Online prescription for paroxetine (Paxil)

Meet with a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner online to see if paroxetine (Paxil) could be a fit for you. We accept insurance, and appointments are often available the same week.

Treatment for:
depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders

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360+ insurance plans accepted

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How prescribing works

1

Find the right provider

Browse providers online or call us and we’ll help you find someone who accepts your insurance and fits your needs. Pick a time that works for you and choose how you’d like to pay.

2

Get started with treatment

At your first session, share what you’re experiencing and what you’re hoping to get out of treatment. Together, you’ll discuss your options—including whether medication might be a good fit. If so, your provider can send a prescription directly to your local pharmacy.

3

Track your progress

Your provider will check in regularly to make sure your treatment plan is working for you and adjust as needed.

What are SSRIs?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants most commonly prescribed for depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD. They typically take two to six weeks to reach their full effect, so it's normal not to feel a difference right away. Your provider will find the right dose for you and schedule regular check-ins to make sure it's working well.

How do SSRIs work?

After your brain uses serotonin—a chemical involved in mood and stress regulation—it normally gets pulled back into the nerve cell that released it. SSRIs slow down that reabsorption, so more serotonin stays active between nerve cells. Researchers believe this change is part of how SSRIs help regulate mood and ease anxiety, though the full picture of how that translates into symptom relief is still being studied.

paroxetine (Paxil)
paroxetine (Paxil)

FAQs about paroxetine (Paxil)

What is Paxil used for?

Paxil (paroxetine) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that’s FDA-approved to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and several anxiety disorders: panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Paxil CR, an extended-release version, is approved for depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Providers sometimes prescribe Paxil off-label for other conditions, such as postpartum depression, premature ejaculation, and dysthymia (low-level depression that lasts two years or more).

Can Paxil help with anxiety?

Yes. Paxil is FDA-approved to treat panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD. It isn’t approved for specific phobias, like a fear of flying or needles. Those are usually treated with exposure therapy, where you work with a therapist to gradually face what you fear.

What are the side effects of Paxil?

The most common Paxil side effects are drowsiness, dry mouth, and loss of appetite. It can also cause nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. Some side effects, like drowsiness, can get better over time.

Like other SSRIs, Paxil can also cause weight gain and sexual side effects. If either one bothers you, talk to your provider about your options.

It’s important to not stop taking Paxil suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, and headache, can be more common and more severe with Paxil than with other SSRIs. If you and your provider decide to stop, they can lower your dose gradually.

Does Paxil cause weight gain?

Paxil can cause weight gain. But when it does, it tends to be modest and may be similar to most other antidepressants over the long run. In a 2025 study, people taking Paxil gained an average of about 1.3 pounds after six months, 2.4 pounds after 12 months, and 2.9 pounds after 24 months. If weight gain is a concern, talk to your provider about your options.

Does Paxil make you sleepy?

Yes, sleepiness is a common side effect of Paxil. In fact, it’s one of the most likely SSRIs to cause sleepiness. A 2023 review of SSRI studies found that people taking Paxil were much more likely to feel sleepy than people taking a placebo. If it’s getting in the way of your day, talk to your provider.

How long does it take for Paxil to work?

Like other SSRIs, Paxil doesn’t work right away, and timing varies from person to person. In one study of people with depression, those who responded to Paxil started to feel better after about 13 days on average. It often takes several weeks to feel the full effect, though, so it’s normal not to feel better right away. Your provider will check in with you and adjust your plan as needed.

Can I get a prescription for Paxil online?

Yes, you can often get a prescription online if your provider decides it’s clinically appropriate. If Paxil is a good fit, your provider can send the prescription straight to your local pharmacy.

Does insurance cover Paxil consultations at Thriveworks?

Yes, Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans, and you can check your coverage before booking.

Medication costs are separate from the cost of your sessions. Whether your plan covers Paxil depends on your prescription drug benefits, so check with your insurance company directly. Ask about any copays or deductibles that may apply to psychiatric medications, as well as any restrictions or prior authorization requirements.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Book a session with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks online or by calling (855) 204-2767. At your first appointment, you’ll discuss your symptoms, treatment history, and goals. If medication is a good clinical fit, your provider may send a prescription to your local pharmacy.

Is Thriveworks LegitScript certified?

Yes, Thriveworks is LegitScript certified. Our services have been independently reviewed and verified by a leading compliance organization, confirming high standards for legality, safety, and transparency in prescribing medication like stimulants.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published October 3, 2024

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are primarily offered online, with in-person availability in select states.

Dr. Scott Gordon

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

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