Paroxetine is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is used to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
A variety of meta analyses have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of paroxetine in depression. They have variously concluded that paroxetine is superior or equivalent to placebo and that it is equivalent to other antidepressants.
It has demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of social anxiety disorder in adults and children. It is also beneficial for people with co occurring social anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder.
Paroxetine has also been used in the treatment of premature ejaculation and hot flashes due to menopause.
