:: What is Paxil?
Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride) is a FDA-approved oral psychotropic medication, in the class of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Paxil is one of the most popular treatments currently available for depression and anxiety disorders. Paxil is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA.
Paxil is used for the treatment of:
1. major depressive disorder  in adults.
2. generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults.
3. social anxiety disorder or social phobia in adults.
4. panic disorder in adults.
5. obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults.
6. posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults.
* Be sure to take a look at our comprehensive Depression & Anxiety FAQ to learn more about depression, anxiety disorders, other mood disorders and for a
comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the commonly prescribed antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications .
You can buy Paxil by going to our Paxil price comparison page where
you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Paxil prices, no prior prescription required.
If it's your first time ordering Paxil online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: Who should take Paxil?
Paxil should be used by:
- Adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
- Adults diagnosed with general anxiety disorder GAD.
- Adults diagnosed with social anxiety disorder or social phobia.
- Adults diagnosed with panic disorder.
- Adults diagnosed with with obsessive compulsive disorder OCD.
- Adults diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD.
If you'd like to learn more about these and other mood conditions, they are discussed in detail in our extensive Guide to Depression and Anxiety .
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:: Who should not take Paxil?
You should not take Paxil if you:
- Are currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within
the last 14 days. (Don't take MAOIs for at least 14 days after stopping Paxil).
- Are currently taking Mellaril (thioridazine). (Don’t take Thioridazine for at least 2 weeks after stopping Paxil).
- Are allergic to Paxil or paroxetine.
It is important to let your doctor know about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking, and if you have or have had other medical conditions especially liver problems, kidney problems, seizure disorder, glaucoma or bipolar disorder (manic or psychotic episodes).
Paxil should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Babies born to mothers taking SSRIs such as Paxil during the third trimester have had serious complications. Paxil is secreted in human milk, which can lead to potential risk to nursing infants. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Paxil.
Paxil should be used with caution in geriatric patients and patients with severe liver and kidney disease. If you have liver or kidney problems, tell your doctor before taking Paxil. Depending on your age and the severity of your condition, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
The safety and effectiveness of Paxil for use in pediatric patients have not been established.
Only your healthcare provider can tell you for sure if you should or not take Paxil. Inform your healthcare provider, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you are taking, prescription or over-the-counter, and about any medical conditions you have or have had, including allergies.
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:: What are depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD),
social anxiety disorder, panic disrorder, obsessive compulsive
disorder (OCD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
This question requires its own frequently asked questions page.
Please see our extensive Depression and Anxiety FAQ page for information describing each of the following conditions, its causes, symptoms and treatment options:
- Depression .
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) .
- Anxiety disorders:
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) ,
panic disorder ,
social anxiety disorder ,
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) , and
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) .
- Eating disorder: bulimia nervosa .
There, you will also find clear summary tables listing:
- The different classes of commonly prescribed antidepressant and anti-
anxiety medications
- The various conditions each of the medications is used for
- A comparison of their advantages and disadvantages
- A list of simple things you can do to help improve the symptoms of your
depression and anxiety
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:: How does Paxil work?
Depression and other psychiatric disorders are believed to be caused by an imbalance of the brain’s neurotransmitters, the chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate. Serotonin is one such neurotransmitter.
Paxil is an inhibitor of the reuptake of serotonin, leading to increased levels of serotonin in the brain. Although it isn't known exactly how Paxil works to help patients with psychiatric disorders, it is believed that its effects are a result of its action on serotonin.
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:: How well does Paxil work?
Major Depressive Disorder:
Six clinical studies have shown that Paxil is an effective treatment for major depressive disorder. In these studies, patients receiving Paxil showed significant improvement of the Depressive Rating Scales used to measure depression symptoms compared to sugar pill. Another study showed that patients who had responded to 8 weeks of Paxil therapy and who continued taking Paxil had significantly lower depression relapse rates over 1 year compared to those receiving sugar pill.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
Two 8-week clinical studies have shown that Paxil is an effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). In these studies, patients receiving Paxil showed significant improvement of the Anxiety Scales used to measure symptoms compared to sugar pill. A third study did not show a significant difference between Paxil and sugar pill in treating GAD. Another study showed that patients who had responded to 8 weeks of Paxil therapy who continued taking Paxil had significantly lower relapse rates over 24 weeks compared to those receiving sugar pill.
Social Anxiety Disorder:
Three 12-week clinical studies have shown that Paxil is an effective treatment for social anxiety disorder. In these studies, patients receiving Paxil showed significant improvement of the Anxiety Scales used to measure symptoms compared to sugar pill.
