraved with “12.5”.
• 25 mg pink, round tablets, one face is plain and the other face is engraved with “25”.
• 37.5 mg blue, round tablets, one face is plain and the other face is engraved with “37.5”. Extended-release tablets:12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 37.5 mg tablets. ( 3 )

Paroxetine HCL CR is contraindicated in patients: Taking, or within 14 days of stopping, MAOIs (including the MAOIs linezolid and intravenous methylene blue) because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ), Drug Interactions (7)]. Paroxetine HCL CR should not be used in patients receiving medications that can prolong QT interval and are also metabolized by CYP450 2D6,such as thioridazine or pimozide [see Drug Interactions (7),Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. With known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to paroxetine or to any of the inactive ingredients in Paroxetine HCL CR [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 , 6.2 )]. Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use within 14 days of discontinuing a MAOIs. ( 4 , 5.2 , 7 ) Concomitant use of pimozide or thioridazine. ( 4 , 5.3 , 7 ) Known hypersensitivity to paroxetine or to any of the inactive ingredients in Paroxetine HCL CR. ( 4 )

Serotonin Syndrome: Increased risk when co-administered with other serotonergic agents, but also when taken alone. If occurs, discontinue Paroxetine HCL CR and serotonergic agents and initiate supportive measures. ( 5.2 ) 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. ( 5.5 ) Activation of Mania/Hypomania : Screen patients for bipolar disorder. ( 5.6 ) Seizures : Use with caution in patients with seizure disorders. ( 5.8 ) Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Angle-closure glaucoma has occurred in patients with untreated anatomically narrow angles, treated with antidepressants (5.9 ) Sexual Dysfunction: Paroxetine HCL CR may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction. ( 5.13 )

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. 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 to 24 years old 5 additional patients Decreases Compared to Placebo 25 to 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 Paroxetine HCL CR, 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 HCL 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 [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 HCL CR with MAOIs is contraindicated. In addition, do not initiate Paroxetine HCL 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 Paroxetine HCL CR, discontinue Paroxetine HCL CR before initiating treatment with the MAOI [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Drug Interactions (7.1) ]. Monitor all patients taking Paroxetine HCL CR for the emergence of serotonin syndrome. Discontinue treatment with Paroxetine HCL CR and any concomitant serotonergic agents immediately if the above symptoms occur, and initiate supportive symptomatic treatment. If concomitant use of Paroxetine HCL CR 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 Cases of QT interval prolongation have been reported, although causality with Paroxetine HCL CR has not been established. Paroxetine HCL CR should be used with caution in patients with a history of QT interval prolongation, patients taking anti-arrhythmic or other medications that may potentially prolong QT interval, or those with relevant pre-existing cardiac disease. 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 HCL CR 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 HCL CR 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 HCL 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 [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 HCL CR and antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants. For patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor the international normalized ratio. […]

The following adverse reactions are included in more detail in other sections of the prescribing information: Hypersensitivity reactions to paroxetine [see Contraindications ( 4 )] Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Embryofetal and Neonatal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Increased Risk of Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Activation of Mania/Hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Discontinuation Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Angle-closure Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Hyponatremia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Bone Fracture [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Sexual Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] Most common adverse reactions (≥5% and at least twice placebo) in placebo-controlled MDD, PD, SAD, and PMDD clinical trials: abnormal ejaculation, abnormal vision, asthenia, constipation, decreased appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, female genital disorder, impotence, insomnia, libido decreased, nausea, somnolence, sweating, tremor. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Apotex Corp. at 1-800-706-5575 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

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 HCL CR 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 1627 patients treated with Paroxetine HCL CR. Studies 1 and 2 were 12-week studies that enrolled patients 18 to 65 years old who received Paroxetine HCL CR 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 HCL CR 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 HCL CR 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 HCL CR 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 HCL CR 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 HCL CR 2 weeks prior to the onset of menses (luteal phase dosing) at doses of 12.5 mg or 25 mg once daily. Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation in Patients with MDD, PD, SAD, and PMDD In pooled studies in patients with MDD, PD and SAD, the most common adverse reactions leading to study withdrawal were: nausea (up to 4% of patients), asthenia, headache, depression, insomnia, and abnormal liver function tests (each occurring in up to 2% of patients), and dizziness, somnolence, and diarrhea (each occurring in up to 1% of patients). In pooled studies for PMDD, the most common adverse reactions leading to study withdrawal were: nausea (occurring in up to 6% of patients), asthenia (occurring in up to 5% of patients), somnolence (occurring in up to 4% of patients), insomnia (occurring in approximately 2% of patients); and impaired concentration, dry mouth, dizziness, decreased appetite, sweating, tremor, yawn and diarrhea (occurring in less than or equal to 2% of patients). Adverse Reactions in MDD, PD, and SAD Table 3 presents the most common adverse reactions in Paroxetine HCL CR-treated patients (incidence ≥5% and greater than placebo within at least 1 of the indications) in controlled trials in patients with MDD, PD, and SAD. Table 3. Adverse Reactions (≥5% of Patients Treated with Paroxetine HCL CR and Greater than Placebo) in 10 to 12 Week Studies of MDD, PD, and SAD MDD 18 to 65 year olds MDD ≥60 years old Panic Disorder Social Anxiety Disorder Body System/ Adverse Reaction Paroxetine HCL CR (N=212) % Placebo (N=211) % Paroxetine HCL CR (N=104) % Placebo (N=109) % Paroxetine HCL CR (N=444) % Placebo (N=445) % Paroxetine HCL CR (N=186) % Placebo (N=184) % Body as a Whole Headache 27 20 17 13 NA NA 23 17 Asthenia 14 9 15 14 15 10 18 7 Abdominal Pain 7 4 – – 6 4 5 4 Back Pain 5 3 – – NA NA 4 1 Digestive System Nausea 22 10 – – 23 17 22 6 Diarrhea 18 7 15 9 12 9 9 8 Dry Mouth 15 8 18 7 13 9 3 2 Constipation 10 4 13 5 9 6 5 2 Flatulence 6 4 – – NA NA NA NA Decreased Appetite 4 2 12 5 8 6 1 <1 Dyspepsia NA NA 13 10 NA NA 2 <1 Musculoskeletal System Myalgia NA NA – – 5 3 NA NA Nervous System Somnolence 22 8 21 12 20 9 9 4 Insomnia 17 9 10 8 20 11 9 4 Dizziness 14 4 9 5 NA NA 7 4 Libido Decreased 7 3 8 <1 9 4 8 1 Nervousness NA NA – – 8 7 NA NA Tremor 7 1 7 0 8 2 4 2 Anxiety NA NA – – 5 4 2 1 Respiratory System Sinusitis NA NA – – 8 5 NA NA Yawn 5 0 – – 3 0 2 0 Skin and Appendages Sweating 6 2 10 <1 7 2 14 3 Special Senses Abnormal Vision a 5 1 – – 3 <1 2 0 Urogenital System Abnormal Ejaculation b,c 26 1 17 3 27 3 15 1 Female Genital Disorder b,d 10 <1 – – 7 1 3 0 Impotence b 5 3 9 3 10 1 9 0 Hyphen = the reaction listed occurred in <5% of patients treated with Paroxetine HCL CR NA = the adverse reaction listed did not occur in this group of patients a Mostly blurred vision b Based on the number of males or females c Mostly anorgasmia or delayed ejaculation d Mostly anorgasmia or delayed orgasm Other Adverse Reactions Observed During the Premarketing Evaluation of Paroxetine HCL CR Adverse reactions from studies in MDD (not including Study 3 in elderly patients), PD, and SAD that occurred between 1% and 5% of patients treated with Paroxetine HCL CR and at a rate greater than in placebo-treated patients include:, allergic reaction, tachycardia, vasodilatation, hypertension, migraine, vomiting, weight loss, weight gain, hypertonia, paraesthesia, agitation, confusion, myoclonus, concentration impaired, depression, rhinitis, cough increased, bronchitis, photosensitivity, eczema, taste perversion, UTI, menstrual disorder, urinary frequency, urination impaired, and vaginitis. Adverse Reactions in Patients with PMDD Table 4 displays adverse reactions that occurred (incidence of 5% or more and greater than placebo within at least 1 of the studies) in patients treated with Paroxetine HCL CR in Studies 8, 9, 10, and 11. Table 4. Adverse Reactions (≥5% of Patients Treated with Paroxetine HCL CR and Greater than Placebo) in Pooled Studies PMDD (Studies 8, 9, 11), and in Study 10 a,b,c Body System/ Adverse Reaction % Reporting Adverse Reaction Continuous Dosing Luteal Phase Dosing Paroxetine HCL CR (n = 681) % Placebo (n = 349)% Paroxetine HCL CR (n = 246)% Placebo (n = 120)%% Body as a Whole Asthenia 17 6 15 4 Headache 15 12 NA NA Infection 6 4 NA NA Digestive System Nausea 17 7 18 2 Diarrhea 6 2 6 0 Constipation 5 1 2 <1 Nervous System Libido Decreased 12 5 9 6 Somnolence 9 2 3 <1 Insomnia 8 2 7 3 Dizziness 7 3 6 3 Tremor 4 <1 5 0 Skin and Appendages Sweating 7 <1 6 <1 Urogenital System Female Genital Disorders c 8 1 2 0 NA= the adverse reaction information is not available in this population. a <1% means greater than zero and less than 1%. b The luteal phase and continuous dosing PMDD trials were not designed for making direct comparisons between the 2 dosing regimens. c Mostly anorgasmia or difficulty achieving orgasm. […]

