Paroxetine
Paxil (paroxetine) is a prescription antidepressant medication classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and certain other mental health conditions by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
Paxil is an SSRI antidepressant used to treat depression, anxiety, and related conditions by increasing brain serotonin levels.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 114228
- Generic
- Paxil
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- 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.
Paxil is FDA-approved for treating major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It may also be prescribed for other conditions as determined by a healthcare provider.
As an SSRI, Paxil works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, allowing more of this neurotransmitter to remain available between neurons. This increased serotonin activity helps improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms over time.
Paxil requires a prescription and should be taken exactly as directed. Common side effects may include nausea, drowsiness, and sexual dysfunction. Antidepressants may increase suicidal risk in young adults and adolescents, requiring close monitoring during treatment initiation or dose adjustments.
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