Generic Paxil Cr

Introduction

Paxil Cr is an oral antidepressant marketed in the United Kingdom for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. The medication contains the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) paroxetine as its sole active compound. It belongs to the antidepressant group of drugs and is prescribed for a range of psychiatric conditions, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive‑compulsive disorder. Paxil Cr is manufactured by several licensed pharmaceutical companies that distribute the product under authorised licences within the EU/UK market.

What is Paxil Cr?

Paxil Cr is a tablet formulation that delivers a fixed dose of the SSRI paroxetine. The tablet is usually film‑coated, white or off‑white, and available in strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg. The product was developed as a follow‑on generic to the original brand‑name medication Paxil, which was first approved in the United States in 1992 and subsequently introduced in the United Kingdom under the brand name Seroxat.

Paxil Cr is the generic version of Paxil, containing the same active compound Paroxetine. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option. The formulation contains paroxetine hydrochloride together with standard excipients such as lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate. These inactive ingredients are consistent with the European Pharmacopoeia specifications for solid oral dosage forms.

How Paxil Cr Works

Paroxetine exerts its therapeutic effect by selectively inhibiting the serotonin transporter (SERT) on presynaptic neurons. By blocking SERT, the drug reduces the re‑uptake of serotonin from the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic terminal. The resulting increase in extracellular serotonin enhances serotonergic neurotransmission, which is thought to correct the deficit in serotonergic tone that characterises many depressive and anxiety disorders.

Pharmacokinetic data from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) indicate that paroxetine reaches peak plasma concentrations within 5–8 hours after oral administration. The drug has a terminal elimination half‑life of approximately21 hours in healthy adults, allowing once‑daily dosing. Paroxetine is extensively metabolised in the liver, primarily by cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6), and its metabolites are excreted mainly via the kidneys. Because of the long half‑life, steady‑state concentrations are achieved after about 5–7 days of regular dosing, which aligns with the typical clinical onset of symptom improvement observed after 2–4 weeks of therapy.

Conditions Treated with Paxil Cr

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – Clinical trials in the UK and Europe have demonstrated that paroxetine improves Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores more than placebo, supporting its use as a first‑line SSRI for moderate to severe depression.
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Randomised controlled studies show a significant reduction in worry and anxiety scores after 8 weeks of treatment.
• Panic Disorder – Paroxetine reduces the frequency of panic attacks and the anticipatory anxiety associated with the disorder.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) – Evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends paroxetine as a therapeutic option when cognitive‑behavioural therapy is insufficient or unavailable.
• Obsessive‑Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Paroxetine is licensed for adult OCD and has been shown to decrease Yale‑Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale scores in pooled analyses.

Epidemiologically, mental health conditions affect a substantial proportion of the UK adult population: the NHS reports that roughly 1 in 4 adults will experience a diagnosable mental health problem each year. The broad spectrum of approved indications makes Paxil Cr a versatile option for clinicians managing common psychiatric presentations.

Who is Paxil Cr For?

Paxil Cr is appropriate for adult patients (≥18 years) who have received a clinical diagnosis of any of the approved indications listed above and for whom an SSRI is considered suitable based on their medical history. Typical candidates include:

• Individuals with moderate to severe depressive episodes who require pharmacological augmentation of psychotherapy.
• Patients with persistent anxiety that interferes with daily functioning, especially when non‑pharmacological interventions have been exhausted.
• Adults with obsessive‑compulsive symptoms that cause functional impairment and have not responded adequately to first‑line behavioural therapies.

Contra‑indications and situations in which Paxil Cr may be unsuitable include:

• Known hypersensitivity to paroxetine or any tablet excipients.
• Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or a mandatory 14‑day washout period after MAOI therapy.
• Severe hepatic impairment, as reduced metabolism may increase plasma concentrations.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, unless the benefit outweighs potential risks; paroxetine is classified as Pregnancy Category D in the UK.

Clinicians also consider patient‑specific factors such as concomitant medications, genetic polymorphisms affecting CYP2D6 activity, and a history of bipolar disorder (to avoid precipitating manic switches).

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea, dry mouth, and dyspepsia
• Headache and dizziness
• Insomnia or somnolence (sleep disturbance)
• Sweating, especially nocturnal hyperhidrosis
• Sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, anorgasmia, delayed ejaculation)

Rare

• Hyponatraemia, particularly in older adults or those on diuretics
• Weight loss or gain (typically modest)
• Visual disturbances (blurred vision)
• Extrapyramidal symptoms such as tremor

Serious

• Suicidal ideation – Increased risk in patients under 24 years; regular monitoring is essential.
• Serotonin syndrome – May occur when combined with other serotonergic agents (e.g., tramadol, linezolid, St John’s Wort). Symptoms include agitation, hyperthermia, hyperreflexia, and autonomic instability.
• QT‑interval prolongation – Rare but reported in patients with pre‑existing cardiac conduction disorders.

