Active Learning Template for Medications
Student Name: Mackenzie Guinn
Medication: Paroxetine (Paxil)
Category Class: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI antidepressants)
Other medications: Sertraline, Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine
Expected Pharmacological Action / Mechanism
Paroxetine selectively inhibits serotonin reuptake, allowing for more serotonin to stay
in the junction of the neurons
It does not block uptake of dopamine or norepinephrine
This medication has a long effective half-life. A time frame of up to 4 weeks is
necessary to produce therapeutic medication levels
Therapeutic Use
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Panic disorder (decreases both the frequency and intensity of panic attacks and also
prevents anticipatory anxiety about attacks)
OCD (Reduces manifestations by increasing serotonin)
Social anxiety disorder
Trauma and stressor-related disorders
Dissociative disorders
Depressive disorders
Adjustment disorders
Complications (Adverse Effects)
Early (1st few days/weeks): nausea, diaphoresis, tremor, fatigue, drowsiness
Later (506 weeks of therapy): insomnia, headache, and sexual dysfunction
(impotence, delayed or absent orgasm, delayed or absent ejaculation, decreased
sexual interest)
Weight loss early in therapy that can be followed by weight gain with long-term
treatment
GI bleeding
Hyponatremia
Serotonin syndrome
Bruxism (grinding and clenching of teeth, usually during sleep)
Withdrawal syndrome (nausea, sensory disturbances, anxiety, tremor, malaise,
unease)
Postural hypotension
Suicidal ideation
Contraindications/Precautions
Pregnancy Risk Category D medication
Contraindicated in clients taking MAOIs or a TCA
Student Name: Mackenzie Guinn
Medication: Paroxetine (Paxil)
Category Class: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI antidepressants)
Other medications: Sertraline, Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine
Expected Pharmacological Action / Mechanism
Paroxetine selectively inhibits serotonin reuptake, allowing for more serotonin to stay
in the junction of the neurons
It does not block uptake of dopamine or norepinephrine
This medication has a long effective half-life. A time frame of up to 4 weeks is
necessary to produce therapeutic medication levels
Therapeutic Use
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Panic disorder (decreases both the frequency and intensity of panic attacks and also
prevents anticipatory anxiety about attacks)
OCD (Reduces manifestations by increasing serotonin)
Social anxiety disorder
Trauma and stressor-related disorders
Dissociative disorders
Depressive disorders
Adjustment disorders
Complications (Adverse Effects)
Early (1st few days/weeks): nausea, diaphoresis, tremor, fatigue, drowsiness
Later (506 weeks of therapy): insomnia, headache, and sexual dysfunction
(impotence, delayed or absent orgasm, delayed or absent ejaculation, decreased
sexual interest)
Weight loss early in therapy that can be followed by weight gain with long-term
treatment
GI bleeding
Hyponatremia
Serotonin syndrome
Bruxism (grinding and clenching of teeth, usually during sleep)
Withdrawal syndrome (nausea, sensory disturbances, anxiety, tremor, malaise,
unease)
Postural hypotension
Suicidal ideation
Contraindications/Precautions
Pregnancy Risk Category D medication
Contraindicated in clients taking MAOIs or a TCA
