Paroxetine

Depression, generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, OCD, and PTSD.

Paroxetine blocks serotonin reuptake and also has mild anticholinergic and noradrenaline reuptake inhibiting properties. These extra actions may contribute to its slightly sedating quality and its effectiveness across a wide range of conditions.

Adults with depression, anxiety or related conditions, particularly where sedation would be beneficial. Not suitable in under-18s (increased risk of self-harm). Withdrawal symptoms can be more pronounced than with other SSRIs.

Order online and we review your request. A prescriber checks your consultation form for clinical appropriateness and contacts you if anything else is needed. Once approved, your medication is dispensed and delivered to your door.

Tracked: Tracked delivery, arrives in two working days - Free

When it arrives: Every order is sent tracked. Where this page says in post today, it goes out today. Where it says in post tomorrow, it goes out the next working day. On the rare occasions a medicine is unavailable, we will contact you to talk about timing and alternatives.

We dispense clinically equivalent generic medications where available. Prices shown are for the generic version. If you prefer the branded version, let us know in your order form and we will confirm any price difference.

Paroxetine from £20.99 per pack.

Common: nausea, headache, insomnia or drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, diarrhoea, sexual dysfunction (reduced libido, difficulty reaching orgasm). These often improve after the first 1-2 weeks. Uncommon: weight changes, sweating, tremor. Rare but serious: serotonin syndrome (agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high temperature) - seek immediate help.

Do not take with or within 14 days of MAOIs (risk of serotonin syndrome). Use with caution in bipolar disorder (may trigger mania), epilepsy, bleeding disorders, and severe hepatic impairment.

Do not combine with MAOIs or other serotonergic drugs (triptans, tramadol, St John's Wort, other antidepressants) - risk of serotonin syndrome. NSAIDs and anticoagulants: increased bleeding risk. Fluoxetine and paroxetine inhibit CYP2D6 - can increase levels of tamoxifen, codeine effects reduced.

Discuss with your doctor - the decision depends on the severity of your condition. SSRIs in late pregnancy may cause temporary withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Paroxetine specifically has a slightly higher risk of cardiac malformations - sertraline is generally preferred in pregnancy. Present in breast milk in small amounts.

Take once daily, usually in the morning with food. Can cause weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Withdrawal symptoms are more common and can be more intense than other SSRIs -- always taper very gradually. Not recommended in pregnancy if alternatives are available.