Paroxetine belongs to a group of medications called SSRIs and increases the amount of serotonin in the brain. It is used to treat a variety of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, and it can be an effective treatment for premature ejaculation.^1,2

Paroxetine works by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain. Studies show this serotonin boost can help patients delay ejaculation.³

Most patients take paroxetine once a day, with or without food. It should be taken around the same time every day.⁴ When taken as needed, paroxetine should be taken three to four hours before sexual activity.⁵

It can take four to six weeks for paroxetine to take full effect.⁶ For patients taking paroxetine as needed, it can take three to four hours to take effect.⁷

Paroxetine has a half-life of 21 to 24 hours and stays in your system for up to five days after taking it.⁸

Some studies have shown that paroxetine taken as needed, rather than daily, can be effective for treating premature ejaculation. Discuss with your care provider whether this is the best option for you.⁹

Paroxetine is typically taken once daily, with or without food. It is best to take it at the same time each day. In some cases, paroxetine is prescribed for as needed use and should be taken three to four hours before sexual activity.¹⁰

Paroxetine is available in daily doses of 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg or 40 mg.

Yes. Other SSRIs that can be prescribed to treat premature ejaculation include sertraline, fluoxetine and citalopram.¹¹

RedBox Rx offers paroxetine for $25 per month with the purchase of a three-month supply. Start a consult today.

Paroxetine is not available over the counter and requires a prescription.¹² Start a consult with RedBox Rx today.

Yes. Check the expiration date on the bottle’s label and always properly dispose of unused expired medication.

Before taking paroxetine (generic Paxil®):¹³

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the following medications or have stopped taking them within the past two weeks: monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, including isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, phenelzine, selegiline and tranylcypromine.

• Know that some medications should not be taken with paroxetine. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with paroxetine. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting paroxetine with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping or changing any medications while taking paroxetine, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.

• Know that the following nonprescription or herbal products may interact with paroxetine: St. John's wort; tryptophan; dextromethorphan; aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking paroxetine. Do not start any of these medications while taking paroxetine without discussing with your healthcare provider.

• Tell your doctor if you use or have ever used street drugs or have overused prescription medications, or if you have recently had a heart attack. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures; bleeding problems; bone problems, including osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) or bone fractures; or liver, kidney or heart disease.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, if you plan to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking paroxetine, call your doctor immediately.

• Know that paroxetine may make you drowsy and affect your judgment and thinking. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

• Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking paroxetine. Alcohol can make the side effects of paroxetine worse.

• Know that paroxetine may cause angle-closure glaucoma (a condition where the fluid is suddenly blocked and unable to flow out of the eye, causing a quick, severe increase in eye pressure, which may lead to a loss of vision). Talk to your doctor about having an eye examination before you start taking this medication. If you have nausea, eye pain, changes in vision, such as seeing colored rings around lights, and swelling or redness in or around the eye, call your doctor or get emergency medical treatment right away.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.¹⁴

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.¹⁵

Paroxetine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Dizziness

• Weakness

• Shaking of a part of the body that you cannot control

• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep

• Nervousness

• Nausea, diarrhea, constipation

• Decreased appetite

• Sexual problems in males (decreased sex drive, inability to get or keep an erection, or delayed or absent ejaculation)

• Sexual problems in females (decreased sex drive, or delayed orgasm or unable to have an orgasm)

• Dry mouth

• Sweating

• Yawning

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING or SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS sections, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• Fever

• Chest pain

• Seizures

• Agitation

• Sweating

• Headache

• Weakness

• Hoarseness

• Hallucinations

• Loss of coordination

• Rash, itching or hives

• Fast or irregular heartbeat

• Peeling or blistering of skin

• Tightness in hands and feet

• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

• Abnormal bleeding or bruising

• Cramping, bloating or swelling

• Severe muscle stiffness or twitching

• Shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting

• Confusion or problems with thinking, concentration or memory

• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs

Paroxetine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).¹⁶

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location, out of their sight and reach. Learn more at http://www.upandaway.org.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.¹⁷

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

• Coma

• Seizures

• Fever

• Sweating

• Confusion

• Fast or irregular heartbeat

• Severe muscle stiffness or twitching¹⁸

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Before having any laboratory test (especially those that involve methylene blue), tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking paroxetine.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.¹⁹

Paroxetine is the generic version of the following brand names:²⁰

• Brisdelle®

• Paxil®

• Paxil® CR

• Pexeva® (no longer available)

We offer a variety of prescription medication options for premature ejaculation including:

• Sertraline (Generic Zoloft®)

• Viagra®

• Sildenafil (Generic Viagra®)

• Cialis®

• Tadalafil (Generic Cialis®)

• Lidocaine Topical Desensitizing Cream

• Vardenafil (Generic Levitra®)

Medications such as paroxetine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. This increase was found in children, teenagers and young adults (less than 24 years of age). The risk may be more likely with the first few months of treatment and when the dose is increased.

Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: new or worsening depression; thinking about harming or killing yourself, or planning or trying to do so; extreme worry; agitation; panic attacks; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; aggressive behavior; irritability; acting without thinking; severe restlessness; and frenzied abnormal excitement. Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor if you are unable to do so.

The doctor or pharmacist will give you the Medication Guide. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking paroxetine.²¹

1. Cleveland Clinic

2. National Library of Medicine

3. National Library of Medicine

4. MedlinePlus

5. National Library of Medicine

6. NHS

7. National Library of Medicine

8. Addiction Resource

9. National Library of Medicine

10. MedlinePlus

11. National Library of Medicine

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15. Mayo Clinic

16. MedlinePlus

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21. MedlinePlus