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If you suffer from anxiety, panic disorders, or depression, Paxil can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Paxil from a board-certified doctor online.*

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About Paxil (paroxetine)

Paxil is considered a type of antidepressant that falls in the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which functions by causing an increase in serotonin levels that are present in the brain. Like any antidepressant in the SSRI class, this medication can only be used for the treatment of depressive symptoms. It is ineffective against mental health conditions that do not have a relation to serotonin levels in the patient's brain.

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 as well as under different brand names, including Paroxetine, which is the name of the active chemical that Paxil uses. 

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, complete the entire course of the antidepressants 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

    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.

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder

    Paxil has also been approved by the FDA for the treatment of the obsessive-compulsive disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a condition where the patient experiences thoughts that are considered unwanted. Some patients may also experience unwanted sensations, which can lead to obsessions.

    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

    Patients with panic disorder may experience panic attacks unexpectedly. The panic attacks may cause the person to suddenly feel terrified. Some people also explain that panic disorder causes them to feel overwhelmed. People with panic disorder will often constantly change their own routines in order to prevent another panic attack from happening - yet they will still occur.

    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

    Individuals who feel anxious in social situations may experience a mental health condition known as a social anxiety disorder. This condition is a type of generalized anxiety disorder in which symptoms occur when the individual faces a public situation, such as when they walk through the mall or decide to hang out with friends at a restaurant.

    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

    Generalized anxiety disorder refers to various mental health conditions that cause the individual to experience anxious feelings and similar symptoms. The FDA recognized the appropriateness of Paxil in two clinical trials, which lasted eight weeks each.

    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

    Post-traumatic stress disorder is another relatively common mental health condition. It occurs when a person has gone through a traumatic experience in the past. The individual may experience depressive symptoms when they have PTSD.

    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:

    • Nausea

    • Dry mouth

    • Blurred vision

    • A poor appetite

    • Sleeping difficulties

    • Dizziness and drowsiness

    • Increased sweating

    • Physical and mental weakness


    Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:

    • Tremors (Shaking) and excessive restlessness

    • A reduction in sex drive

    • Numbness or tingling sensations on certain parts of the body

    • Easily bleeds or gets bruises

    • A heartbeat that is irregular or faster than normal

    • Spams and consistent weakness in muscles

    • Seizures

    • Black stools

    • Pain, swelling, and potential redness in the eyes

    • Pupils that are widened


    You should call your doctor 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 is not advised because it can cause problems with the level of neurotransmitters in the brain.

    The food and drug administration has not approved the use of Paxil among pediatrics, as it may lead to clinically worsening symptoms. In some cases, adolescents and young adults may use Paxil, but not if the individual is too young.

How to take Paxil

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. Some particular instructions may include the timing of the dose, but this is something that patients sometimes have to experiment with.

Some people may find that the pill makes them feel tired. In this case, taking it later in the afternoon is a good idea. If you think that the medication provides you with a boost in energy, on the other hand, it is a good idea to take it in the morning.

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 around 28 drug interactions that are currently known. 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. Do not take Paxil with other psychiatric disorders, especially if you already receive treatment for a different mental illness.

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 never be taken 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.

Other medications that you should also be cautious about when you use Paxil to treat depression include:

  • Diazepam

  • Digoxin

  • Beta-blockers

  • Theophylline

  • Ritonavir

  • Fosamprenavir

  • Tricyclic antidepressants

  • Lithium

  • Phenobarbital

  • Cimetidine

  • Phenytoin

  • Warfarin

  • Serotonergic drugs

  • Thioridazine

  • Pimozide

  • 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:

Paxil prescription FAQs

  • How much does Paxil cost?

    There are several factors that come into play when looking at the cost of Paxil. The cost of Paxil 10 mg is different than stronger doses, for example. The number of pills that are prescribed per refill is also something to keep in mind. A larger supply of these pills will also come at a greater cost. In addition to these elements, it is also important to consider whether you prefer the brand name Paxil medication or rather the generic version of the drug, which is usually somewhat cheaper.

  • How can I refill my prescription?

    You need to ensure you have a prescription that is still valid in order to obtain your supply of Paxil. When treating psychiatric disorders with Paxil, it is important to avoid discontinuation without a healthcare provider providing their consent. You should choose a pharmacy or online prescription fulfillment service that fits your preferences.

  • Is it better to take Paxil during the day or night?

    Many young adults will choose to take Paxil in the morning. When young adults use Paxil to treat depression, they may experience an increase in energy when they use the medication. Others might rather prefer to use the medication at night.

  • What to expect when you start taking Paxil?

    The medication will not work immediately. It is not like other medications that are meant to provide an immediate effect in the case of a panic or anxiety attack. You may experience a few side effects during the first few weeks. It usually takes around a month to start feeling the effects of Paxil.

  • Can Paxil be taken during the day?

    Yes, many people do take Paxil during the day. This is especially because Paxil may sometimes cause sleeping problems. When you take the drug too late at night, it might cause you to experience symptoms of insomnia.

  • Who should not take Paxil?

    Paxil should not be taken by pediatric patients. The FDA has not approved Paxil for use in pediatric patients. People who have had serious adverse effects from SSRIs in the past should also consider avoiding Paxil. It is also important to avoid Paxil if the person uses another medication that boosts serotonin. This might cause them to experience serotonin syndrome.

    People who have experienced sexual dysfunction after taking another SSRI antidepressant in the past might also want to avoid the use of Paxil. If you have abused potentially harmful drugs in the past, then you should also avoid Paxil. Do not take Paxil if you already use other antidepressants.

    There are some serious interactions that can occur with other antidepressant drugs. It is also a good idea to avoid Paxil oral suspension or other forms if you have had suicidal thoughts in the past, especially with other antidepressants.

  • What happens if I miss a dose of Paxil?

    When you miss a dose of Paxil, it is important to check the time. If it is close to the next dose, then skip it. It is important not to take a stronger or double dose to make up for the missed dose. This could lead to serious adverse effects. With this said, doctors prescribe Paxil for a reason, so make sure you do take your next dose.

    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?

    When doctors prescribe Paxil, they provide a specific dose of the medication with usage instructions to the patient. If you take more than you should, then you have an increased risk of developing serotonin syndrome. Whether treating post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or panic disorder, always keep in line with these recommendations.

3 simple steps to request your Paxil prescription  

Step 1: Book an appointment

Step 1

Book a Paxil prescription request appointment.

Book a same-day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2: Visit with a doctor on your smartphone

Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your Paxil prescription.

Talk with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3: pick up at local pharmacy

Step 3

Pick up your Paxil prescription.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Paxil prescription pricing details

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  • Cancel anytime

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