Paroxetine for depression and anxiety: how it works and what to expect
Paroxetine is an SSRI antidepressant used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD and panic disorder. Find out how it works, side effects, dosing and what patients report.
What is paroxetine?
Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. It works by increasing serotonin levels in your brain to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Doctors prescribe it most often for major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder.
Brand names include Paxil and Pexeva. Generic paroxetine costs less and works identically.
How paroxetine works
Paroxetine blocks the reabsorption of serotonin in your brain. When serotonin stays in circulation longer, your mood and anxiety levels improve. This mechanism takes 2 to 4 weeks to produce noticeable effects, sometimes longer.
Typical dosing
Starting doses range from 10 to 20 mg daily. Most people reach therapeutic benefit at 20 to 40 mg daily. Doctors may increase to 50 mg or higher depending on your response and tolerance.
You take it once daily, usually in the morning or evening.
Side effects patients report
Common side effects include nausea, headache, insomnia, sexual dysfunction and weight gain. Most settle within the first 2 weeks. Sexual side effects may persist.
Withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, electric shock sensations and anxiety can occur if you stop suddenly, so taper under medical supervision.
Cost and access
Generic paroxetine typically costs 10 to 30 dollars per month with insurance, less with discount programs. Most insurance plans cover it.