Drugs Highly Bound to Plasma Protein: Monitor for adverse reactions and reduce dosage of Paroxetine HCL CR or other protein-bound drugs (e.g., warfarin) as warranted. ( 7 ) Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6: Reduce dosage of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 as warranted. ( 7 ) 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 with Paroxetine HCL CR Table 6 includes clinically significant drug interactions with Paroxetine HCL CR. Table 6: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Paroxetine HCL CR Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact The concomitant use of SSRIs, including Paroxetine HCL CR, and MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention Paroxetine HCL CR is contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 ), Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Examples selegiline, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, linezolid, methylene blue Pimozide and Thioridazine Clinical Impact Paroxetine HCL CR should not be used in patients receiving medications that can prolong QT interval and are metabolized by CYP450 2D6 such as thioridazine or pimozide (see Contraindications and Warnings and Precautions ) Intervention Paroxetine HCL CR is contraindicated in patients taking pimozide or thioridazine [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Other Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact The concomitant use of serotonergic drugs with Paroxetine HCL 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 Paroxetine HCL CR and/or concomitant serotonergic drugs [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. 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 Paroxetine HCL CR may potentiate the risk of bleeding. Intervention Inform patients of the increased risk of bleeding associated with the concomitant use of Paroxetine HCL CR and antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants. For patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor the international normalized ratio [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )]. Examples aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin, warfarin Drugs Highly Bound to Plasma Protein Clinical Impact Paroxetine HCL CR is highly bound to plasma protein. The concomitant use of Paroxetine HCL CR with another drug that is highly bound to plasma protein may increase free concentrations of Paroxetine HCL CR or other tightly-bound drugs in plasma. Intervention Monitor for adverse reactions and reduce dosage of Paroxetine HCL CR or other protein-bound drugs as warranted. Examples warfarin Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6 Clinical Impact Paroxetine HCL CR is a CYP2D6 inhibitor [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. The concomitant use of Paroxetine HCL 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 Paroxetine HCL CR use. Conversely, an increase in dosage of a CYP2D6 substrate may be needed if Paroxetine HCL CR is discontinued. Examples propafenone, flecainide, atomoxetine, desipramine, dextromethorphan, metoprolol, nebivolol, perphenazine, tolterodine, venlafaxine, risperidone. Tamoxifen Clinical Impact Concomitant use of tamoxifen with Paroxetine HCL 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 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )]. 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).

Pregnancy: SSRI use, particularly later in pregnancy, may increase the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension and symptoms of poor adaptation (respiratory distress, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, hypotonia, irritability) in the neonate. ( 5.4, 8.1 ) Nursing Mothers : Discontinue drug or nursing taking into consideration importance of drug to mother. ( 8.3 )

