Paroxetine: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, antidepressant. It is most commonly prescribed for major depressive disorder in adults, although it is also used for several anxiety-related conditions. Paroxetine is a prescription medicine in the United Kingdom, and a generic version has been available since 2003-07-30.

Paroxetine is indicated for adults with major depressive disorder, which can involve persistent low mood and loss of interest. It is also used for obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These conditions can affect mood, thoughts, anxiety levels, behaviour and daily activities.

Paroxetine is not approved for use in paediatric patients. Treatment should be guided by a prescriber who can assess the condition and monitor progress.

The label lists oral capsules of 7.5 mg, oral suspension of 10 mg/5 mL, film-coated tablets of 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg and 40 mg, and extended-release film-coated tablets of 12.5 mg, 25 mg and 37.5 mg.

The label lists a starting daily dose of 20 mg and a maximum daily dose of 50 mg for major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The label lists a starting daily dose of 20 mg and a maximum daily dose of 60 mg for obsessive compulsive disorder.

The label lists a starting daily dose of 10 mg and a maximum daily dose of 60 mg for panic disorder.

The usual starting dose is 20 mg daily for social anxiety disorder and generalised anxiety disorder. The label lists 10 mg daily as the starting dose for elderly patients and patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment, with a maximum of 40 mg daily. The label states that treatment should be reduced gradually when discontinued.

Paroxetine is an SSRI. It reduces the reuptake of serotonin by nerve cells in the brain, leaving more serotonin available to pass messages between them. Serotonin helps regulate mood, anxiety, sleep and other brain functions.

Over time, this change in serotonin signalling may reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms and help lessen unwanted obsessive thoughts or panic symptoms. The full benefit may take time to develop, and the medicine does not work in exactly the same way for every person.

Paroxetine is associated with a less than 2-fold increased risk of cardiovascular malformations when used during the first trimester. SSRI use, particularly later in pregnancy, may increase the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension and poor neonatal adaptation.

Use in the month before delivery may be associated with an increased risk of postpartum haemorrhage. Anyone who is pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding should discuss treatment with a doctor or pharmacist before changing or stopping it.

A missed dose can reduce the regular effect of paroxetine and may contribute to discontinuation symptoms if doses are missed repeatedly. General pharmacy advice is to follow the prescriber's instructions and ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if a dose is missed.

A double dose should not be used to make up for a missed dose unless a prescriber specifically advises this. Paroxetine should not be stopped suddenly because the label describes adverse reactions after discontinuation.

Store paroxetine tablets at 20°C to 25°C, as directed on the label. Keep the medicine in its original packaging, protected from moisture and out of reach of children. Check the product packaging for any additional storage instructions for capsules or oral suspension.