Differential effects of paroxetine on fatigue and depression: a randomized, double-blind trial from the University of Rochester Cancer Center Community Clinical Oncology Program.

Purpose: Fatigue and depression typically occur together in cancer patients, suggesting a common etiology, perhaps based on serotonin. This randomized clinical trial tested whether paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant known to modulate brain serotonin, would reduce fatigue in cancer patients and whether any reduction was related to depression.

Patients And Methods: Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy for the first time were assessed for fatigue.