Paxil

Premature Ejaculation, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder + 7 more
Treatment
2 FDA approvals
20 Active Studies for Paxil

What is Paxil

ParoxetineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryParoxetine, better known as Paxil, is a type of medication known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and menopause symptoms. This drug is more potent than other SSRIs, meaning it is more likely to cause withdrawal effects when stopped. Paroxetine is generally well-tolerated and has similar side effects to other SSRIs. The extended release version of the drug is designed to reduce the chance of nausea.
Paxilis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Paxil Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Paxil
Paroxetine
1993
429

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Paroxetine, also known as Paxil, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses which include Hot flashes and Vasomotor Symptoms Associated With Menopause .
Hot flashes
Helps manage Menopause
Vasomotor Symptoms Associated With Menopause
Helps manage Vasomotor Symptoms Associated With Menopause

Effectiveness

How Paxil Affects PatientsParoxetine is used to treat symptoms of depression, different types of anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and the hot flashes of menopause. It works by blocking the chemical serotonin in the brain. It usually takes about 6 weeks for the medication to start working. Paroxetine should not be taken with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, as it could cause a serious side effect called serotonin syndrome. If you are taking MAO inhibitors, you must wait two weeks before taking paroxetine.
How Paxil works in the bodyParoxetine helps increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. It does this by blocking the serotonin receptor, which prevents serotonin from being taken back into the neurons. This leads to higher levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help relieve symptoms. It is also thought to help with symptoms of menopause, though it is not clear exactly how it works. Paroxetine also binds to other receptors in the brain such as adrenergic, dopamine, histamine, serotonin, and muscarinic cholinergic receptors. These additional receptors may be the reason why it takes some time for Paroxetine to take effect,

When to interrupt dosage

The proposed dosage of Paxil is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, e.g. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The amount of dosage is dependent on the method of delivery (e.g. Oral or Capsule - Oral) described in the table below.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Premature Ejaculation
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Panic Disorder
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Social Anxiety Disorder
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Vasomotor Symptoms Associated With Menopause
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Hot flashes
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Depression
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 25.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral

Warnings

Paxil Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Paroxetine may interact with Pulse Frequency
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Serotonin Syndrome
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Paxil.
Common Paxil Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
4-Methoxyamphetamine
Major
The metabolism of 4-Methoxyamphetamine can be decreased when combined with Paroxetine.
5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine
Major
The metabolism of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine can be decreased when combined with Paroxetine.
Acebutolol
Major
The metabolism of Acebutolol can be decreased when combined with Paroxetine.
Acetaminophen
Major
The metabolism of Acetaminophen can be decreased when combined with Paroxetine.
Aclidinium
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Paroxetine is combined with Aclidinium.
Paxil Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe most toxic amount of paroxetine in mice and rats is 350mg/kg. A fatal outcome has been reported with a dose as low as 400mg. The highest amount of paroxetine that someone has overdosed on and survived is 2000mg. Common symptoms associated with paroxetine overdose include fatigue, fever, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, shaking, dizziness, restlessness, anxiety, headache, sweating, dilated pupils, seizures, tingling sensations, serotonin syndrome, involuntary muscle contractions, and changes in mental status. There is no
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Paxil Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Paxil?

539 active clinical trials are investigating the potential of Paxil to address Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Premature Ejaculation and Menopausal symptoms.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
252 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Phase 1, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3
Depression
203 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Hot flashes
22 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Social Anxiety Disorder
21 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Early Phase 1
Premature Ejaculation
0 Actively Recruiting
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
16 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
33 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 4
Vasomotor Symptoms Associated With Menopause
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Panic Disorder
17 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
9 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2

Paxil Reviews: What are patients saying about Paxil?

