Paroxetine‐induced QTc prolongation

There have been only two previous reports of paroxetine‐induced corrected QT (QTc) prolongation on electrocardiogram (ECG). Here, we report a 43‐year‐old woman with QTc prolongation (476 ms). She had taken 50 mg of paroxetine for 17 days. Three days after discontinuation of paroxetine, QTc returned to within the normal limits (396 ms). Paroxetine blocks the human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene (HERG) channels. Genetic polymorphisms of channels related to cardiac function are involved in drug‐induced QTc prolongation. Moreover, autonomic nervous system instability due to unstable psychotic symptoms may also affect QTc. These factors are related to this rare event induced by paroxetine.