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Paroxetine

Brand names: Paxil, Pexeva, Brisdelle

Paroxetine is an SSRI antidepressant used for depression, anxiety disorders, panic, OCD, and PTSD.

Brand namesPaxil, Pexeva, Brisdelle
Type of medicineSSRI antidepressant
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It leaves the body quickly, so stopping or missing doses often causes withdrawal symptoms.

What it's used for

  • Depression
  • Panic disorder
  • Social anxiety
  • Generalized anxiety
  • OCD
  • PTSD
  • Hot flashes (Brisdelle)

How to take it

  • Take it once a day, usually in the morning, with or without food.
  • Don't crush or chew controlled-release tablets.
  • Don't stop suddenly. Your provider will lower the dose slowly.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Sleepiness
  • Sweating
  • Sexual side effects
  • Constipation
  • Weight gain
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.
Call 911Agitation, fever, sweating, muscle twitching or stiffness, fast heartbeat, and confusion (possible serotonin syndrome)
Call your provider todayUnusual bleeding or bruising
Call your provider todayRacing thoughts, little need for sleep, or reckless behavior

Warnings

  • Children, teens, and young adults can have more suicidal thoughts when starting.
  • Avoid alcohol.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Never take within 14 days of an MAOI.
  • Other serotonin medicines raise the risk of serotonin syndrome.
  • It strongly raises levels of some medicines (like metoprolol and some antipsychotics) and can make tamoxifen less effective.
  • Don't take with pimozide or thioridazine.
  • Aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood thinners raise bleeding risk.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Paroxetine in early pregnancy may slightly raise the risk of heart defects. Talk with your provider before pregnancy; don't stop on your own.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.