5Patient Review
4/13/2020
Paxil for Panic Disorder
Paxil was a great medication for me for six years. I began to get depressed due to my weight gain, and it took three tries to come off of Paxil. Awful awful time.
4.7Patient Review
3/28/2022
Paxil for "Change of Life" Signs
Overall, I've been really pleased with this treatment. It's helped with my OCD and anxiety without any noticeable side effects. The only downside is that it's decreased my sex drive and appetite, but those are small prices to pay for the benefits I've seen so far.
4.7Patient Review
6/24/2022
Paxil for Repeated Episodes of Anxiety
I've dealt with anxiety, depression, and social anxiety for a long time now. I tried many different medications but they all made me feel awful. About four months ago, I started taking Paxil and my life changed. I felt better almost immediately. It's been an amazing difference and has helped me focus on things other than my anxieties. The only downside is that my eyes always feel heavy, even when I'm not tired.
3.7Patient Review
9/29/2022
Paxil for Panic Disorder
This medication was effective in treating my anxiety; however, I experienced significant weight gain as a result. Additionally, the withdrawal symptoms were very unpleasant.
3Patient Review
1/27/2022
Paxil for Depression
This medication helped me recover from a bad reaction to another drug, and I felt better relatively quickly. However, it makes me drowsy all the time and I've gained a lot of weight since starting it; so much so that I'm now diabetic. I want to go off the medication because I feel like the diabetes is worse than any depression.
3Patient Review
5/3/2022
Paxil for Repeated Episodes of Anxiety
I'm 39 and this medication has made me start losing my hair and gain weight, which are both major cons for me. The pros don't outweigh the negatives here. I would recommend that people avoid this if possible.
3Patient Review
4/25/2022
Paxil for Depression
I found that Paxil did help with my depression and anxiety; however, I also gained 15 pounds while taking it. Additionally, I experienced some negative cardiovascular effects like stiffness in my muscles and shortness of breath. For these reasons, I stopped taking the medication.
3Patient Review
5/13/2022
Paxil for Depression
If I missed a dose of Paxil, I would have withdrawal symptoms within hours. They were awful and made it hard to live a normal life day-to-day.
3Patient Review
7/26/2019
Paxil for "Change of Life" Signs
Though this was prescribed because I can't take hormones, it's caused me new problems. I'm now having trouble sleeping and am constipated; while my hot flashes have diminished, they're not gone entirely. Additionally, I've become more emotionally stable--which isn't necessarily a good thing in all situations. All things considered, I think I'll stop taking the medication.
3Patient Review
1/1/2022
Paxil for Depression
While this treatment did alleviate some of my depression and anxiety, it was not a cure-all. I also experienced significant weight gain while taking the medication; even after stopping the medication, I have been unable to lose the weight.
2.3Patient Review
12/31/2021
Paxil for Depression
I experienced intense negative side effects from this Paxil prescription, including brain fog, emotional blunting, fatigue, severe cognitive impairment, and sexual dysfunction. These symptoms have been debilitating and long-lasting.
2.3Patient Review
10/4/2020
Paxil for "Change of Life" Signs
I have been on Paxil for 4 days. I have never taken any type of anxiety or depression medication before. I am on 20mg a day. I feel severe, debilitating fatigue and apathy on this. Can't concentrate. Find myself staring into space. Have had odd side effects like twitching in limbs and face. Blurry eyesight. I just want to sleep all day. Difficult even to speak. I don't like this and I'm calling my dr tomorrow about stopping it.
1.7Patient Review
4/11/2020
Paxil for Anxiousness associated with Depression
Since I started taking this medication at the end of January 2020, I have been feeling increasingly disconnected from reality. This has been extremely disorienting and disruptive to my life. My psychiatrist is switching me to a different medication, and I am hoping that will help alleviate these effects.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about paxil

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is Paxil best for anxiety?

"Paxil and Prozac are both effective SSRI medications. Paxil may be preferred for its approved uses for anxiety disorders, as it has less stimulating side effects."

Answered by AI

What are the most common side effects of Paxil?

"vomiting, upset stomach, changes in appetite,, and weight fluctuations

If you experience any of the following side effects, you should contact your doctor: headaches, nervousness, restlessness, drowsiness, dizziness, nasal irritation, sleep problems (insomnia), nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, changes in appetite, and weight fluctuations."

Answered by AI

Why was Paxil taken off the market?

"The prosecutor stated that GlaxoSmithKline had marketed Paxil illegally to children, by helping to publish a medical journal article that had false data from a clinical trial. They also attempted to bribe doctors to prescribe the antidepressant to children, even though it was not meant for that age group."

Answered by AI

Is Paxil more for anxiety or depression?

"It is better than Paxil (paroxetine) because it has fewer side-effects.

Lexapro is more effective than Paxil for treating depression and anxiety, but it also has more side-effects."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Paxil

Have you considered Paxil clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Paxil, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Paxil clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Paxil, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Paxil clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Paxil, we think they might fit your search criteria.