About paroxetine hcl
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Used for
- Depression
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorders
Usual adult dose
Usually 20 mg once daily; adjusted gradually according to condition and response, typically up to 50–60 mg daily.
Common side effects
- Nausea, dry mouth, sweating
- Sleepiness or insomnia
- Sexual problems
- Weight changes
Important warnings
- Do not stop suddenly; withdrawal symptoms can occur.
- May increase suicidal thoughts in young adults, especially early in treatment.
- Can cause serotonin syndrome, particularly with other serotonergic medicines.
- May increase bleeding risk and trigger mania in susceptible people.
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy requires careful assessment; late-pregnancy exposure may cause newborn complications. Do not stop suddenly without medical guidance.
Breastfeeding
Passes into breast milk in small amounts; monitor infants for sleepiness, feeding problems, or poor weight gain.
Interactions
- MAO inhibitors and other serotonergic medicines can cause serotonin syndrome.
- Blood thinners and NSAIDs may increase bleeding risk.
- Tamoxifen effectiveness may be reduced.
- Paroxetine can interact with medicines metabolized by liver enzymes, including some antipsychotics.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.