Paroxetine is a potent selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with 
indications for the treatment of depression, obsessive- compulsive disorder, 
panic disorder and social phobia. It is also used in the treatment of 
generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual 
dysphoric disorder and chronic headache. There is wide interindividual variation 
in the pharmacokinetics of paroxetine in adults as well as in the elderly with 
higher plasma concentrations and slower elimination noted in the latter. 
Elimination is also reduced in severe renal and hepatic impairment, however, 
serious adverse events are extremely rare even in overdose. A Pub Med search was 
used to collect information on the efficacy and tolerability in elderly 
patients. There are few studies of depression in the elderly and only one study 
in the old-old. In anxiety disorders including general anxiety disorder, panic 
disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety, there are no studies 
at all in the elderly. However, the safety of the drug allows its prescription 
in the elderly. In summary, paroxetine is well tolerated in the treatment of 
depression in those between the ages of 65 and 75, although few studies have 
examined its use in those of 75 and older.