Drug–Drug Interactions

• CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., quinidine, fluoxetine, bupropion) can raise paroxetine levels, increasing the likelihood of adverse effects.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin) may reduce efficacy by accelerating clearance.
• Anticoagulants (warfarin) – Paroxetine may potentiate anticoagulant effects; INR monitoring is advised.
• Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Combined use can elevate the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Patients should disclose all prescribed, over‑the‑counter, and herbal products before initiating Paxil Cr.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Initial dosing – For most indications, treatment starts with a 10 mg or 20 mg tablet once daily. The dose may be titrated upward after 1–2 weeks based on clinical response and tolerability, with a typical maintenance range of 20–50 mg daily.
• Maximum dose – The upper limit of 50 mg per day applies to adults; higher doses have not demonstrated additional benefit and increase adverse‑event risk.
• Missed dose – If a dose is forgotten and the scheduled time is more than 12 hours away, take the missed tablet at the next regular dosing time. Do not double‑dose to compensate.
• Overdose – Acute ingestion of large amounts (e.g., >30 mg/kg) can cause seizures, severe hyponatraemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Immediate medical attention is required; supportive care and gastric decontamination are standard.
• Food and alcohol – Paroxetine can be taken with or without food; however, a light snack may reduce nausea. Alcohol should be limited, as the combination may exacerbate CNS depression and increase suicidal thoughts.
• Comorbidities – In patients with renal or hepatic impairment, dose adjustments are generally not required for mild to moderate dysfunction, but severe liver disease warrants caution and possibly a reduced dose.

Buying Paxil Cr from Our Online Pharmacy

Paxil Cr can be obtained legally from our online pharmacy in the United Kingdom. Our service is designed for adults who need reliable, affordable access to high‑quality medicines that may not be readily stocked in local pharmacies or who seek generic alternatives at near‑manufacturer cost.

• Affordable pricing – We source Paxil Cr from vetted, GMP‑certified manufacturers, allowing us to offer prices that are often lower than domestic retail chains while maintaining full regulatory compliance.
• Verified quality – Every batch is accompanied by a certificate of analysis confirming identity, potency, and purity according to European Pharmacopoeia standards.
• Guaranteed delivery – Orders are dispatched discreetly via secure courier services. Standard delivery reaches most UK addresses within 3–5 working days; express shipping is available for an additional fee and typically arrives within 7 days.
• International reach – As a pharmacy‑broker service, we collaborate with licensed overseas suppliers to ensure a continuous supply chain, especially for medications experiencing temporary shortages locally.
• Privacy‑focused – Packaging is plain, unbranded, and sealed. No external markings reveal the product’s nature, protecting patient confidentiality throughout the shipping process.

Our platform complies with UK medicines‑sale regulations, requiring verification of the purchaser’s age (18 years or older) and, where legally required, a valid prescription from a qualified healthcare professional.

FAQ

• Is Paxil Cr available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes. The original brand‑name product is marketed as Paxil (or Seroxat) while Paxil Cr is a licensed generic containing the identical active ingredient, paroxetine. The generic version offers a lower price point without compromising efficacy.

• What should I do if I need to travel abroad with Paxil Cr?
  Keep the medication in its original packaging, carry a copy of the prescription, and store it in your carry‑on luggage to avoid temperature extremes. If you are traveling to a country with strict import regulations, check the local customs guidelines in advance.

• Does Paxil Cr require any special storage conditions?
  Store tablets at room temperature (15‑30 °C), away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat sources. Do not refrigerate or freeze the product.

• Are there differences in the inactive ingredients between UK and EU formulations?
  In the United Kingdom, Paxil Cr tablets typically contain lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate. EU‑wide formulations use the same excipients, complying with EU Pharmacopoeia specifications, although minor variations in colourants or coating agents may exist.

• Can Paxil Cr cause a positive result on a drug test?
  Paroxetine is not a controlled substance and is not screened for in standard workplace drug‑testing panels. However, some specialised assays may detect SSRIs, but this is uncommon.

• What are the implications of CYP2D6 polymorphism for Paxil Cr therapy?
  Individuals who are poor metabolisers of CYP2D6 may experience higher plasma concentrations of paroxetine, increasing the risk of side effects. Genetic testing is not routinely required, but clinicians may consider dose reduction or alternative agents in such patients.

• Is it safe to use Paxil Cr in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease?
  Paroxetine can modestly prolong the QT interval; therefore, patients with known long‑QT syndrome, recent myocardial infarction, or uncontrolled arrhythmias should be evaluated carefully before initiation. Routine ECG monitoring is advisable in high‑risk groups.

• How long does it typically take to notice an improvement in anxiety symptoms?
  While some patients report reduced anxiety within the first week, a clinically significant effect generally emerges after 4–6 weeks of consistent dosing. Patience and regular follow‑up are essential for optimal outcomes.

• Are there any known differences in formulation between Paxil Cr supplied in the UK and that sourced from overseas?
  The core active ingredient remains identical (paroxetine hydrochloride). However, some overseas batches may use alternative fillers such as maltodextrin or different coating polymers. All formulations sold through our pharmacy meet the same GMP and MHRA quality standards.

• What is the shelf‑life of an unopened Paxil Cr pack?
  The standard expiry period is 24 months from the date of manufacture, provided the tablets have been stored under recommended conditions. The exact expiry date is printed on the outer carton.

• Can I take Paxil Cr with over‑the‑counter antihistamines for allergies?
  Most non‑sedating antihistamines (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine) have minimal interaction with paroxetine and are generally safe. Sedating antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) may increase drowsiness and should be used cautiously.

Glossary

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)

A class of antidepressants that block the re‑absorption of serotonin into neurons, thereby increasing its availability in the brain.

CYP2D6 (Cytochrome P450 2D6)

An enzyme in the liver that metabolises many drugs, including paroxetine. Genetic variations can affect how quickly a person processes the medication.

Serotonin Syndrome

A potentially life‑threatening condition caused by excess serotonergic activity, characterised by agitation, hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability.

QT‑interval Prolongation

An extension of the time the heart’s electrical system takes to recharge between beats; prolonged QT can predispose to abnormal heart rhythms.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Paxil Cr is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Paxil Cr for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.