Paroxetine Hydrochloride

Premature Ejaculation, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder + 7 more
Treatment
2 FDA approvals
0 Active Studies for Paroxetine Hydrochloride

What is Paroxetine Hydrochloride

ParoxetineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryParoxetine, also known as Paxil, is a drug used to treat a range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and menopause symptoms. It was introduced in the 1990s and is more powerful than other SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), meaning it is more likely to cause withdrawal effects if stopped suddenly. Paroxetine is generally considered safe for most patients, with a similar list of side effects to other SSRIs, although a controlled-release version was developed to help reduce the risk of nausea.
Paxilis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Paroxetine Hydrochloride 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 Hot Flashes .
Hot flashes
Helps manage Menopause
Hot Flashes
Helps manage Vasomotor Symptoms Associated With Menopause

Effectiveness

How Paroxetine Hydrochloride Affects PatientsParoxetine is used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and the hot flashes associated with menopause. It works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. The effects of paroxetine usually become noticeable after about 6 weeks. However, if taken with certain medications that block monoamine oxidase (MAO), it can cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially dangerous side effect. Therefore, it is recommended to wait two weeks before taking paroxetine after stopping MAO inhibitors.
How Paroxetine Hydrochloride works in the bodyParoxetine is a medication that works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. This helps to reduce symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and menopause. It does this by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, meaning it prevents serotonin from leaving the brain. Paroxetine also has a small effect on other brain chemicals, but it mainly works on serotonin. This drug takes some time for its effects to be seen, as it first needs to activate certain receptors, which then allows serotonin to build up in the brain.

When to interrupt dosage

The measure of Paroxetine Hydrochloride is subject to the diagnosed affliction, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The dosage can differ as per the technique of delivery (e.g. Oral or Capsule - Oral) featured in the table below.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
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
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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

Warnings

Paroxetine Hydrochloride has five contraindications, therefore it should not be administered in circumstances of the conditions detailed in the following table.Paroxetine Hydrochloride Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Serotonin Syndrome
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Paroxetine may interact with Pulse Frequency
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Paroxetine Hydrochloride.
Common Paroxetine Hydrochloride 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.
Paroxetine Hydrochloride Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of paroxetine in mice and rats is 350mg/kg. A fatal overdose of paroxetine is typically around 400mg, while the highest reported non-fatal overdose was 2000mg. Symptoms of a paroxetine overdose include fatigue, fever, difficulty sleeping, high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, shaking, dizziness, irritability, anxiety, headache, excessive sweating, enlarged pupils, seizures, and changes in mental status. There is no known antidote for an overdose of paroxetine.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Paroxetine Hydrochloride Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Paroxetine Hydrochloride?

Currently, 539 active trials are being conducted to investigate the utility of Paroxetine Hydrochloride in treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Premature Ejaculation and Menopausal symptoms.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
239 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4, Phase 1
Depression
190 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 1, Early Phase 1, Phase 3
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
201 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 1, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Social Anxiety Disorder
22 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Early Phase 1, Phase 3
Panic Disorder
15 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
18 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2, Early Phase 1, Phase 1
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
8 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2
Hot Flashes
0 Actively Recruiting
Premature Ejaculation
0 Actively Recruiting
Hot flashes
14 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 4

Paroxetine Hydrochloride Reviews: What are patients saying about Paroxetine Hydrochloride?

5Patient Review
3/10/2019
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for "Change of Life" Signs
Hot flashes have decreased significantly, now only occurring a few times per day. I've also been feeling sleepy in the evenings, but it's a welcome opportunity to relax. Another plus is that I've lost weight due to lack of appetite. Finally, I have more energy in the mornings and can be more productive with my time.
5Patient Review
7/2/2022
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Depression
I've been taking paroxetine for 25 years and it's really improved my quality of life. I've tried to wean myself off a few times but the anxiety and depression come back too strong without it. I'm currently on a maintenance dose of 20mg and doing well.
5Patient Review
12/15/2018
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for "Change of Life" Signs
This is the best medication I've tried for hot flashes.
5Patient Review
7/2/2022
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Depression
I've been taking Paroxetine for 25 years and it has completely changed my life. I've tried to wean myself off a few times, but the anxiety and depression come back extremely quickly and severely without it. I'm stable on a maintenance dose of 20mg now, and at 61 years old, I'm in excellent mental and physical health.
5Patient Review
9/10/2017
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Depression
I've been using this treatment for a few years and it works great for me.
5Patient Review
9/10/2017
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Depression
I've been taking this medication for a few years and have found it to be very effective.
5Patient Review
12/15/2018
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for "Change of Life" Signs
I've tried a few different medications for hot flashes, and this one is by far the best.
5Patient Review
3/10/2019
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for "Change of Life" Signs
I've been taking this for three months now, and it's cut down my hot flashes to just a few times a day. I also find myself getting sleepy earlier in the evening, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. My mouth has gotten really dry though, so I'm drinking more water. I've also lost weight because of decreased appetite, which is great. Overall, I have more energy in the morning and can get more done.
4.7Patient Review
8/16/2019
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Panic Disorder
I'm really happy with Paroxetine. I've been taking 20 mg per day since June 2018 and saw a significant change after about six weeks. The few side effects I experienced in the beginning were totally worth it, because this medication has completely changed my life for the better.
4.7Patient Review
9/29/2020
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Major Depressive Disorder
I've been on this medication for 19 years and it's always done a great job at evening out my mood swings. However, recently I started experiencing some unpleasant side effects in the form of tinnitus. Not sure what to do about it at this point.
4.7Patient Review
8/16/2019
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Panic Disorder
I'm quite pleased with Paroxetine. I've been taking 20 mg per day since June 2018 and saw results within a month or two. There were some mild side effects at first, but after sticking it out they disappeared and I found the medication to be incredibly helpful for managing my panic attacks and anxiety.
4.7Patient Review
9/29/2020
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Major Depressive Disorder
I've been pretty happy with this medication for the last 19 years. It's helped me a lot with my mood swings, and my husband has noticed too. However, recently I've been having some titinits (a type of muscle spasm) that are really bothersome and I don't know what to do about it.
4.7Patient Review
8/25/2022
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Panic Disorder
After a really tough initial period, this medication started working and really helped me. It's been life-changing in the best way possible.
4.7Patient Review
6/27/2022
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Panic Disorder
I really feel like this medication has given me my life back. It's helped so much with my tourrettes and I'm incredibly grateful.
4.7Patient Review
6/27/2022
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Panic Disorder
I'm feeling great since I started this medication. It's also curbed my tics from tourrettes.
4.7Patient Review
8/25/2022
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Panic Disorder
At first, this medication was really tough to get through. The first few weeks were incredibly difficult. However, after a month or so it started working and I've been feeling much better since then. This treatment saved my life and I'm grateful for that.
4.3Patient Review
1/10/2019
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for "Change of Life" Signs
This is the best treatment I've tried for hot flashes. They've gone from happening every hour to just three times a day. Additionally, it's helped with my mood swings.
4.3Patient Review
8/21/2020
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Panic Disorder
It took some time for this medication to take effect, but once it did I noticed a significant decrease in my anxiety levels. I'm glad to report that I haven't had a major panic attack since starting this treatment.
4.3Patient Review
8/21/2020
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Panic Disorder
It took some time for this medicine to take effect, but once it did, I found that my anxiety was greatly alleviated. I haven't had a single panic attack since starting this treatment regimen.
4.3Patient Review
1/10/2019
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for "Change of Life" Signs
