Paroxetine

2 medicines

Paroxetine is an SSRI antidepressant used for depression and anxiety disorders. It causes the most severe discontinuation symptoms of any SSRI if stopped abruptly, so the dose must always be tapered down slowly.

Paxil

Paroxetine

10/20/30/40mg

Paxil is a antidepressants medication containing Paroxetine, available as 10/20/30/40mg tablets.

from $0.65 / tablet View

Paxil Cr

Paroxetine

12.5/25/37.5mg

Paxil Cr is a antidepressants medication containing Paroxetine, available as 12.5/25/37.5mg tablets.

from $1.43 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Paroxetine (sold as Paxil and as generics) is an SSRI used for major depressive disorder, panic disorder, OCD, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD.
  • You take it once daily, usually in the evening; it can take 2 to 4 weeks to reach its full effect.
  • Paroxetine causes the most pronounced discontinuation symptoms of any SSRI if stopped abruptly: dizziness, electric-shock sensations, nausea, irritability and vivid dreams. Its short half-life means levels fall quickly once a dose is missed.
  • In people under 25, paroxetine can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviour, especially in the first weeks of treatment. Seek urgent care for high fever, agitation or muscle rigidity, which can signal serotonin syndrome.

What paroxetine treats

Paroxetine treats major depressive disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How paroxetine works

Nerve cells release serotonin, a chemical messenger involved in mood, and then reabsorb it. Paroxetine blocks that reabsorption (reuptake), so more serotonin stays available between nerve cells. The effect builds gradually over several weeks.

Before you take it

  • Never take paroxetine within 14 days of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); the combination can cause serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal.
  • Tell your prescriber if you have bipolar disorder, a seizure history, liver or kidney disease, or take blood thinners, other serotonergic drugs or NSAIDs, which raise bleeding risk.
  • Paroxetine should be avoided in pregnancy where possible; studies link first-trimester use to a small increase in heart defects. Discuss alternatives with your prescriber if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
  • Never stop paroxetine suddenly or skip doses. Because levels fall fast, withdrawal symptoms can appear within a day of a missed dose; your prescriber will taper you down slowly, often over several weeks.

Side effects

Common effects, often easing after the first few weeks: nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, sweating and reduced sex drive.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

  • New or worsening suicidal thoughts, especially if you are under 25.
  • Agitation, high fever, fast heartbeat, muscle twitching or confusion (serotonin syndrome).
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising.
  • Severe rash, swelling or difficulty breathing.

Safety essentials

  • Paroxetine produces the worst discontinuation symptoms of any SSRI. Never stop it abruptly or skip doses; your prescriber will reduce the dose gradually, often over weeks, to avoid dizziness, shock-like sensations and flu-like illness.
  • This class carries a warning for increased suicidal thinking in people under 25, particularly in the first weeks of treatment.
  • Never combine paroxetine with an MAOI, and tell every prescriber about all other serotonergic medicines you take to avoid serotonin syndrome.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.