Paroxetine belongs to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medicines are thought to work by increasing the activity of the chemical called serotonin in the brain. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. Paroxetine is prescribed to treat certain mental health conditions, such as major depressive disorder (commonly known as depression), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety. What is paroxetine and what does it treat? Paroxetine is an antidepressant medication that works in the brain. Paroxetine is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Paroxetine works by increasing levels of serotonin, which helps reduce symptoms of depression and improves mood, anxiety, and other disorders. Administer PAXIL as a single daily dose in the morning, with or without food. Shake the oral suspension well before administration. The recommended starting dosages and maximum dosages of PAXIL. Paroxetine is used to treat depression, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). Learn about side effects, dosages, drug interactions, and more. Find patient medical information for Paroxetine on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Paroxetine is in a class of medications called selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It treats depression and other mental illnesses by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance. Paroxetine (Paxil CR) treats depression, anxiety, OCD and PTSD. It increases the amount of serotonin in your brain. Paroxetine, sold under the brand name Paxil among others, is an antidepressant medication of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class [6] used to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, and.