Panic Disorder:
One 10-week and two 12-week clinical studies have shown that Paxil is an effective treatment for panic disorder. In these studies, patients receiving Paxil showed significant improvement in 2 of 3 panic attack measures and on their score that measure severity of panic disorder compared to sugar pill. These studies showed that 76%, 51% and 33% of patients taking Paxil were panic attack free or had 1 panic attack for the 10-12 weeks of each study compared to 44%, 32% and 14%, respectively, of patients receiving sugar pill. Another study showed that patients who had responded to 10 weeks and an extension of 3 months of Paxil therapy who continued taking Paxil had significantly lower relapse rates over 3 months compared to those receiving sugar pill.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Two 12-week clinical studies have shown that Paxil is an effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. The first study compared Paxil to sugar pill, while the second study compared Paxil to clomipramine (a different type of antidepressant), patients receiving Paxil showed significant improvement of the Obsessive Compulsive Scale used to measure obsessive-compulsive symptoms compared to sugar pill and clomipramine. Another study showed that patients who had responded to 12 weeks and an extension of 6 months of Paxil therapy and who continued taking Paxil, had significantly lower relapse rates over 6 months compared to those receiving sugar pill.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
Two twelve-week clinical studies have shown that Paxil is an effective treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PSTD). In these studies, patients receiving Paxil showed significant improvement of the PSTD Scales used to measure PSTD symptoms compared to sugar pill. Another study showed a significant improvement with Paxil compared to sugar pill as measured with one scale but not with the second scale used to measure PSTD symptoms.
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:: How safe is Paxil?
Paxil has been used as an antidepressant since 1992. Millions of people worldwide have used Paxil. Its safety profile has been maintained by real-world experience as well as clinical trials.
Paxil has been approved by the FDA to successfully and safely treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. However, make sure to read about Who should not take Paxil? .
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:: What is the difference between Paxil and other antidepressants?
Studies comparing the effectiveness of various antidepressants such as Paxil have shown that, when properly dosed, they are equally effective in treating depression and other disorders. Therefore medications like Paxil should be chosen based on different side effects profiles and different drug or disease interactions.
See What are the advantages and disadvantages of commonly prescribed antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications? for a table comparing the different drugs and their classes,
in our Depression and Anxiety FAQ .
Paxil and other SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) share similar side effect and drug interaction profiles, but differ in the type of conditions they are approved to treat.
See What conditions do various antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications treat? in our Depression and Anxiety FAQs
It's important to keep in mind that not everyone responds the same to individual drugs. A different drug in the same or different class may work for you when the first did not. It may take more than one try to find the right medication for you.
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:: What does Paxil look like?
Paxil manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline is available as 10mg, 20mg, 30mg and 40mg tablets.
Paxil 10mg tablets are oblong, yellow, film-coated, with the imprint PAXIL on one side and 10 on the other side.
Paxil 20mg tablets are oblong, pink, scored and film-coated, with the imprint PAXIL on one side and 20 on the scored side.
Paxil 30mg tablets are oblong, blue, film-coated, with the imprint PAXIL on one side and 30 on the other side.
Paxil 40mg tablets are oblong, green, film-coated, with the imprint PAXIL on one side and 40 on the other side.
Paxil is also available as 12.5mg, 25mg and 37.5mg extended release tablets called Paxil CR and a 10mg/5mL suspension (liquid). Generic formulations of Paxil 10mg, 20mg, 30mg and 40mg are available from various manufacturers.
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:: How do I take Paxil?
Paxil comes in 10mg, 20mg, 30mg and 40mg tablets.
Paxil can be taken with or without food. Paxil should be taken once daily either in the morning or the evening. Take your tablet at the same time everyday so it is easier to remember.
You should take Paxil as directed by your doctor. Do not take more medication than prescribed.
Major Depressive Disorder
- Usual Adult Dose:
Oral dosage form (Tablets) – Initial dose is 20mg once daily. If sufficient response is not seen, the dose may be gradually increased to a maximum of 50mg once daily.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Usual Adult Dose:
Oral dosage form (Tablets) – Initial dose is 20mg once daily for at least one week, then increase to 30mg daily for at least one week then increase to the target dose of 40mg daily. If sufficient response is not seen, the dose may be gradually increased to a maximum of 60mg once daily.
Panic Disorder
- Usual Adult Dose:
Oral dosage form (Tablets) – Initial dose is 10mg once daily for at least one week, then increase to 20mg daily for at least one week then increase to 30mg daily for at least one week, then increase to the target dose of 40mg daily. If sufficient response is not seen, the dose may be gradually increased to a maximum of 60mg once daily.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Usual Adult Dose:
Oral dosage form (Tablets) – 20mg once daily. Studies have not shown that higher doses provide greater benefits.
