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Paroxetine (Paxil or Paxil CR®): Basic Information

Paroxetine (Paxil® and generic or Paxil CR® and generic) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Here is key information about this medication.

Paroxetine

FDA-approved indications

Major Depressive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Panic Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Dosage

Major Depressive Disorder

Initial: 20 mg/day (recommended), 50 mg/day (maximum)
Maintenance: Individualized as needed

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Initial: 20 mg/day (starting), 40 mg/day (recommended), 60 mg/day (maximum)
Maintenance: Inividualized as needed

Panic Disorder

Initial: 10 mg/day (starting), 40 mg/day (recommended), 60 mg/day (maximum)
Maintenance: Inividualized as needed

Social Anxiety Disorder

Initial: 20 mg/day (starting), 20 mg/day (recommended), no evidence of benefit >20 mg/day
Maintenance: Inividualized as needed

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Initial: 20 mg/day (starting), 20 mg/day (recommended), 50 mg/day (maximum), no evidence of benefit >20 mg/day
Maintenance: Inividualized as needed

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Initial: 20 mg/day (starting), 20 mg/day (recommended), 50 mg/day (maximum), no evidence of benefit >20 mg/day
Maintenance: Inividualized as needed

General Instructions: Take once daily in the morning, with or without food.

Dosage forms and strengths (USA)

Tablets (Paxil® and generic): 10 mg scored, 20 mg scored, 30 mg, 40 mg
Oral Suspension (Paxil®): 10 mg/5 mL

Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.


Paroxetine Controlled-Release (Paxil CR®)

Paroxetine controlled-release tablets contain a polymeric matrix  designed to control the dissolution rate of paroxetine over a period of approximately 4 to 5 hours. In addition, an enteric coat delays the start of drug release until tablets have left the stomach.

FDA-approved indications

Major Depressive Disorder
Panic Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Dosage

Major Depressive Disorder

Initial: 25 mg/day (starting), 25 mg/day (recommended), 62.5 mg/day (maximum)
Maintenance: Individualized as needed

Panic Disorder

Initial: 12.5 mg/day (starting), 75 mg/day (maximum)
Maintenance: Individualized as needed

Social Anxiety Disorder

Initial: 12.5 mg/day (starting), 37.5 mg/day (maximum)
Maintenance: Individualized as needed

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Initial: 12.5 mg/day (starting), 25 mg/day (maximum)
Maintenance: No controlled trials beyond 3 menstrual cycles, individualized as needed

General Instructions: Take once daily in the morning, with or without food.

Dosage forms and strengths (USA)

Tablets (Paxil CR® and generic): 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg

Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.


Related Pages

SSRI/ SNRI plus mirtazapine: What three clinical trials found

Cytochrome P450 and psychiatric medications

How and when to titrate up antidepressants

Common and important drug interactions

Antidepressants: Index and Links


References

Prescribing information for paroxetine (Paxil®)

Prescribing information for paroxetine controlled-release (Paxil CR®)


Copyright 2016, Rajnish Mago, MD. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.

Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided as general education for medical professionals. It is not intended or recommended for patients or other laypersons, or as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients must always consult a qualified health care professional regarding their diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare professionals should always check this website for the most recently updated information.

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