Paroxetine
Paroxetine is an SSRI antidepressant for depression, panic disorder and social anxiety, sold here as Paxil tablets in 10mg to 40mg and Paxil Cr in 12.5mg to 37.5mg.
How paroxetine works
Paroxetine is an SSRI, short for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Nerve cells in the brain pass signals to each other with serotonin, and paroxetine slows the clean-up that normally removes it, so more is left between the cells. Over the following weeks low mood lifts and anxiety eases. The conditions it is taken for are major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder, which means sudden surges of fear with a racing heart, sweating, chest tightness and dizziness.
Paxil and Paxil Cr compared
Two paroxetine products sit in the antidepressants range. Paxil is the plain tablet, sold in 10mg, 20mg, 30mg and 40mg, and it gives up its whole dose at once. Paxil Cr is the controlled-release version: 12.5mg, 25mg and 37.5mg tablets that let paroxetine out gradually across the day. Both are taken once daily, and both work through the same active ingredient; the difference lies in how the dose is released.
Taking paroxetine day to day
A single tablet in the morning suits most people. Food makes little difference to how much paroxetine reaches the bloodstream, so breakfast or an empty stomach are both fine. Because the drug clears from the body quickly, a consistent daily time keeps the level steady, and a forgotten dose can make itself felt within a day. Come off it abruptly and the same cluster of symptoms returns, which is why the dose is reduced in steps over several weeks. Store the pack away from direct sunlight; there is no need to refrigerate it.
Side effects and what to watch for
The first fortnight often brings queasiness, a dry mouth, sweating, headaches and disturbed sleep — some people feel drowsy, others wakeful. These usually fade. Sexual effects are common and more persistent: less interest, delayed ejaculation, and orgasm that becomes harder to reach. Easy bruising or bleeding, and low sodium in older people, are less common. Two reactions need emergency care: serotonin syndrome, where restlessness, confusion, fever, shivering and muscle stiffness appear together, and an allergic reaction with swelling of the lips, face or throat or a rash that spreads.
Mixing paroxetine with other medicines
Paroxetine is not combined with an MAOI antidepressant, or taken within a fortnight of stopping one, because the two together can push serotonin to dangerous levels. Tramadol, triptans and St John's wort raise serotonin too and add to that risk. Aspirin, ibuprofen and similar painkillers make bleeding more likely. Alcohol is not off the table, but it sharpens the sleepy, light-headed feeling the tablets can bring in the early weeks.
Sources
- Paroxetine: MedlinePlus Drug Information — National Library of Medicine
- Panic disorder - NHS — National Health Service
Can I order Paroxetine online in Hong Kong?
Paroxetine can be ordered online with delivery to Hong Kong. The range includes generic Paxil tablets in 10mg, 20mg, 30mg and 40mg, and generic Paxil Cr tablets in 12.5mg, 25mg and 37.5mg. Every order ships in plain, unbranded packaging with nothing on the outside about the contents.
How much does Paroxetine cost?
Prices vary between the two paroxetine products and between pack sizes. Every product page lists its current prices in HKD or in the currency you choose.
Do I need a prescription to order Paroxetine?
PockDose does not ask you to upload a prescription when you order paroxetine. See the ordering FAQ for details.
What are the other names for paroxetine?
Paxil CR is a brand name of paroxetine, which is also sold as Seroxat. Here, paroxetine can be bought online as generic Paxil CR. These are generics, not the original brand.
How long does paroxetine take to work?
Sleep and appetite often shift before mood does, so the first fortnight can feel like nothing is happening. Most people notice a real change by the third or fourth week, and the full benefit can take up to eight weeks of steady daily dosing.
Can I drink alcohol with paroxetine?
A couple of drinks is unlikely to cause trouble once you know how the tablets affect you, though alcohol and paroxetine both slow you down, and the combination can leave you sleepier and dizzier than either alone. Heavy drinking is the part worth avoiding.
Can I stop paroxetine suddenly?
Stopping all at once often brings dizziness, tingling in the hands, shakiness, vivid dreams and irritability within a day or two, because paroxetine clears from the body quickly. Stepping the dose down over several weeks avoids most of these symptoms.
How long does paroxetine stay in your system?
The amount in the blood falls by roughly half every 24 hours, so little is left a few days after the last tablet. The last traces clear within about a week of the final tablet.
Is it better to take paroxetine in the morning or at night?
Morning suits most people, because paroxetine is more likely to keep you awake than make you sleepy, and a late dose can interfere with sleep. If it leaves you drowsy instead, an evening dose is a reasonable change — what matters most is keeping to the same time each day.