EEG and blood level of the potential antidepressant paroxetine after a single oral dose to normal volunteers

The quantitative electroencephalogram (EEG) and plasma concentration of the antidepressant paroxetine were monitored in five normal volunteers after a single oral dose of 70 mg paroxetine and placebo. Peak plasma concentration occurred 4–6 h post-dose. Placebo had little effect on the EEG but the effects of paroxetine were statistically significant at 6 h post-dose. The EEG changes after treatment consisted of a decrease in delta and theta activity (< 8 Hz) and increase in beta activity (>12 Hz). These changes were still evident 72 h after treatment. The EEG profile obtained with 70 mg paroxetine is similar to that reported for other antidepressant 5-HT uptake inhibitors, but dissimilar to the classical, sedative antidepressants.