Information About Paroxetine, Sold As Paxil, Seroxat, Deroxat

Type of Medication: SSRI

Paroxetine is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor with a chemical structure unrelated to other SSRIs.

Variants include Paxil, Paxil CR, Seroxat, Deroxat.

Benefits of Paroxetine (Paxil) for Depression, OCD and More

Paroxetine is widely prescribed to help treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

Side Effects of Paroxetine (Paxil)

Please note that the following side effects include only some of the most common and somewhat less common but do not include rarer side effects; the list is not exhaustive. Many people taking Paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat, Deroxat) experience none of these side effects. Please consult a physician about any unusual symptoms.

Common

Some of the more common side effects of Paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat, Deroxat) include:

• asthenia (weakness)
• sweating
• nausea
• decreased appetite
• somnolence (drowsiness)
• dizziness
• insomnia
• tremor
• nervousness
• ejaculatory disturbance
• other male genital disorders
• female genital disorders
• dry mouth
• constipation
• decreased libido
• yawn

Less Common

Some of the less common side effects of Paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat, Deroxat) include:

• paresthesia (skin sensations)
• blurred vision
• flatulence

Also, the FDA provides a page on Paxil and the increased risk of suicide in children and adolescents under the age of 18 as well as further information on the topic.

Paroxetine (Paxil) and Alcohol

The Paxil product insert (linked below) indicates that "Although Paxil has not been shown to increase the impairment of mental and motor skills caused by alcohol, patients should be advised to avoid alcohol while taking Paxil" (p. 11).

Stopping Paroxetine (Paxil): Discontinuation Effects or Withdrawal Symptoms

It is best to consult a physician before discontinuing SSRIs. Stopping taking SSRIs such as Paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat, Deroxat) suddenly may cause discontinuation effects, or withdrawal symptoms, including:

Should You Buy Paroxetine (Paxil) Online?

Particularly in the United States, many individuals choose to purchase medications online, either for reasons of cost savings, privacy, or both. Both brand-name Paxil and so-called 'generic Paxil' (i.e., Paroxetine without the Paxil brand name) can sometimes be purchased at deep discounts (and sometimes without a prescription) in this way. Before undertaking any purchase of medications online, however -- and certainly if you are contemplating doing so without a prior prescription -- please consider the integrity of the supplier and the national and/or local laws which may apply where you live.

» Please see our page on Buying Discount Drugs Online for recommendations as well as caveats… (Specific sites we mention include DrugsPark, MedBasket, and FrugalMed.)

Information Sources and Disclaimer

The information provided here has been summarized in good faith purely for educational purposes. It is not intended in any way to replace the advice of a qualified medical professional. Please do not take any action on the basis of information contained here without consulting a physician. Unless otherwise specified, information is intended to apply only to adult use of the medication. Drug interaction precautions have not been included; please consult another source for this information.

All registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Information sources:

• United States FDA-approved Product Insert for Paxil (PDF)
• Your Medicines -- Any Questions?
• British National Formulary