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What Is Paroxetine?

Paroxetine is a prescription antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class. It is used to treat major depressive disorder and several anxiety-related conditions, including panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Paroxetine is available in immediate-release and controlled-release formulations with different dosing instructions. Certain low-dose formulations have separate approved indications. Treatment requires monitoring for mood changes, drug interactions, and withdrawal symptoms if the medication is stopped abruptly.

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What Is Paroxetine?

Paroxetine is a prescription antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class. It is used to treat major depressive disorder and several anxiety-related conditions, including panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Paroxetine is available in immediate-release and controlled-release formulations with different dosing instructions. Certain low-dose formulations have separate approved indications. Treatment requires monitoring for mood changes, drug interactions, and withdrawal symptoms if the medication is stopped abruptly.

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How Does Paroxetine Work?

Paroxetine inhibits the reuptake of serotonin by nerve cells in the brain, increasing serotonin availability between neurons. Serotonin participates in the regulation of mood, anxiety, sleep, and other functions. The resulting changes in neurotransmitter signaling contribute to paroxetine's antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects. Its complete therapeutic mechanism is not fully established, and meaningful clinical improvement generally develops over several weeks. Paroxetine does not provide immediate relief during a sudden panic attack and should be taken according to the prescribed schedule.

What Conditions Does Paroxetine Treat?

Paroxetine immediate-release tablets are approved for adults with major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Certain controlled-release formulations have additional approved uses, including premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Low-dose paroxetine products are approved for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause under separate labeling. The appropriate formulation depends on the diagnosis and patient characteristics. Paroxetine is not approved for pediatric use, and clinicians consider psychiatric history, pregnancy, and medication interactions before prescribing it.

How Should Paroxetine Be Taken?

Paroxetine is generally taken orally once daily, with or without food, according to the prescribed formulation. Immediate-release adult treatment for depression commonly begins at 20 mg daily, while panic disorder may begin at 10 mg daily. Other conditions and controlled-release products have different starting doses and recommended ranges. Dose adjustments are made gradually according to response and tolerability. Patients with severe kidney or liver impairment and older adults may require lower starting doses. Paroxetine should not be stopped abruptly because discontinuation symptoms can occur, and a clinician should supervise dose reduction.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings of Paroxetine?

Common adverse effects include nausea, sleepiness, dizziness, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, and sexual dysfunction. Paroxetine carries a boxed warning for increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants. Serious risks include serotonin syndrome, abnormal bleeding, low blood sodium, and withdrawal symptoms after abrupt discontinuation. Paroxetine must not be combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or thioridazine and can interact with other medications, including tamoxifen. Patients should report worsening mood, unusual bleeding, severe agitation, or significant neurological symptoms promptly.

Common Questions About Paroxetine

Is paroxetine the same as Paxil?

Yes. Paxil is a brand name for paroxetine. Different paroxetine formulations, including controlled-release products, have separate dosing instructions.

Can paroxetine treat anxiety disorders?

Yes. Paroxetine is approved for several anxiety-related conditions, including panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

Can paroxetine cause dry eyes?

Paroxetine can cause dry mouth and sometimes dry-eye or blurred-vision symptoms. Persistent eye discomfort should be assessed by a healthcare professional, particularly for contact lens wearers.

Can paroxetine be stopped suddenly?

No. Abrupt discontinuation can cause dizziness, irritability, sensory disturbances, sleep problems, and other withdrawal symptoms. A healthcare professional should supervise gradual dose reduction.

References

DailyMed - PAROXETINE (paroxetine hydrochloride) tablet, film coated. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=326e8ab0-6886-4749-9544-885b37070051. Date Accessed October 30, 2026.

Paroxetine. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548306/. Date Accessed October 30, 2026.

Paroxetine. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698032.html. Date Accessed October 30, 2026.

Paroxetine. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/43815. Date Accessed October 30, 2026.

Paroxetine. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526022/. Date Accessed October 30, 2026.