FDA approved

Generic for Paxil®Paroxetine

Starting at $49/mo

Getting psychiatric care for anxiety and depression has never been simpler. Consult with a licensed healthcare provider to determine whether a medication like paroxetine could be right for you.

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Prescribed by a healthcare provider experienced in treating anxiety & depression, if appropriate

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Unlimited provider messaging

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Unlimited dosage adjustments

What is paroxetine?

Paroxetine is an antidepressant medication in the SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) family. It works by balancing chemicals naturally found in the brain. The FDA first approved paroxetine in 1992 and it is marketed under the brand names Paxil®, Paxil CR®, Pexeva®, and Brisdelle®.

Paroxetine uses

Paroxetine is approved by the FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). It is also indicated for social anxiety disorder (social phobia), panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Not all mental health conditions can be treated by a provider through our platform. Those who are not candidates for treatment through our platform should consider seeking care from a medical provider in person to evaluate potential options for treatment.

How paroxetine works

Like other SSRIs, paroxetine lowers the amount of serotonin that your neurons reabsorb, which results in more free serotonin in your brain.

* Only available if prescribed after an online consultation with a healthcare provider.

* Controlled substances such as Xanax and Adderall are not available through our platform.

* This page has been medically reviewed by Sylvia Valadez, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC.

Important Safety Information

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Generic for Paxil®

How to get paroxetine online with Hims

1. Simple consultation

Complete an online mental health assessment and intake form, then connect with a healthcare provider through our platform.

2. Free delivery

Get paroxetine shipped to you for free, if prescribed.

3. Ongoing support

Enjoy secure, ongoing support 100% online—including refills and unlimited dosage adjustments.

Paroxetine 101

What’s an SSRI?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant that work by increasing levels of a mood-affecting chemical called serotonin in the brain which helps to improve your symptoms. Nice, right?

The science of paroxetine

Your brain naturally produces chemicals that make you feel good, like serotonin. Paroxetine keeps neurons from reabsorbing this chemical so that you have more of it available in your brain. Long story short? This can help to relieve symptoms of depression.

Featured reviews

Real results from guys like you

Andrew

“Without Hims, I do not think that I would have been able to manage such a stressful period of my life without having access to my needed medication.”
 

Verified review

Harry

“Signing up for the session was easy, it was free, private and totally online. I couldn’t have gotten a better set up.”

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Charlie

“It’s tough during these times and I definitely felt like I had a team helping me out. I needed this and I know others will too.”

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Jonathan

“During the pandemic, gaining access to a doctor was made more difficult and Hims was the solution I found to address my need for mental health care.”
 

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Francis

“So far, I have loved the experience with HIMS and I am noticing a positive effect from the medication I have been taking.”

Verified review

These customers’ results have not been independently verified. Individual results will vary. Customers were given free product.

Felt better

Over 75% of Hims customers who checked in with their provider reported improvements in their mental health symptoms.*

* Results vary. Data were self-reported between 11/26/2021 and 08/01/2022 by Hims customers who 1) signed up between 11/04/2021 and 05/04/2022; 2) were prescribed antidepressant medication by a provider after their first consultation on the Hims platform; and 3) had an active subscription for such antidepressant medication through the Hims platform within 90 days after signing up.


You’re in good hands

Before they're accepted to the pool of professionals we work with, all healthcare providers undergo a rigorous vetting process. They have years of experience and they’re ready to help with whatever you’re going through.

Frequently asked questions about paroxetine

What paroxetine side effects are there to consider?

The most common side effects of paroxetine include headache, nausea, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, feeling anxious or trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, confusion, sexual problems, sweating, shaking, not feeling hungry, dry mouth, constipation, nausea, muscle pain, infection, yawning. Discuss worsening or serious side effects with your provider, such as increased risk of suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, changes in heart rate, low blood pressure, or allergic reaction. Learn more about the side effects of paroxetine here.

How can I tell if paroxetine is working?

You can tell if paroxetine is working when you feel an improvement in your depression symptoms.
When taking an antidepressant like paroxetine, it is important to have regular check-ins with your healthcare to ensure that paroxetine is the right antidepressant for you. If you are having bothersome side effects or are not feeling any improvement in your condition, you should discuss if your paroxetine dosing is right with your healthcare provider.
Do not try to determine on your own if paroxetine is working and do not stop taking your medication without getting medical advice from your healthcare provider. Short term use or stopping paroxetine abruptly could cause serious adverse effects and withdrawal symptoms. It is important for you to monitor your paroxetine experience with a medical professional.

Does paroxetine make you sleepy?

Paroxetine can cause you to feel sleepy because, in addition to mood, serotonin is an important neurotransmitter for regulating sleep and appetite. The effect paroxetene has on serotonin may result in sleepiness or other changes in sleep. If you feel severe fatigue, consult your healthcare provider.

How do I buy paroxetine online?

