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The FDA has approved the use of Paxil 10 mg and other doses of the medication to treat major depressive disorder. Major depressive disorder is a common type of mental health disorder that causes a significant level of depressive symptoms.
The FDA recognizes controlled clinical trials that compared the use of Paxil for major depressive disorder. In these studies, both the Clinical Global Impression Severity of Illness and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were used to monitor the effects that Paxil presented in patients treated. By increasing serotonin levels in the brain, Paxil may help to reduce the symptoms that patient experiences when they have a major depressive disorder.
Paxil (paroxetine) online prescription available for depression and anxiety
About Paxil (paroxetine): a powerful SSRI antidepressant
Some conditions that Paxil is known to treat include depression, anxiety disorder, and conditions that cause the patient to experience panic. Paxil is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation, Paroxetine, which is the name of the active ingredient in Paxil.
Paxil may be prescribed as tablets and oral suspension. There are also immediate and controlled-release tablets. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed Paxil, take the antidepressant as prescribed unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop.
If you don’t complete your prescription, the antidepressant may not fully treat your depressive or anxiety symptoms.
Paxil uses
There are six FDA-approved uses for Paxil, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons.
It’s also possible that your health care provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.
Major depressive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
These effects are known as the obsessive element of the disorder. In some situations, obsessive-compulsive disorder also leads to the urge to perform something continuously. These are called compulsions. The FDA recognizes Paxil as a potential treatment for people who experience these symptoms.
Panic disorder
The FDA also recommends the use of Paxil as a treatment for people who are diagnosed with panic disorder. The increase in serotonin levels may help to stabilize the individual's mood and possibly reduce the incidence of panic attacks.
Social anxiety disorder
The food and drug administration has approved Paxil for the treatment of social anxiety disorder. The SSRI will work similarly as it does for patients who have generalized anxiety disorders and related conditions.
Generalized anxiety disorder
During the placebo-controlled study, a significant improvement was seen among individuals who took Paxil 20 mg and 40 mg doses on a daily basis. The studies used the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety in order to monitor the results that patients treated had to experience throughout the program.
Post-traumatic stress disorder
The condition is also likely to cause symptoms similar to those associated with generalized anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Paxil has been shown to provide an effective treatment option for people who have PTSD. The FDA has also approved using Paxil for this specific mental health condition.
Paxil side effects
The side effects associated with taking Paxil are typically mild to moderate. Many patients will also find that the side effects they experience start to improve throughout the first few weeks.
Most Paxil side effects are associated with the digestive system and, in some cases, mental health. Paxil has some common side effects. Note that these may present as physical and psychological symptoms. They may include:
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Dry mouth
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Blurred vision
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A poor appetite
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Sleeping difficulties
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Dizziness and drowsiness
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Increased sweating
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Physical and mental weakness
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
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Tremors (Shaking) and excessive restlessness
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A reduction in sex drive
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Numbness or tingling sensations on certain parts of the body
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Easily bleeds or gets bruises
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A heartbeat that is irregular or faster than normal
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Spams and consistent weakness in muscles
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Seizures
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Black stools
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Pain, swelling, and potential redness in the eyes
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Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
You should call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you notice any of these side effects or develop any other new or concerning symptoms. Also, look out for problems like gastrointestinal bleeding and alert your doctor if you experience suicidal thoughts. Unusual bone pain is also something, as well as unusual risk-taking behavior.
It is also important to note the potential risk of serotonin syndrome when taking an SSRI, such as Paxil. This refers to a situation where the level of serotonin in your brain increases too much. The result is toxicity, leading to severe complications and side effects.
When there is too much serotonin in the brain, you may experience severe dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and a fever. The patient will also experience restlessness and agitation that does not seem normal. It is also possible for a person to have a significant loss of their coordination.
The use of Paxil in young children under age 12 should be managed by a pediatric psychiatrist.
There may be cases where a pediatric patient older than 7 years old may benefit from Paxil, but this is usually done with the guidance of a specialist. PlushCare does not have any pediatric psychiatrists at this moment.
How to take Paxil (paroxetine) antidepressant medication
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Paxil prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Paxil can come in different forms and doses, so follow the specific instructions on your prescription. It is typically prescribed once per day. The dosage and frequency can vary depending on the condition being treated. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding the dosing and timing of Paxil.
You can choose to have Paxil with or without food. If, however, you find that it causes a significant level of stomach upset, then it is better to take the medication with food. Do not make any adjustments, such as taking a low dose, without professional medical advice.
Do not stop taking the pill without the doctor's permission, as this may cause withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can sometimes be severe.
What to avoid while taking Paxil
Paxil has many drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.Please let your physician know if you have any other mental health diagnosis as it may impact your Paxil prescription.
