Efficacy and tolerability of paroxetine in adults with social anxiety disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to estimate the comprehensive efficacy and tolerability of paroxetine in adult patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD). METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature review of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials databases for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The efficacy outcome was the mean change of different kinds of scale scores as well as response and remission rates. The secondary outcome was tolerability, defined as the discontinuation rate and the incidence of adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included 13 RCTs. Mean changes in the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) total score, fear and avoidance subscale of LSAS scores were all significantly greater in patients with SAD that received paroxetine compared to those received placebo (total: MD = 13.46, 95%CI 10.59–16.32, P < .00001; fear: MD = 6.76, 95%CI 4.89–8.62, P < .00001; avoidance: MD = 6.54, 95%CI 4.63–8.45, P < .00001). Response and remission rates were both significantly greater in patients with SAD that received paroxetine compared to those received placebo (response: OR = 3.02, 95%CI 2.30–3.97, P < .00001; remission: OR = 3.14, 95%CI 2.25–4.39, P < .00001). There was no significant difference in discontinuation rate due to any reason between two groups (OR = 1.06, 95%CI 0.81–1.39, P = .65). Discontinuation rate due to AEs was higher in paroxetine than placebo group (OR = 3.41, 95%CI 2.45–4.72, P < .00001) whereas the rate due to lack of efficacy was higher in placebo as compared with paroxetine group (OR = 0.14, 95%CI 0.09–0.22, P < .00001). The incidence of any AE was significantly increased in patients that received paroxetine (OR = 1.83, 95%CI 1.43–2.35, P < .00001). CONCLUSION: Paroxetine was an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for adult patients with SAD.