[Severe hepatitis attributed to paroxetine (Seroxat)].

A 52-year-old man suffering from chronic hepatitis B related liver cirrhosis was treated for depression with paroxetine (Serotax) 5 mg and subsequently 15 mg once daily. A severe hepatitis with liver failure (jaundice, hypoalbuminaemia, edemas, and ascites) developed. After the drug was withdrawn the patient recovered completely. The adverse reaction may be explained by a change in the pharmacokinetics of the drug caused by the liver cirrhosis. Caution is required in prescribing long-term paroxetine therapy for patients with documented liver cirrhosis. The liver function should be monitored and administration of the drug should be discontinued when functional disturbances are noticed.