Key facts about Paroxetine
What dosages is Paroxetine available in?
Paroxetine is available as a 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg oral tablet and a 10 mg/5 ml oral suspension.
What is Paroxetine used for?
Paroxetine is an SSRI and is used to treat:
- Depression
- Panic disorder (PD)
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How does Paroxetine work?
Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by raising the levels of serotonin, an important chemical in your brain that’s involved with regulating your mood.
How do I take Paroxetine?
Paroxetine is typically given in dose ranges from 10 mg to 60 mg by mouth once per day.
Is it safe for me to take Paroxetine?
Paroxetine is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you are currently taking pimozide or thioridazine or have taken an MAOI within the past 14 days.
Paroxetine Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Paroxetine:
- Abnormal ejaculation
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Sleepiness or trouble sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Low libido
- Shakiness
Paroxetine Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Paroxetine. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, dizziness, sweating, flushing, tremor (shakiness), muscle stiffness, muscle twitching or spasms, uncoordinated movement, distress, seizures, distress, hallucinations, coma
- Seizures
- Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation): chest pounding, short of breath, chest pain, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Severe bleeding: bruising that doesn’t improve, black-colored stools, pink or red-colored urine, coughing up or vomiting blood, or unusual bleeding from the nose or gums
- Low blood sodium levels: nausea, fatigue, headache, confusion, disoriented, hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t real), seizures, unconsciousness
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Paroxetine
The following medications may interact with Paroxetine:
- Drugs Highly Bound to Plasma Protein: Monitor for adverse reactions and reduce dosage of Paroxetine or other protein-bound drugs (e.g., warfarin) as warranted
- Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6: Reduce dosage of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 as warranted
- Concomitant use with Tamoxifen: Consider use of an alternative antidepressant with little or no CYP2D6 inhibition
Who makes Paroxetine?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Paroxetine safe in pregnancy?
Paroxetine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If Paroxetine is used during pregnancy, or if you become pregnant while taking Paroxetine, you should talk to your provider about the risks.
