Paroxetine is the generic equivalent of Paxil®.

By law, a generic drug must be the same as its brand name counterpart in terms of active ingredient, dosage, safety, effectiveness, strength, stability, and quality. A generic may, however, differ in its inactive ingredients (i.e. flavoring, fillers, and preservatives).

Paroxetine is FDA approved for the treatment of:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) or depression

• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Panic disorder (PD)

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. It works by blocking the brain’s quick absorption of serotonin, a “feed good” chemical in your brain. The end result? An increased level of serotonin in your brain, which is thought to improve mood.

The most common side effects of paroxetine include:

• Constipation

• Sleepiness, drowsiness

• Sexual dysfunction, including altered sex drive and abnormal ejaculation

• Abnormal physical weakness or lack of energy (asthenia)

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Dry mouth

• Infection

• Flu symptoms

• Change in sleep habits, insomnia

• Tremor or shaking

• Sweating

• Feeling anxious or nervous

Side effects may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medicine.

This list doesn’t represent all possible side effects (or serious side effects) of paroxetine. If you’re experiencing any ongoing, bothersome side effect(s), tell your healthcare provider right away.

If you’d like to learn more, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also has a helpful medication guide for paroxetine here.

Paroxetine (Paxil®) does come with serious warnings. These include:

• Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions*

• Serotonin syndrome—a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when there’s too much serotonin in the brain

• Withdrawal symptoms—abrupt discontinuation of treatment can cause nausea, anxiety, confusion, and dizziness

• Abnormal bleeding

• Seizures or convulsions

• Manic episodes or hypomania in patients with bipolar disorder

• Severe allergic reactions

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Low sodium levels in the blood

• Visual problems or glaucoma

• Difficulty sitting still or restlessness (akathisia)

• Increased risk of bone fractures

• May cause harm to the fetus if taken during pregnancy

If any of the above concern you, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about your perceived risk and other treatment options that exist.

*This warning is a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious type of medication warning assigned by the FDA.