Paroxetine

( Paxil )

Medically Reviewed by Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jun 20, 2022

Drug Details


Common Brands:

Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva, Brisdelle

Availability:

Prescription only

Therapeutic Class:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant

Forms:

Oral tablet, oral capsule, controlled-release (long-acting) tablet, oral suspension

Administration:

By mouth

Therapeutic Uses:

Major depressive disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Controlled Status:

Not a controlled substance


What is paroxetine (Paxil)?

Paroxetine (puh rawk suh teen) belongs to a group of antidepressant medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. It is a prescription oral medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders such as OCD, panic disorder, and PTSD.

Who can take paroxetine (Paxil)?

Paroxetine is approved for use in adults. Children younger than 18 years of age are not usually prescribed this medication, but a doctor may use this medication to treat a child in some cases.