It is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant when taking Paxil. Your healthcare provider might suggest specific changes to your medication for pregnant women.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Paxil. Some research shows that regular alcohol consumption may harm your mental health. Alcohol serves as a type of depressant, which means it could cause depression symptoms to worsen.
Alcohol may also reduce the medication’s ability to do its job, which could reduce the chance that Paxil will help you feel better.
There are also numerous drug interactions that you need to consider when the doctor prescribes Paxil to treat your mental illness.
Paxil should be taken cautiously, and under the close guidance of a physician, with another medication that also affects the serotonin levels in your brain. This could cause a significantly increased risk of developing serotonin syndrome.
Drug interactions can also occur with certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants that are prone to causing drowsiness. The combination may result in a more significant drowsiness, weakness, and fatigue.
It is also crucial for patients to avoid using MAO inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors simultaneously. SSRIs and MAO inhibitors can have drug interactions that cause serious adverse effects. Paxil should not be used within 14 days of stopping an MAO inhibitor and an MAO inhibitor should not be used within 14 days of stopping Paxil. Please discuss with your physician on best practices for transitioning mental health medications.
Other medications that you should also be cautious about when you use Paxil to treat depression include:
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Diazepam
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Digoxin
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Beta-blockers
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Ritonavir
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Fosamprenavir
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Tricyclic antidepressants
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Lithium
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Phenobarbital
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Cimetidine
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Phenytoin
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Warfarin
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Serotonergic drugs
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Thioridazine
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Pimozide
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Tryptophan
If you need to treat depression and take some of these drugs, discussing it with your healthcare provider is essential. They might use other medications as part of the antidepressant therapy program.
Talk to your doctor if you have a personal or family history of substance abuse. They may have antidepressants to determine which option will work best for your case.
Medication alternatives to Paxil
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or an antidepressant in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Generalized anxiety disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Panic disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Bipolar disorder
Paxil medication FAQs
How much does Paxil cost?
How can I refill my prescription?
Is it better to take Paxil during the day or night?
Please discuss the timing of the medication with your physician. The timing of day paxil is taken should be determined between you and your physician.
What to expect when you start taking Paxil?
Can Paxil be taken during the day?
Who should not take Paxil?
People who have experienced sexual dysfunction after taking another SSRI antidepressant in the past might also want to avoid the use of Paxil.
There are some serious interactions that can occur with other antidepressant drugs such as MAO inhibitors. Paxil should not be used within 14 days of stopping an MAO inhibitor and an MAO inhibitor should not be used within 14 days of stopping Paxil.
What happens if I miss a dose of Paxil?
If you take your dose in the morning and remember about a missed dose later in that day, it is sometimes possible to still take the dose without affecting the next morning's medication. If you stop taking Paxil, then you may experience certain withdrawal symptoms. You may also find that major depressive disorder (MDD) and other mental illness symptoms worsen if stop using the drug.
What happens if I take too much Paxil?
Can I purchase Paxil online?
3 simple steps to request your Paxil (paroxetine) prescription online
Book a Paxil prescription request appointment.
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Paxil prescription.
Pick up your Paxil prescription.
How to talk to your doctor about Paxil: helpful questions to ask
During your telemedicine visit with PlushCare, our doctors will listen to your concerns and create a personalized approach to managing your mental health. Our goal is to help you feel empowered and more confident about your treatment plan whether you schedule a virtual doctor appointment or talk to a healthcare provider locally. Here are some questions that may helpful to talk about during your appointment:
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Could my symptoms be related to a specific mental health condition?
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Is Paxil a suitable treatment option for me?
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What are the potential side effects of Paxil, and how can I manage them?
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Are there other treatment options available, such as therapy or lifestyle changes?
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How will we track if my treatment is working?
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When is the best time to take my medication?
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Should I take my medication with food?
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Are there any foods, drinks or supplements I should avoid while on medication?
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Will I need to be on this medication for a long period of time?
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Will I experience any withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking this medication?
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Frequently Searched Antidepressant and Anxiety Medications
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Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration. PAXIL (paroxetine hydrochloride) and PAXIL CR (paroxetine hydrochloride controlled-release tablets) Label Information. Accessed on October 16, 2023 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/020031s067,020710s031.pdf.
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Mayo Clinic. Paroxetine (Oral Route): Description. Accessed on October 16, 2023 at https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/paroxetine-oral-route/description/drg-20067632.
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MedlinePlus. Paroxetine. Accessed on October 16, 2023 at https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698032.html.
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GlaxoSmithKline Canada. Paxil Product Monograph. Accessed on October 16, 2023 at https://ca.gsk.com/media/6205/paxil_pm_en.pdf.
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.