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-866-961-2388 or visiting online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-researchprograms/ pregnancy registry/antidepressants/. Risk Summary Based on data from 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 Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Clinical Considerations]. Paroxetine HCL CR is associated with a less than 2-fold increase in cardiovascular malformations when administered to a pregnant woman during the first trimester. While individual epidemiological studies on the association between paroxetine use and cardiovascular malformations have reported inconsistent findings, some meta-analyses of epidemiological studies have identified an increased risk of cardiovascular malformations (see Data). There are risks of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) (see Data) and/or poor neonatal adaptation with exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including Paroxetine HCL CR, during pregnancy. There also are risks associated with untreated depression in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations). For women who intend to become pregnant or who are in their first trimester of pregnancy, paroxetine should be initiated only after consideration of the other available treatment options. No evidence of treatment related malformations was observed in animal reproduction studies, when paroxetine was administered during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 50 mg/kg/day in rats and 6 mg/kg/day in rabbits. These doses are approximately 6 (rat) and less than 2 (rabbit) times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD -75 mg) on an mg/m 2 basis. When paroxetine was administered to female rats during the last trimester of gestation and continued through lactation, there was an increase in the number of pup deaths during the first four days of lactation. This effect occurred at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day which is less than the MRHD on an mg/m 2 basis (see Data). The estimated background risks of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations are unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the US general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Women who discontinue antidepressants during pregnancy are more likely to experience a relapse of major depression than women who continue antidepressants. This finding is from a prospective longitudinal study of 201 pregnant women with a history of major depressive disorder who were euthymic and taking antidepressants at the beginning of pregnancy. Consider the risks of untreated depression when discontinuing or changing treatment with antidepressant medication during pregnancy and postpartum. Maternal Adverse Reactions Use of Paroxetine HCL CR in the month before delivery may be associated with an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]. Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions Neonates exposed to Paroxetine HCL CR and other SSRIs late in the third trimester have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery. Reported clinical findings have included respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, tremors, jitteriness, irritability, and constant crying. These findings are consistent with either a direct toxic effect of SSRIs or possibly a drug discontinuation syndrome. It should be noted that, in some cases, the clinical picture is consistent with serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. Data Human Data Published epidemiological studies on the association between first trimester paroxetine use and cardiovascular malformations have reported inconsistent results; however, meta-analyses of population-based cohort studies published between 1996 to 2017 indicate a less than 2-fold increased risk for overall cardiovascular malformations. Specific cardiac malformations identified in two meta-analyses include approximately 2 to 2.5-fold increased risk for right ventricular outflow tract defects. One meta-analysis also identified an increased risk (less than 2-fold) for bulbus cordis anomalies and anomalies of cardiac septal closure, and an increased risk for atrial septal defects (pooled OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.14 to 4.97). Important limitations of the studies included in these meta-analyses include potential confounding by indication, depression severity, and potential exposure misclassification. Exposure to SSRIs, particularly later in pregnancy, may have an increased risk for PPHN. PPHN occurs in 1 to 2 per 1,000 live births in the general population and is associated with substantial neonatal morbidity and mortality. Animal Data Reproduction studies were performed at doses up to 50 mg/kg/day in rats and 6 mg/kg/day in rabbits administered during organogenesis. These doses are approximately 6 (rat) and less than 2 (rabbit) times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD – 75 mg) on an mg/m 2 basis. These studies have revealed no evidence of malformations. However, in rats, there was an increase in pup deaths during the first 4 days of lactation when dosing occurred during the last trimester of gestation and continued throughout lactation. This effect occurred at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day which is less than the MRHD on an mg/m 2 basis. The no‑effect dose for rat pup mortality was not determined. The cause of these deaths is not known.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Data from the published literature report the presence of paroxetine in human milk (see Data). There are reports of agitation, irritability, poor feeding and poor weight gain in infants exposed to paroxetine through breast milk (see Clinical Considerations). There are no data on the effects of paroxetine on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Paroxetine HCL CR and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Paroxetine HCL CR or the underlying maternal condition. Clinical Considerations Infants exposed to Paroxetine HCL CR should be monitored for agitation, irritability, poor feeding and poor weight gain. Data Published literature suggests the presence of paroxetine in human milk with relative infant doses ranging between 0.4% to 2.2%, and a milk: plasma ratio of <1. No significant amounts were detected in the plasma of infants after breastfeeding.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Infertility Male Based on findings from clinical studies, paroxetine may affect sperm quality which may impair fertility; it is not known if this effect is reversible [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of Paroxetine HCL CR in pediatric patients have not been established [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. […]

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).