This has been the most effective treatment I've tried for hot flashes. They've gone from happening every hour to only a few times a day. Additionally, it's helped to stabilize my mood which is great.
4Patient Review
6/27/2022
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome
This medication has helped me a lot with my anxiety and tourrettes. The only downside is that it makes it hard to orgasm, but that side effect eventually went away on its own. Overall, this medication has given me back my life and personality.
4Patient Review
11/4/2021
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Panic Disorder
I've been taking 12.5mg ER since November of 2018 and it has helped to reduce the frequency and intensity of my panic attacks. The medication does make me sleepy, but I am still able to function relatively normally.
4Patient Review
11/4/2021
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Panic Disorder
I've been taking 12.5mg of this medication since November 2018 and it has helped to lessen the intensity and frequency of my panic attacks. I do find that it makes me tired, but not excessively so.
4Patient Review
6/27/2022
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome
This medication has helped me a great deal with my anxiety and tourrettes. The only downside is that I've lost the ability to orgasm, but thankfully that seems to be subsiding. All in all, this meds has allowed me to have a much better quality of life.
3.7Patient Review
7/12/2021
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for "Change of Life" Signs
I've been on the medication for 24 days now. I have experienced fewer hot flashes, but when I do get them they're accompanied by profuse sweating. Additionally, I find myself sleeping more hours than usual. Overall, it's decent so far but I'll wait a few more months before deciding if I want to continue taking it.
3.7Patient Review
2/1/2018
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Repeated Episodes of Anxiety
I've been on this medication for a little over a month now, and while it has helped my anxiety, I sometimes experience shaking and sweating. It's not pleasant, and I'm considering asking my doctor to switch me to something else.
3.7Patient Review
2/1/2018
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Repeated Episodes of Anxiety
I've been on this medication for a little over a month now, and it does help with my anxiety. However, I sometimes experience shaking and sweating which makes me feel uncomfortable. I'm considering talking to my doctor about changing medications.
3.7Patient Review
7/12/2021
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for "Change of Life" Signs
I've been on this for 24 days now. I have less hot flashes, but when I walk I sweat really bad and my body feels incredibly hot.Overall, I'm drinking more water and sleeping more hours. I'll give it 3 months before deciding if I want to continue with this medicine.
2.3Patient Review
9/20/2017
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome
At first, I thought this dosage was working for me. But after three months, I suddenly became very depressed and my anxiety skyrocketed.
2.3Patient Review
9/20/2017
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome
I was initially pleased with the results of this medication, but after three months I began to experience increased depression and anxiety.
2Patient Review
5/4/2021
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for "Change of Life" Signs
I waited for this to work, but after taking the entire bottle I'm no closer to understanding what it's supposed to do.
2Patient Review
5/4/2021
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for "Change of Life" Signs
I waited for this to work, but it didn't. I'm not sure what it's supposed to be used for.
1Patient Review
6/5/2022
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Panic Disorder
I took 20mg for 4 days. It was awful. Headaches and nausea. Rang GP and asked to stop. The following 6 days have been the worst in my life. Extreme nausea, cant sleep, feeling like i cant breathe properly, diorreah, crying, severe anxiety. Its the worst withdrawal i have ever experienced. I spent days just constantly pacing around. I wish i had never taken this med
1Patient Review
6/5/2022
Paroxetine Hydrochloride for Panic Disorder
I wish I had never taken this medication. It caused me nothing but headaches and nausea for the four days that I took it, and the withdrawal has been even worse. For six days now I've been dealing with non-stop nausea, anxiety, diarrhea, and more.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about paroxetine hydrochloride

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

What are the side effects of taking paroxetine?

"headache, dizziness, weakness, difficulty concentrating, nervousness, forgetfulness, confusion, sleepiness."

Answered by AI

Is paroxetine a sleeping pill?

"This medication is used to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Paroxetine is a drug that is used to treat various mental disorders. It is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which means that it helps to restore the balance of serotonin in the brain. This can improve symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, and depression. It can also help to improve sleep, appetite, and energy levels, and restore interest in everyday activities."

Answered by AI

What is paroxetine hydrochloride used for?

"The drug Paroxetine is used to to treat a number of mental disorders which include: depression, OCD, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder."

Answered by AI

Is paroxetine a strong antidepressant?

"Among the SSRIs, fluoxetine and paroxetine are highly potent inhibitors of 2D6, while sertraline is only a moderate inhibitor. Women taking SSRIs that weakly inhibit 2D6 have a 8.8% risk of breast cancer recurrence, as opposed to the 7.5% risk in women not taking these drugs."

Answered by AI