Paxil (Paroxetine)
Paxil is a potent SSRI used to treat depression, social anxiety, PTSD, OCD, & panic disorder, with notable withdrawal challenges.
Evidence last reviewed: 05 Apr 2026
Not a routine supplement — not recommended for self-directed use.
Information here is educational only, not a recommendation to use. See our Safety page.
Evidence is from research or clinical settings — does not imply safety outside supervised contexts.
Paxil has moderate to high evidence supporting its use for several mental health disorders, particularly major depressive disorder and poststroke depression. However, concerns about suicidality in younger patients and withdrawal symptoms are notable gaps in the evidence.
Major depressive disorder maintenanceAdults with major depressive disorder · Systematic reviewHigh
Paroxetine was effective in reducing the 6-month relapse rate in major depressive disorder.
Dose equivalenceGeneral population · RCTModerate
Paroxetine dosage equivalent to fluoxetine 40mg/day was found to be 34mg/day.
Poststroke depressionAdults with poststroke depression · Meta-analysisModerate
Paroxetine was found to be effective for poststroke depression.
Premature ejaculationMen with premature ejaculation · Systematic reviewModerate
Paroxetine was effective in managing premature ejaculation.
Generalized anxiety disorderGeneral population · Case seriesLow
Paroxetine is widely used for generalized anxiety disorder, though concerns about suicidality in younger patients exist.