Paxil® (Paroxetine) Uses, Dosages, and Safety Information

What Paxil® Is and How It Works

Paxil is the brand name for paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This Paxil medication is prescribed for major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It is taken by mouth, once daily. You can order Paxil online from a licensed Canadian pharmacy through YouDrugstore.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba. Prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. We offer brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices, plus OTC products. You can order online or by phone where available, and reach chat support during posted hours.

Paroxetine increases serotonin levels by blocking its reuptake in the brain. This helps stabilize mood and reduce anxiety over time. The effect builds gradually as receptors adapt. Common Paxil milligrams include Paxil 10 mg, Paxil 20 mg, Paxil 30 mg, and Paxil 40 mg tablets. Controlled-release paroxetine is also available in some markets. The paroxetine Paxil treatment is typically taken in the morning, but evening dosing can help if drowsiness occurs.

Paxil for depression and Paxil for anxiety are the most common uses. It may also be prescribed off-label for menopausal hot flashes; some clinicians use 7.5–12.5 mg, and 10mg Paxil for hot flashes appears in clinical studies. Paxil and menopause symptoms should be discussed with a prescriber to confirm the right approach. Paroxetine may also be used for premature ejaculation; Paxil for premature ejaculation is usually a daily regimen.

Some people ask about Paxil and weight loss or weight gain. Weight change can occur either way and varies by person. Do not change your dose on your own. If symptoms persist or worsen, speak with your prescriber about options, including increasing Paxil from 20mg to 30mg when appropriate.

Dosage and Usage

• Typical starting dose for depression and generalized anxiety: 20 mg once daily. Some may start at 10 mg to improve tolerability.
• Usual target dose range: 20–40 mg once daily. The maximum dose varies by condition; some patients require up to 50–60 mg under supervision.
• Panic disorder and OCD often require slower titration and higher doses.
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: daily dosing or luteal-phase dosing may be used as directed by the prescriber.
• Hot flashes (off-label): low doses, such as 7.5–12.5 mg, are commonly studied; 10 mg may be used off-label when appropriate.
• Premature ejaculation: daily SSRIs are often used; some regimens use on-demand dosing. Follow your prescriber’s plan.
• Administration: take at the same time each day. Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush or split controlled-release tablets.
• Missed dose: take it when remembered unless close to your next dose. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time and resume your regular schedule. Do not double.
• Tapering off Paxil: reduce gradually to limit discontinuation symptoms. Many clinicians lower by 10 mg per week or slower. Avoid stopping Paxil cold turkey.

• Storage: store tablets at room temperature, 15–30 °C (59–86 °F), in a dry place away from light.
• Keep tablets in the original container with the label intact. Close the cap tightly.
• Travel: carry your medication in hand luggage with your prescription. Keep away from extreme heat or humidity.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Paxil treatment offers once-daily dosing and broad coverage of mood and anxiety conditions. Many patients see improvements in sleep, energy, and anxiety control as the dose is optimized. Having multiple strengths, including Paxil 10 mg, Paxil 20 mg, and Paxil 40 mg, helps tailor therapy. A Paxil tablet can be taken with or without food, which adds convenience.

Ordering from Canada can reduce the Paxil cost compared with typical U.S. pricing. Patients commonly save 60–80% versus local pharmacy prices. Generic paroxetine is widely available and often lowers the Paxil price further. Reorder reminders are available, and multi-month supplies can reduce your per-month expense.

We also work with licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies to source authentic brand medicines, offering a wide selection at competitive prices.

For limited-time offers, see our promotions page: Paxil coupon.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea or upset stomach
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Insomnia or vivid dreams
• Headache or dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Increased sweating
• Tremor
• Sexual side effects (decreased libido, delayed orgasm, erectile difficulties)
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Appetite or weight change (Paxil and weight loss or gain can occur)
• Yawning or weakness

Serious risks are uncommon but important. Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts in young adults, especially when starting or changing doses. Serotonin syndrome can occur with other serotonergic drugs (MAOIs, triptans, tramadol, linezolid, methylene blue, St. John’s wort). Do not combine with an MAOI or within 14 days of stopping one. Paroxetine may trigger mania/hypomania in bipolar disorder, increase bleeding risk with NSAIDs/anticoagulants, cause hyponatremia (especially in older adults), and precipitate angle-closure glaucoma in susceptible patients. It inhibits CYP2D6, which can reduce tamoxifen effectiveness. Discuss pregnancy planning, as paroxetine may carry fetal risks.

Onset Time

Improvement in sleep or appetite may appear after 1–2 weeks. Core mood or anxiety symptoms often improve over 4–6 weeks as steady dosing continues. OCD and some panic symptoms may need 8–12 weeks at a therapeutic dose. For premature ejaculation, benefits may be seen within 1–2 weeks on a daily regimen. Hot flash relief can begin within 1–2 weeks at low doses.

Compare With Alternatives

Escitalopram is another SSRI favored for tolerability and once-daily dosing. If a patient needs a change, your prescriber may consider Cipralex® Lexapro or its generic, Escitalopram. These are often chosen for generalized anxiety disorder and depression.

Sertraline is frequently used for depression and several anxiety disorders, including PTSD and panic disorder. It may be an option if paroxetine causes too much sedation or weight change.

For treatment-resistant cases, older options like phenelzine (Nardil) or other augmentation strategies may be considered by specialists. MAOIs require strict dietary and drug-interaction precautions and are usually reserved for select patients after multiple trials.

Combination Therapy

• Psychotherapy (CBT or IPT) alongside an SSRI can improve remission rates.
• Bupropion augmentation is sometimes used to address residual depression or sexual side effects.
• Atypical antipsychotic augmentation (e.g., aripiprazole or quetiapine) may help resistant depression under specialist care.
• Short-term benzodiazepines may be used for acute anxiety or panic while the SSRI takes effect; monitor for sedation and dependence.
• Avoid combining with MAOIs or other potent serotonergic agents due to serotonin syndrome risk.
• For bipolar depression, use mood stabilizers; SSRI monotherapy is generally avoided to reduce mania risk.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Adults with major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, OCD, or PMDD may be candidates for paroxetine. Paxil anxiety medicine can help reduce excessive worry, panic, and social avoidance when dosed and monitored properly.

Paroxetine is not suitable with current MAOI use or within 14 days of MAOI therapy. It should not be combined with thioridazine or pimozide. Caution is advised in seizure disorders, a history of mania or bipolar disorder, glaucoma, significant liver or kidney impairment, low sodium, or bleeding risks. Review all medications and supplements to prevent serotonin syndrome or bleeding interactions.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individualized risk–benefit discussion. Paroxetine can reduce conversion of tamoxifen to its active form; oncology and psychiatry teams should coordinate care. For bipolar depression, antidepressants should be paired with a mood stabilizer or avoided, depending on the plan.

To manage Paxil cost, consider the generic drug for Paxil (paroxetine). Multi-month quantities often lower the per-month price, and bulk promotions may be available. Set reorder reminders so you can avoid gaps in therapy. If your dose changes, your prescriber can adjust tablet strengths to limit waste.

Authoritative Sources

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Paxil (paroxetine)

Drugs@FDA: Paxil (paroxetine) label and approval history

FDA Medication Guides for antidepressants, including SSRIs

Order Paxil® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about diagnosis, treatment, and medication choices.