- Adults over age 60 and Patients with liver disease:
Consult your physician. A reduced Paxil dose may be necessary.
* It usually takes several weeks for Paxil to take effect. Some symptoms may improve during the first couple weeks, but the full effects may not be felt for up to 8 weeks. Once you feel better, keep taking Paxil as directed by your doctor. Don't change your dose or stop taking it without consulting your doctor.
Your doctor may have a plan that varies from above, always follow your doctor’s recommendations.
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:: What should I do if I miss a dose of Paxil?
If you miss a dose of Paxil, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT double the dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not take more tablets than your doctor prescribed.
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:: How long should I continue to use Paxil?
The initial treatment of major depression is 6 to 8 weeks to reduce and eliminate symptoms. After the initial treatment, medical guidelines recommend that you continue antidepressant therapy for 4 to 9 months. This is important because continuing Paxil can lower your risk of relapse (getting depressed again). Therapy beyond this period may be recommended if you have a history of multiple recurrent depressive episodes. Your doctor will let you know how long you should continue therapy; make sure to follow your doctor's instructions.
If you are taking Paxil to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, or panic disorders, and you responded to initial therapy, your doctor will probably continue Paxil for an extended period of time as long as you continue experiencing the benefits of Paxil. Your doctor may adjust your dose and periodically evaluate your continued need for treatment.
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:: Why do I have to stop taking Paxil gradually?
Paxil and other SSRIs and SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) have been reported to cause side effects when stopped suddenly. Some of these side effects can include sad mood, irritability, sensory disturbances (electric shock sensations), agitation, dizziness, anxiety, abnormal dreams, confusion, headache and insomnia. When they occur, these effects usually go away on their own, but your doctor may recommend a gradual lowering of your Paxil dose to reduce the chance of experiencing these side effects.
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:: How should I store Paxil?
Keep Paxil and all medications out of children's reach.
Store Paxil at room temperature in a tight container. Store away from moisture, heat and direct light. Do not keep medicine past the expiration date, dispose of properly.
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:: What are the possible side effects of Paxil?
The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, dizziness, yawning, sweating and sexual side effects. These side effects are usually mild and will often go away after a few weeks. If you have nausea, take Paxil with food.
Stop taking Paxil and contact your doctor immediately if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as a rash or hives.
There is a rare chance that people taking Paxil will have a seizure. If you experience a seizure while taking Paxil, stop taking the tablets and contact your doctor immediately.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that seem unusual or that are especially bothersome.
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:: Will I gain weight while taking Paxil?
Paxil does not usually cause weight gain, but it can cause weight loss. Some people may have significant weight loss, but the average weight loss for patients in studies was only 1 pound.
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:: Will Paxil affect my sex drive?
Changes in sexual desire, sexual performance, and sexual satisfaction are commonly experienced when a depressive episode occurs. SSRIs like Paxil may also lead to sexual side effects.
It's difficult to estimate how frequently these side effects are seen because patients and physicians don't always discuss them. In clinical trials, a low percentage of patients taking Paxil have reported sexual side effects such as delayed ejaculation in men and decreased libido in men and women.
If you have questions about sexual dysfunction, speak with your healthcare professional.
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:: What other precautions should I take when taking Paxil?
In addition to the above possible side effects of Paxil, please be aware of the following as they apply to you.
Driving and Hazardous Work:
Although Paxil has not been shown in studies to impair your thinking or affect your coordination, other similar medications have been known to cause these effects. Use caution before driving a car or engaging in hazardous work until you know how Paxil affects you.
Consumption of Alcohol:
It is recommended that you avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking Paxil.
Medication Interactions:
Prior to starting Paxil, inform your doctor about all the medicines you use and do not start taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications without asking your doctor first. See What are the possible drug interactions of Paxil?
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding:
Paxil should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Babies born to mothers taking SSRIs such as Paxil during the third trimester have had serious complications. Paxil is secreted in human milk, which can lead to potential risk to nursing infants. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Paxil.
Sensitivity to Sunlight:
SSRIs like Paxil may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Use sunscreen and avoid extended exposure to sunlight until you know how Paxil affects you.
Liver and Kidney Disease:
The side effects may be more likely due to potential for higher blood levels of Paxil. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
Mood Changes:
You and your family should watch out for sudden or severe changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, severely restless, hyperactive, overly excited, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, not being able to sleep, worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. These symptoms should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Do NOT share your Paxil prescription with others; this can be a very dangerous practice.
