Paxil

Paxil^®, the brand name for paroxetine, is a prescription antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of medications. It’s approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Paxil works by increasing available levels in the brain of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps with mood regulation and emotional balance. Paxil is available in both immediate-release and controlled-release (Paxil CR^®) forms. It is typically taken once daily, with or without food. 

Side effects are generally mild. To avoid symptoms of withdrawal, a person should gradually taper off of Paxil under medical supervision rather than abruptly stop. Paxil may also interact with other medications, and it is not a recommended treatment during pregnancy due to potential fetal and neonatal risks.

In general, Paxil is an effective treatment option for many people when taken as prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider.

Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride) is indicated in adults for the treatment of:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)

• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Panic disorder (PD)

• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

Most common adverse reactions (≥5% and at least twice placebo) are:

• Abnormal ejaculation

• Weakness

• Constipation

• Decreased appetite

• Diarrhea

• Dizziness

• Dry mouth

• Female genital disorder

• Impotence

• Infection

• Insomnia

• Libido decreased

• Male genital disorder

• Nausea

• Nervousness

• Sleepiness

• Sweating

• Tremor

• Yawn

The cost of Paxil varies depending on factors such as your insurance plan, which pharmacy you use, the dosage, and quantity. Without insurance, Paxil costs about $277 for a month’s supply of 20-milligram (mg) tablets. Generic paroxetine costs about $40 for a three-month supply of the same dose, but coupons are available to bring down the price to as low as $4. Insurance plans may cover all or some of the cost of these medications.

On the Hers platform, paroxetine starts at $49 per month and that price includes the benefits of using the Hers telehealth platform, including free shipping and unlimited messaging with a provider.

• Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use within 14 days of discontinuing a MAOI

• Concomitant use of pimozide or thioridazine

• Known hypersensitivity to paroxetine or to any of the inactive ingredients in Paxil

• Drug interactions: drugs highly bound to plasma protein, drugs metabolized by CYP2D6, tamoxifen

• Serotonin syndrome

• Embryofetal and neonatal toxicity

• Increased risk of bleeding

• Activation of mania/Hhypomania

• Seizures

• Angle-closure glaucoma

• Sexual dysfunction

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients taking antidepressants. Closely monitor all antidepressant treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Paxil is not approved for use in pediatric patients.

*This information is from the label for brand name Paxil^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Paroxetine, the active ingredient in Paxil, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient paroxetine.