NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Paroxetine

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Prescription selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved for major depressive disorder, GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, OCD, and PTSD. Notable for its potent serotonin reuptake inhibition and anticholinergic activity. Associated with a higher risk of discontinuation syndrome upon abrupt cessation compared to other SSRIs due to its shorter half-life and lack of active metabolites. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2007–2022
Interactions
0
Depletes
2 nutrients
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Prescription selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved for major depressive disorder, GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, OCD, and PTSD. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 10–60 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. With long-term use it can deplete sodium, folate. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Depression symptom relief1,2
  • Anxiety reduction across multiple anxiety disorders
  • Panic attack prevention9
  • Social anxiety improvement
  • PTSD symptom relief5,6
What to watch for
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Weight gain
  • Drowsiness
  • Concurrent MAOI use (within 14 days)
  • Concurrent pimozide or thioridazine use

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: depression symptom relief, anxiety reduction across multiple anxiety disorders, panic attack prevention. 10 sources indexed (2007–2022), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Potently and selectively inhibits serotonin (5-HT) reuptake by blocking SERT. Also has mild norepinephrine reuptake inhibition and notable anticholinergic (muscarinic receptor antagonism) properties, contributing to its side effect profile. Also a potent inhibitor of CYP2D6, leading to clinically significant drug interactions with CYP2D6 substrates (e.g., codeine, tamoxifen, TCAs).10

Class
SSRI
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
10–60 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Tablet or controlled-release tablet

Can be taken with or without food. Take at the same time each day, typically in the morning. Do not crush or chew controlled-release tablets.9

Depletions

What it depletes.

Nutrients this medication can lower over time, and what to replace.

Sodium

Significant

SSRI-induced SIADH can lower serum sodium, especially in older adults and during the first weeks of therapy.

Monitor Serum sodiumOnset Most often within the first 2-12 weeks

Folate

Mild

Lower folate status is associated with poorer SSRI response and may be reduced in some chronic users through altered one-carbon metabolism.

Replace MethylfolateMonitor Serum folate or RBC folateOnset Usually over months

Full Paroxetine depletion and interaction guide →

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Weight gain
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Discontinuation syndrome upon abrupt cessation

Contraindications

  • Concurrent MAOI use (within 14 days)
  • Concurrent pimozide or thioridazine use
  • Known hypersensitivity to paroxetine1,2
  • Pregnancy (Category D for Paxil)
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

4

Reviews & position papers

3

Reference material

3
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Paroxetine, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Paroxetine?

Prescription selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved for major depressive disorder, GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, OCD, and PTSD. Notable for its potent serotonin reuptake inhibition and anticholinergic activity. Associated with a higher risk of discontinuation syndrome upon abrupt cessation compared to other SSRIs due to its shorter half-life and lack of active metabolites. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

What is Paroxetine used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Paroxetine include: Depression symptom relief; Anxiety reduction across multiple anxiety disorders; Panic attack prevention; Social anxiety improvement; PTSD symptom relief. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Paroxetine?

A typical adult dose of Paroxetine is 10–60 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Tablet or controlled-release tablet. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Paroxetine?

Reported side effects include sexual dysfunction, weight gain, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, constipation. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Paroxetine?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Paroxetine in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.