Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) primarily used as an antidepressant. It is commonly prescribed for conditions such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder. By increasing serotonin levels in the brain, paroxetine helps improve mood, anxiety, and overall mental health.
Recent studies have explored potential secondary effects of paroxetine outside its use as an antidepressant. For example, its role as a P2X4 purinoceptor inhibitor has been linked to vascular effects, with studies suggesting it may inhibit the growth of cerebral aneurysms and reduce recurrence (recanalization) post-coiling procedures 1). These findings, if validated, could position paroxetine as a candidate for managing aneurysm growth and recurrence, potentially extending its applications beyond psychiatry into neurology and vascular medicine.