Paxil (paroxetine) is primarily used to treat several mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).[1][2][4][5][6][7][8]
It is also used to manage vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flashes.[2][3][5][7]
In addition to its approved uses, Paxil is sometimes prescribed off-label for other conditions such as:
- Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Premature ejaculation
- Chronic headaches
- Sexual dysfunction
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Malignancy-related pruritus (itching) resistant to usual treatment
- Postpartum depression
Paroxetine works as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps improve mood and relieve symptoms in these conditions.[1][2][5]
References
- [1] What Is Paxil? Know About Its Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, And More
- [2] Paroxetine – Wikipedia
- [3] Paroxetine: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action – DrugBank
- [4] Paroxetine – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- [5] Paroxetine: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures … – WebMD
- [6] About paroxetine – NHS
- [7] Paroxetine: MedlinePlus Drug Information
- [8] Paroxetine (Paxil) | National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)