Consult with a psychiatrist or other qualified psychiatry provider online through our platform. If prescribed paroxetine, genuine paroxetine hcl will be shipped to you discreetly. You’ll have ongoing check-ins with a healthcare provider to evaluate whether your treatment plan is working.

Does paroxetine interact with other drugs?

Risk of serotonin syndrome (toxicity that occurs when there is too much serotonin in the system) increases when combined with any substance that increases serotonin, including drugs (eg, antidepressants, such as fluoxetine) or supplements (eg, St. John's Wort or tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin). Like other SSRIs, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, such as linezolid) are known to cause serious drug interactions. Be prepared to share all prescription and over the counter medications, as well as any other products you take, with your healthcare provider.

Who should not take paroxetine?

You should talk to your doctor before you take paroxetine if you have glaucoma or are taking any of the following medicines:
  • citalopram
  • pimozide
  • warfarin
  • methylene blue
  • tamoxifen
  • thioridazine
  • tramadol

What is paroxetine used for?

Paroxetine is mainly used to treat major depression disorder. It is also indicated for social anxiety disorder (social phobia), panic disorder or panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and for use in those with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Additionally, healthcare providers sometimes provide paroxetine for premature ejaculation, breakthrough depressive episodes in those with bipolar disorder, or hot flashes in people with menopause.

Learn more about paroxetine

Important safety information

Learn more about paroxetine

Important safety information

Important Safety Information

Do not take Paroxetine if you:
  • are allergic to Paroxetine, or any of the ingredients in Fluoxetine
  • take any medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or if you have stopped taking an MAOI within the last 14 days
  • taking thioridazine
  • taking tamoxifen
  • taking pimozide
  • are drinking alcohol
  • are using or abusing recreation drugs or prescription medications
Paroxetine can cause serious side effects. Rarely reported side effects include:
  • low sodium blood levels (symptoms may include headache, weakness and difficulty remembering or concentrating)
  • teeth grinding
  • angle closure glaucoma (symptoms of angle closure glaucoma may include eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around eye)
  • serotonin syndrome (symptoms may include shivering, diarrhea, confusion, severe muscle tightness, fever, seizures, and death)
  • seizure
  • increased risk of bleeding events when combined with use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen), warfarin, and other anticoagulants
Before you take Paroxetine, tell your healthcare provider if you:
  • have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
  • have a history of psychiatric or medical problems, including bipolar disorder
  • have taken any medication in the past for your condition, whether effective or not
  • have suffered adverse or side effects from previous medication therapies
  • are receiving any non-medication treatment, such as talk therapy
  • drink alcohol or use/abuse recreational or prescription drugs
  • are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, and recreational drugs.
Paroxetine may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect the way Paroxetine works, causing side effects. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following:
  • any other serotonergic medications, migraine medications (triptans), pain medications, antibiotic linezolid, amphetamines
  • atomoxetine
  • antipsychotics (aripiprazole, risperidone)
  • warfarin
  • cardiac medications (propafenone, metoprolol, propranolol)
  • tricyclic antidepressants (desipramine, imipramine)
During treatment with this medication, the side effects of this medication may go away as your body adjusts to the medication. The most common side effects of Paroxetine: Headache, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, increased sweating, and dizziness, feeling nervous, restless, fatigued, sleepy, or having trouble sleeping (insomnia). Sexual side effects, such as problems with orgasm or ejaculatory delay often do not diminish over time.
Paroxetine is a prescription medicine used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (social phobia), panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
The controlled release form should be swallowed whole. Do not break, crush or chew it.
If you miss a dose of paroxetine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose. Discuss this with your healthcare provider. Do not double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed.
Do not stop taking paroxetine, even when you feel better. Abruptly stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms including: nausea, sweating, dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances as electric shock sensations, tremor, anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, hypomania, ringing in the ears, and seizures.
Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve.
Patients, their families, and caregivers should be alert to the emergence of anxiety, restlessness, irritability, aggressiveness and insomnia. If these symptoms emerge, they should be reported to the patient’s prescriber or healthcare professional. All patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should watch for and notify their healthcare provider for worsening symptoms, suicidality and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment.
If you no longer need your medication, the best way to dispose of most types of old, unused, unwanted, or expired medicines (both prescription and over the counter) is to drop off the medicine at a drug take back site, location, or program immediately. You can use the DEA DIVERSION CONTROL DIVISION LOOKUP to find your nearest drug disposal site.
If no drug take back sites, locations, or programs are available in your area, and there are no specific disposal instructions (such as flushing) in the medication guide or package insert, you can follow these simple steps to dispose of most medicines in your trash at home:
  • Mix medicines (liquid or pills; do not crush tablets or capsules) with an unappealing substance such as dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds;
  • Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag;
  • Throw away the container in your trash at home; and
  • Delete all personal information on the prescription label of empty medicine bottles or medicine packaging, then trash or recycle the empty bottle or packaging.
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If you’re having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local ER.

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* Controlled substances, including amphetamines (such as Adderall) or benzodiazepines (such as Xanax and Valium) are not available through our platform.