Paxil CR^®

Paxil CR^® (paroxetine controlled-release) is a prescription medication that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of antidepressants. It’s used to treat several mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). 

Paxil CR works by increasing the brain’s available levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood, emotion, and stress response. The controlled-release formulation allows for a slower, more gradual absorption.

This medication should not be stopped abruptly, as doing so can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, agitation, headache, and sleep disturbances. People with a history of bipolar disorder, seizure disorders, or those taking certain medications such as MAO inhibitors should consult with a healthcare provider before starting Paxil CR.

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

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)

• Panic disorder (PD)

• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

Most common adverse reactions (≥5% and at least twice placebo) in placebo-controlled MDD, PD, SAD, and PMDD clinical trials:

• Abnormal ejaculation

• Abnormal vision

• Weakness

• Constipation

• Decreased appetite

• Diarrhea

• Dizziness

• Dry mouth

• Female genital disorder

• Impotence

• Insomnia

• Libido decreased

• Nausea

• Sleepiness

• Sweating

• Tremor

The cost of Paxil CR varies depending on factors such as your insurance plan, which pharmacy you use, the dosage, and quantity. Without insurance, Paxil CR costs about $387 for a month’s supply of 37.5 milligram (mg) tablets, while its generic form, paroxetine CR, may cost about $123 for a month’s supply of 25 mg tablets. Coupons are available to help bring down the price, and insurance plans may cover all or some of the cost of these medications.

On the Hers platform, paroxetine starts at $49 per month. 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 MAOIs

• Concomitant use of pimozide or thioridazine

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

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

• Serotonin syndrome

• Embryofetal toxicity

• Increased risk of bleeding

• Activation of mania/hypomania

• Seizures

• Angle-closure glaucoma

• Sexual dysfunction

• Pregnancy: SSRI use, particularly later in pregnancy, may increase the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension and symptoms of poor adaptation (respiratory distress, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, hypotonia, irritability) in the neonate

• Breastfeeding: Discontinue drug or nursing taking into consideration importance of drug to mother

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 CR is not approved for use in pediatric patients.

*This information is from the label for brand name Paxil CR^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Paroxetine, the active ingredient in Paxil CR, 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.