Paroxetine (Paxil)

Paroxetine (Paxil) Overview
​Paroxetine (brand name Paxil) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) primarily prescribed to treat mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and certain types of trauma-related conditions. It was first approved by the FDA in 1992 and is widely used due to its effectiveness and relatively favorable side effect profile.
Mechanism of Action

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibition:
  Paroxetine works by selectively inhibiting the serotonin transporter (SERT) in the brain. This action blocks the reuptake of serotonin from the synapse into the presynaptic neuron, thereby increasing serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft and enhancing neurotransmission. Increased serotonin availability is thought to help regulate mood, anxiety, and other emotional responses.
• Effects on Neurotransmission:
  Paroxetine's effect on serotonin transmission is believed to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, it may have effects on other neurotransmitter systems, but serotonin is the primary target.
• Half-life and Metabolism:
  Paroxetine has a shorter half-life compared to other SSRIs (approximately 24 hours), which means that discontinuation can sometimes result in withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.

• Mayo Clinic - Paroxetine (Paxil) information: Mayo Clinic
  
• MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) - Paroxetine drug information: MedlinePlus
  
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Paroxetine information on its use and effects: NIH
  
• PubMed Central - Peer-reviewed research on paroxetine: PubMed Central
  
• Drugs.com - Paroxetine dosage and side effect details: Drugs.com
  
• WebMD - Paroxetine (Paxil) side effects and precautions: WebMD