Paroxetine
Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant used to treat several mental health conditions by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. It is prescribed for major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Paroxetine is an SSRI antidepressant used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD by increasing serotonin activity in the brain.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06AB05
- RxNorm
- 32937
- Generic
- Paroxetine
- Class
- atc-n06
- Brands
- Paxil, Brisdelle
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, suspension, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 20-50mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10-25mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 20mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits significantly outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
taper and discontinue before third trimester if possible or monitor newborn closely after delivery
neonatal monitoring for withdrawal symptoms and persistent pulmonary hypertension
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
generally considered compatible with breastfeeding but monitor infant for sedation, feeding problems, or weight gain
monitor infant for excessive drowsiness, poor feeding, or developmental changes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 65start with 10-20 mg once daily, maximum 40 mg
initiate at lowest dose and titrate slowly; increased risk of hyponatremia and bleeding
monitor sodium levels, bleeding risk, and for signs of serotonin syndrome
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended for use
not FDA-approved for use in patients under 18 years; increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
if used off-label, close monitoring for worsening depression and suicidal ideation
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
moderate severereduce dose by 50%
use lower dose in patients with creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min
monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate severereduce dose by 50%
use with caution; reduced hepatic metabolism increases drug exposure
monitor liver function tests and clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
concurrent useavoid alcohol completely
avoid alcohol consumption while taking paroxetine; combination increases CNS depression
monitor for increased sedation, impaired coordination, and respiratory depression
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval year for Paroxetine (Paxil)
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Paroxetine is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (PD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) in the brain, thereby increasing serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft and enhancing serotonergic neurotransmission in the central nervous system.
Paroxetine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, especially in young adults and adolescents. It should not be stopped abruptly, as discontinuation syndrome may occur. Common side effects include nausea, sexual dysfunction, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Inform your doctor of all medications to avoid serotonin syndrome.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy