What is paroxetine (Paxil) used for?

Paroxetine is a prescription medication used to treat mental health conditions such as major depression, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Paroxetine is also available under the brand name Brisdelle to treat hot flashes that occur during menopause.  

There may be other uses of this medicine, such as to treat chronic headaches, certain male sexual problems, and tingling in the hands or feet from diabetes. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can give you more information.

How does paroxetine (Paxil) work?

Paroxetine works by boosting the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a natural substance that elevates mood and helps to maintain mental balance.

What are paroxetine (Paxil) doses?

Paroxetine is available as an oral tablet in 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg doses. It is also available as an oral suspension of 10 mg/5 mL. 

The doses of paroxetine vary depending on the condition being treated and range from 10 mg a day to 50 mg a day. The medication is usually taken as a single daily dose in the morning. The usual starting dose is 20 mg by mouth once a day. The dose can be increased by 10 mg every week to a maximum dose of 50 mg or 60 mg a day.