Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat low mood and depression. Treatment of depression can require trial of different SSRIs one at a time to find the best fit for you. Noticeable improvements in mood usually appear after 4 weeks of daily use with a recommended trial period of 4 to 12 weeks.
- Used to treat depression by restoring the balance of serotonin in the brain
- Recommended to be taken in the evening as it may cause drowsiness
- Initially dosed at 10 mg once daily, and typically maintained from 10 mg to 40 mg once daily
- Improvement in physical symptoms within 1 to 2 weeks, and overall well-being after 4 weeks of daily use
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Paroxetine Medication Description
Paroxetine tablets (Paxil®) are a prescription medication in the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). They are commonly prescribed for major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Paroxetine works by increasing the availability of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, anxiety, and other emotional processes.
Paroxetine tablets are often prescribed when patients experience persistent depression, excessive worry, or panic attacks that interfere with daily life. Many patients begin noticing improvement within several weeks, though it may take longer to experience the full benefit.
How to Use
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Typically prescribed as one daily tablet, with or without food.
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Dosing often starts at a lower strength (such as 10 mg or 20 mg daily) and may be gradually increased based on response and tolerability.
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Tablets should be swallowed whole and taken at the same time each day to maintain steady levels in the body.
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Your healthcare provider will determine the correct dose and duration for your specific condition.
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Do not stop taking paroxetine suddenly without medical guidance, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Black Box Warning
Paroxetine tablets carry a boxed warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults, particularly within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Patients and caregivers should closely monitor for new or worsening mood changes, irritability, or unusual behaviors, and report these immediately to a healthcare provider.
Important Notes and Warnings
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Common side effects may include nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, sweating, or sexual side effects such as decreased libido or difficulty reaching orgasm.
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Paroxetine may interact with other medications, including blood thinners, NSAIDs, and certain migraine medications (triptans), which may increase the risk of bleeding.
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Combining paroxetine with other serotonergic medications may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially serious condition characterized by agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, and muscle stiffness.
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Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, as paroxetine may carry risks in pregnancy.
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Alcohol should be avoided, as it can worsen drowsiness and impair coordination.
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Paroxetine Side Effects
Side effects may include nausea, tiredness, dizziness, headache, and loss of appetite.
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Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only a healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. TelyRx does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a limited summary of general information about the medicine’s uses from the patient education materials and is not intended to be comprehensive. This limited summary does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not replace information you may receive from your healthcare provider. For a more detailed summary of information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine, please review the entire patient education information you receive with the medication.
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