Paroxetine oral tablet dosage: A detailed guide

Specifically, paroxetine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following conditions:

• major depressive disorder
• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• panic disorder
• social anxiety disorder
• generalized anxiety disorder
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

This article describes paroxetine oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for paroxetine. If you want to know more about paroxetine oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Paroxetine oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Paxil. Paroxetine also comes in other forms taken by mouth, but those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about those forms, talk with your doctor.

Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Paroxetine has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

See the end of this article for more information about this warning.

Form and strengths of paroxetine

Paroxetine oral tablet comes as follows:

• Form: oral tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
• Strengths: 10 milligrams (mg), 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg

Dosage of paroxetine

This article describes the recommended dosages for paroxetine oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of paroxetine oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of paroxetine in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of paroxetine oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of paroxetine oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.

The table below includes the starting and maximum daily dosages of paroxetine oral tablet for its approved uses. Dosages are in milligrams (mg).

Dosage adjustments for paroxetine

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of paroxetine oral tablet based on several factors. These include:

• the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
• your age
• how well your kidneys and liver function
• other health conditions you may have

Missed dose of paroxetine

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of paroxetine oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of paroxetine oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

• downloading a reminder app on your phone
• setting an alarm
• putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about paroxetine oral tablet and its dosage.

When is the best time of day, morning or night, to take my dose of paroxetine?

You should take your dose of paroxetine in the morning every day. This will help keep a steady amount of the drug in your body. If you have difficulty taking paroxetine oral tablet in the morning, talk with your doctor.

What is considered a low dose of paroxetine?

The lowest starting dose of paroxetine oral tablet is 10 milligrams (mg). The lowest starting dosage for you will depend on your condition, your age, and what other health conditions you have. Your doctor will start you on the lowest recommended dosage and increase your dosage as needed.

Does paroxetine have a 5 mg or 80 mg dose?

The 10 mg paroxetine oral tablet is scored, which means it can be cut in half for a 5 mg dose. Your doctor or pharmacist may tell you to cut your tablet in half to make certain dosage amounts. The smallest starting dosage for some conditions is 10 mg, so it’s unlikely your total daily dosage would be 5 mg.

The maximum dosage of paroxetine oral tablet is typically 60 mg per day or less. It’s unlikely you will be prescribed 80 mg of paroxetine.

Talk with your doctor for more information on dosage adjustments.

Is paroxetine taken long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe paroxetine oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term. How long you take paroxetine could depend on the condition being treated.

If you have questions about how long you should take paroxetine oral tablet, talk with your doctor.

How paroxetine is taken

You’ll swallow paroxetine oral tablet once per day. You should take paroxetine in the morning, with or without food.

Do not stop taking paroxetine without telling your doctor. Your doctor will slowly decrease your dosage over time to decrease the chance of side effects from stopping the medication.

Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Paroxetine coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for paroxetine when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Overdose of paroxetine

It’s important that you do not take more paroxetine oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of paroxetine overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• seizures, which may alter your mental status, including causing a coma
• high blood pressure
• changes in your heart rhythm
• serotonin syndrome

What to do if you take too much paroxetine

If you think you’ve taken too much paroxetine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for paroxetine oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of paroxetine oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take paroxetine oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Do any medications I’m taking affect my dosage of paroxetine oral tablet?
• What happens if I stop taking paroxetine?
• Do I need to take paroxetine oral tablet in the morning every day?

Boxed warning for paroxetine

Paroxetine has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Antidepressants, like paroxetine, have been shown to worsen depression in children and young adults. It may cause suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Paroxetine is not approved for use in children. If you’re a young adult, your doctor will monitor you for worsening signs of depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.