Dosage and strength
Paroxetine is available as 10mg, 20mg and 40mg tablets
It is also available as a liquid. 10ml of paroxetine liquid is the same as a 20mg tablet.
Most people will start with a dose of 10mg or 20mg. This might be gradually increased until you and your doctor agree that you have found a dose that suits you.
The maximum recommended dose of paroxetine is 50mg or 60mg a day, depending on why you are taking it.
If you are 65 or older, the maximum recommended dose is 40mg a day. If you have problems with your liver or kidneys, you may be asked to take a lower dose than usual.
The dose of paroxetine that you're prescribed depends on why you are taking it.
How to take paroxetine
Take paroxetine once a day, in the morning. It's best to take it with food so it does not upset your stomach.
How long to take it for
Once you're feeling better it's likely that you'll carry on taking paroxetine for several more months. This is to stop the symptoms returning.
You'll need to discuss the benefits and risks of taking paroxetine for longer than a few months with your doctor. The decision will depend on what symptoms you have and how bad they are. It will also depend on whether it's a one-off problem or one that keeps coming back, how well paroxetine works for you and whether you've had any bad side effects.
If you forget to take it
If you forget to take a dose of paroxetine, but remember it before you go to bed, take it straight away. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Never take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten one.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
The amount of paroxetine that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
you've taken more than your prescribed dose of paroxetine and get symptoms such as :
- being sick (vomiting)
- shaking
- feeling sleepy
- fast heart rate
- a high temperature
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111
If you need to go to A&E do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.
Take the paroxetine packet, or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine with you.
Immediate action required: Call 999 if:
- you take more than your prescribed dose of paroxetine and have a seizure
Stopping paroxetine
If you've been feeling better for 6 months or more, your doctor may suggest coming off paroxetine.
Before you stop taking paroxetine, your doctor will recommend reducing your dose gradually over several weeks, or longer if you have been taking it for a long time.
This is to help prevent any withdrawal side effects caused by coming come off the medicine too quickly. These can include:
- feeling dizzy
- feeling sick
- numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- feeling agitated or anxious
- headaches
- shaking
Do not stop taking paroxetine suddenly, or without talking to your doctor first.