Paroxetine

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Joseph Blais, Pharmacist

Last updated on July 16, 2019.

Overview | Dosage | Side Effects | Where To Buy

GENERIC NAME: Paroxetine

CHINESE NAME: 帕羅西汀

COMMON BRANDS IN HONG KONG: Seroxat / Seroxat CR (controlled-release tablet), Parotin, Paxil

What is Paroxetine for?

Paroxetine belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like Sertraline. SSRIs are antidepressants which work by allowing a type of chemicals, serotonin, to stay longer in the brain in order to boost mood. It is usually used to treat anxiety, depression, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and menopausal symptoms.

How to use it?

Paroxetine can be taken by mouth in conventional tablets. It often takes a few weeks to see noticeable improvement in your symptoms. Do not stop Paroxetine abruptly since a withdrawal syndrome can occur. When converting between immediate and controlled-release products, 10 mg of immediate release is equivalent to 12.5 mg of controlled-release. Both forms are dosed once daily.

The usual initial dose of Paroxetine is 5-20 mg daily (or 12.5 mg of the controlled-release). Your doctor may increase the dose based on your response, usually to a maximum of 60 mg per day (or 75 mg of controlled release).

What are the side effects of Paroxetine?

Common side effects of Paroxetine include excessive sweating, nausea and vomiting, headache, insomnia, ejaculation disorders. For people who are concerned about or experience nausea, switching to Paroxetine controlled-release can help reduce this side effect.

Where to buy Paroxetine in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Paroxetine is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at http://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

For detailed information about the use of Paroxetine in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.