paroxetine (Paxil)
Meet with a licensed provider online to explore if an antidepressant medication like paroxetine (Paxil) may be right for you.
Treatment for:depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders
585+ insurance plans accepted
Quickly confirm coverage or view self-pay rates
First, choose your state
You’ll get the most accurate information if we know where you’re seeking care, as insurance coverage and self-pay rates vary by state.
Then, pick a plan or self-pay
Below are the insurances we accept in your state. Don’t see yours listed or don’t have insurance? You can still get help through self-pay.
Great news! We’re in network with
*This is a common co-pay range for mental health services with an in-network provider; however, you may have a different co-pay or other out-of-pocket costs (such as a deductible), dependent upon your specific plan’s benefits. After confirming that the provider you’d like to work with accepts your plan (over the phone with our support team or on the provider’s profile), please contact your insurance to determine your exact financial responsibility, prior to scheduling.
Work with a provider who fits your needs — hand-selected by (or for) you.
You can choose therapy in person or online, whichever works best for you; psychiatry is exclusively online.
Receive help quickly — have your first session as soon as this week.
Individual & relationship counseling
Get individual therapy for depression, stress, and more (for yourself or your child/teen). Or, work through your unique relationship challenges in couples/marriage or family therapy.
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Psychiatry/medication management
Reduce or manage symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety and ADHD, with psychiatric medication.
first session
subsequent sessions
Work with a provider who fits your needs — hand-selected by (or for) you.
You can choose therapy in person or online, whichever works best for you; psychiatry is exclusively online.
Receive help quickly — have your first session as soon as this week.
What is an SSRI?
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is a class of medication commonly used to treat mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD.
How does a SSRI work?
SSRIs increase the availability of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a naturally-occurring brain chemical that supports the regulation of mood and memory.
How prescribing works
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1
Find a provider who meets your needs
Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).
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Meet 1:1 to begin treatment
Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.
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Attend sessions and start feeling better
Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.
FAQs
What is paroxetine (Paxil) used for?
Paroxetine is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. It's used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive behavior, social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and vasomotor symptoms of menopause (hot flashes). Paroxetine may also be used off-label for other conditions including obsessive-compulsive disorder in children, social anxiety disorder in children, body dysmorphic disorder, postpartum depression, and premature ejaculation.
Does paroxetine (Paxil) cause weight gain or loss?
Yes, weight changes are possible with paroxetine use. Paroxetine can also cause loss of appetite as a side effect, which may cause some weight loss. If you're concerned about weight loss or weight gain with paroxetine treatment, talk with your pharmacist or provider. They can discuss ways to manage a healthy weight.
How long does it take for paroxetine (Paxil) to work?
Paroxetine starts to work directly after you start taking the medication. However, depending on the severity of your symptoms, it may take a few weeks before you notice a distinct improvement in your symptoms. To start, your provider may put you on a low dose of paroxetine and slowly increase your dosage based on how you respond to treatment. Contact your provider to learn more about your dosage or the effectiveness of paroxetine.
Does paroxetine (Paxil) make you sleepy?
Yes, sleepiness and drowsiness are common side effects of paroxetine. You may experience sleepiness when you first start treatment, so don't operate machinery or perform any tasks that require you to be alert until you know how paroxetine affects you. If the sleepiness starts to impact functioning, your provider may suggest taking paroxetine at night. Keep in mind that paroxetine may also cause sleep disturbances in some people. If this happens to you, talk with your provider. They can help you determine the best time of day to take paroxetine.
Is paroxetine (Paxil) a controlled substance?
No, paroxetine is not a federally controlled substance. It is not a habit-forming medication and doesn't cause addiction. If you have questions about paroxetine's side effects, talk with your provider to learn more.
What are the side effects of paroxetine (Paxil)?
Some common side effects of paroxetine include dry mouth, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, sexual side effects, sweating, nausea, weakness, sleepiness, and drowsiness. Speak to your pharmacist or provider if you have further questions about possible side effects.
How long does paroxetine (Paxil) stay in your system?
Paroxetine's half-life is 21 hours, which means it takes about this long for half the medication to leave your body. It may take around five days for paroxetine to leave your body completely.
Can I get a prescription online?
You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.
Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?
Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.
How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?
Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.
We offer psychiatry in these select states
Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.
Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.
Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer
