Paroxetine is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
It's often used to treat depression, and sometimes obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Paroxetine helps many people recover from depression, and it has fewer unwanted effects than older antidepressants.
Paroxetine is available on prescription. It comes as tablets and as a liquid that you swallow.
Key facts
- It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for paroxetine to work fully.
- Side effects such as feeling sick or sexual problems are common. They are usually mild and go away after a couple of weeks.
- If you and your doctor decide that you should come off paroxetine, your doctor will probably recommend reducing your dose gradually to help prevent extra withdrawal symptoms.
- Paroxetine will not change your personality. It will simply help you feel like yourself again.
- Some people find that paroxetine affects their concentration. If this happens, it might be best to stop driving, cycling or operating tools or machinery for the first few days until you know how it makes you feel.