Effects of paroxetine on human sleep

In a first double-blind, balanced order study, 12 subjects, mean age 57 years, took placebos at bedtime on 2 nights, paroxetine 15 mg on 2 nights and paroxetine 30 mg on 2 nights. In a second study, 12 subjects, mean age 56 years, took placebos on 2 mornings and paroxetine 30 mg on 2 mornings. Electrophysiological measures of all-night sleep were made on each night subsequent to medication. Paroxetine caused more frequent awakenings, reduced total sleep and strongly suppressed REM sleep, especially the 30 mg dosage. When it had been taken in the morning, paroxetine additionally delayed sleep onset and increased slow-wave sleep.