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:: What are the possible drug interactions of Paxil?
Inform your doctor, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you use, (prescription and nonprescription). Certain medicines should never be used together. Some medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may change the dose, monitor the effects or take other precautions.
When you are taking Paxil, it is especially important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors: Furoxone (furazolidone), Nardil (phenelzine), Eldepryl (selegiline), Marplan (isocarboxazid), Matulane (procarbazine), Parnate (tranylcypromine) - there should be at least 14 days between stopping a MAO inhibitor and starting Paxil and at least 14 days between stopping Paxil and starting a MAOI.
- Mellaril (thioridazine) - do not take with Paxil, there should be at least 2 weeks between stopping Paxil and starting thioridazine.
- Tricyclic antidepressants such Elavil (amitriptyline), Anafranil (clomipramine), Asendin (amoxapine), Sinequan (doxepin), Aventyl/Pamelor (nortriptyline), Surmontil (trimipramine), Norpramin (desipramine), Tofranil (imipramine) and Vivactil (protriptyline) - Paxil may increase these medications’ potency.
- Tagamet (cimetidine) - may increase Paxil’s potency.
- Lithium, Zyvox (linezolid), Ultram/Ultracet (tramadol), Meridia (sibutramine), Reglan (metoclopramide), St John’s Wort - adverse reaction may occur.
- Tryptophan and Triptans such as Imitrex (sumatriptan), Relapax (eletriptan), Frova (frovatriptan), Zomig (zolmitriptan), Amerge (naratriptan), Maxalt (rizatriptan) or Axert (almotriptan) - adverse reaction may occur.
- Other SSRIs such as: Celexa (citalopram), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram) - adverse reaction may occur.
- Coumadin (warfarin) - coagulation changes may occur.
- Aspirin and NSAIDs such as Motrin/Advil (ibuprophen), Aleve (naproxen), and others - increased risk of stomach bleeding.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Paxil.
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:: Can I drink alcohol while taking Paxil?
It is recommended that you avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking Paxil. Studies have shown that Paxil does not increase the effects of alcohol, but taking Paxil with alcohol is not advised.
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:: Can I become dependent on Paxil?
While Paxil has not been specifically studied for its potential for dependence, extensive studies of Paxil’s safety and effectiveness have not shown that it is addictive or habit-forming.
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:: What are the symptoms of a possible overdose of Paxil?
Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting, extreme sleepiness, dizziness, tremor, confusion, fast heartbeat and coma.
If overdose is suspected, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS) 911, or the poison control center immediately.
National Poison Control Center Telephone Number: 800-222-1222
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:: Is Paxil available over the counter?
No. Paxil is currently available by prescription only.
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:: How can I get an Paxil prescription online?
Go to our Paxil price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Paxil prices, no prior prescription required.
Our featured US-based online pharmacies work with US-licensed doctors and pharmacists to provide you with your prescriptions through an online consultation.
If this is your first time ordering Paxil online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: How much does Paxil cost?
Some companies charge less per pill but charge you separately for their consultation and pharmacy dispensing fees. Others include these fees into their final pricing.
RxPriceCheck's featured pharmacies give you a free online medical consultation with your order. Be sure to compare Paxil prices before buying.
Usually, the more tablets you buy, the cheaper the price per tablet.
See our Paxil price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Paxil prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: What is generic Paxil and is it available?
The generic name for Paxil is paroxetine hydrochloride. Generic Paxil is available for sale in the US.
We currently feature brand Paxil. See our Paxil price comparison page , where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Paxil prices,
no prior prescription required.
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:: Is it safe to order Paxil or other medications from non-US
pharmacies?
Purchasing Paxil from non-US pharmacies can be potentially dangerous. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recommend ordering medications online from pharmacies located outside the US, because it cannot guarantee the origin, quality or safety of the medication, or regulate the manufacturers. Therefore, it may be filled with other ingredients that may harm you, or it may be fake, sold as Paxil, but not contain the active ingredient paroxetine hydrochloride.
RxPriceCheck.com only affiliates with online US pharmacies that work with US licensed physicians and pharmacists, and sell brand Paxil approved by the FDA and manufactured by Pfizer. You can therefore choose from our list of online pharmacies with confidence.
See our Paxil price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Paxil prices, no prior prescription required.
Also see our extensive Guide to Depression and Anxiety to learn more about mood disorders, and to see our comparison of Paxil to other antidepressants.
If this is your first time ordering Paxil online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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* The information contained in RxPriceCheck.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider regarding your medical condition. All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View our terms of use .
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