Psychopathology and psychopharmacology: which patients may benefit more from antidepressant oral drops than from antidepressant oral tablets? The case of paroxetine

This article examines the therapeutic benefits of oral antidepressant solutions as an alternative to standard tablet forms for the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders, using paroxetine oral drops as an example. Paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is commonly prescribed for anxiety and depressive disorders, and the oral drop formulation may offer significant advantages for certain patient populations. Patients who may benefit from this formulation include those who have difficulty swallowing tablets, those who are more sensitive to side effects and those who require gradual and individualised dose titration. This article discusses the unique pharmacological properties of Paroxetine Oral Drops, highlighting their role in improving patient adherence, minimising perceived or feared side effects, and providing tailored dosing flexibility. In addition, a clinical case of a patient with depression and comorbid anxiety is presented to illustrate how paroxetine oral drops can effectively address complex clinical needs. The findings support the utility of paroxetine oral drops in personalised antidepressant therapy, particularly for patients who may have difficulties with tablet forms. Further research is recommended to investigate the comparative efficacy, tolerability and patient adherence of liquid and tablet SSRIs in different clinical subgroups.