Paxil (paroxetine)

The generic name for Paxil is paroxetine.

Paxil (paroxetine) is FDA-approved to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and menopausal vasomotor symptoms.

Yes. Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a class of medications that help regulate serotonin activity in the brain, typically used to treat depression and anxiety-related disorders.

The cost of Paxil depends on whether you are prescribed the brand-name medication or the generic version, paroxetine.

• • Brand-name Paxil: As of publication date, prices for oral tablets typically range from about $295 to $335 for 30 tablets, depending on the dosage strength.
  • Generic paroxetine: As of publication date, prices are around $9 to $12 for 30 tablets. Other forms, such as capsules or liquid suspensions, range from about $69 for 30 capsules to $284 for 250 mL.

If you have insurance, your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your supporting diagnosis and plan type (e.g., commercial, Medicare, Medicaid) and may include a copay or coinsurance.

Common side effects include nausea, drowsiness, dry mouth, sweating, constipation, dizziness, sexual side effects, and weight changes. Some people also report fatigue and nervousness. For some individuals, side effects improve after days, weeks, months, or not at all.

Generally side effects appear right away, or not at all. Some individuals who experience nausea, stomach aches, or headaches often see these side effects go away during the first week as their body tends to adjust to the medication.

Yes, weight gain is a common side effect of Paxil, especially with longer-term use. However, most people do not experience this side effect.

Paxil can cause sleep disturbance (insomnia or restlessness) and drowsiness or fatigue in some people. If you notice tiredness, speak with your clinician about timing of your dose or alternative options.

Initial improvements may appear within 2-3 weeks. Full mood and anxiety benefits typically take 4–6 weeks or longer. For OCD, the improvement may occur gradually over 10-14 weeks. Individual results may vary.

When Paxil begins to work, people often notice a gradual improvement in symptoms associated with the condition treated. This may include reduced anxiety and lifting of mood as well as potential improvements in motivation, sleep, energy, and daily functioning.

Paxil is not known for being addictive when taken as prescribed by a clinician. Unlike benzodiazepines, SSRIs such as sertraline do not have a reputation for causing chemical dependence, but stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal-like symptoms (sometimes called discontinuation syndrome). According to a 2024 study, one in six to seven patients (~15%) who abruptly discontinue their medication experience discontinuation symptoms. Always follow your psychiatric provider’s directions on when to stop taking medications or change dosages.

Stopping Paxil too quickly might cause dizziness, flu-like symptoms, irritability, anxiety, sleep problems, or “brain zaps” (brief electrical-like jolts in the brain). If they do occur, these effects typically last a few up to several days. Always follow your psychiatric provider’s directions on when to stop taking medications or change dosages.

Both Paxil (paroxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) are SSRIs used for depression and anxiety-related disorders. Paxil may be more sedating and associated with weight gain, while Zoloft may be prescribed more often due to a lower likelihood of side effects for most people.

Paxil (paroxetine) and Prozac (fluoxetine) are SSRIs used for depression and anxiety-related disorders. Prozac (fluoxetine) has a longer half-life and might be more activating, while Paxil has a shorter half-life and is often more sedating.

Try to avoid alcohol while on Paxil. Alcohol may worsen side effects like drowsiness and dizziness and may reduce the medication’s effectiveness. SSRIs can make alcohol feel more intoxicating than usual.

Paxil has been linked to potential risks when taken in early pregnancy. It may be prescribed if the benefits outweigh the risks, but this should be carefully discussed with your prescribing provider.

Paroxetine does pass into breast milk in small amounts. Many infants tolerate it well, but some may have irritability or feeding problems. Always follow your psychiatric provider’s directions on when to take prescription medications.

Yes. Paxil is FDA-approved for generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, OCD, and PTSD.