Seroxat Tablet: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Seroxat (Paroxetine) Tablet Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info

2. What is Seroxat?

Seroxat (Paroxetine) is an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) antidepressant manufactured by GSK Pakistan for depression, OCD, panic disorder, social anxiety, GAD, PTSD, and PMDD.

Paroxetine differs from other SSRIs in two important ways: first, it is the most anticholinergic SSRI; second, it causes the most severe discontinuation syndrome among SSRIs — never stop it abruptly. Its use in pregnancy is Category D — there is a risk of cardiac defects in the first trimester.

3. Uses

• Major Depressive Disorder (depression — MDD)
• Panic Disorder
• OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
• Social Anxiety Disorder (social phobia)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

4. Who Should Take

• Adults with MDD, Panic Disorder, OCD, Social Anxiety, GAD, PTSD, or PMDD
• Patients who have anxiety accompanied by insomnia
• Patients who have difficulty sleeping

5. When NOT to Take

• With or within 14 days of MAO inhibitors — FATAL serotonin syndrome
• With thioridazine or pimozide — CONTRAINDICATED (CYP2D6 inhibition — toxic levels)
• Pregnancy — especially first trimester — Category D
• Allergy to paroxetine or any ingredient
• Breastfeeding — consult your doctor
• If taking tamoxifen — paroxetine blocks tamoxifen's active metabolite

6. Dosage

As prescribed by your doctor — usually starting at 10–20 mg

As prescribed — dose varies by condition

Do not exceed doctor-prescribed daily limit

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is close, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

7. How to Take

Always take with food — reduces GI upset and nausea

Morning is usually preferable, but if sedation is beneficial it can also be taken at night — follow your doctor's instructions

NEVER stop abruptly — paroxetine has the most severe discontinuation syndrome among SSRIs

8. Best Time

Take in the morning with food — maintain a consistent routine

If sleep problems are significant, taking it at night may be better — follow your doctor's instructions

9. Empty Stomach or After Food

Always take with food — taking on an empty stomach can worsen nausea and GI side effects.

10. Warnings

• Discontinuation syndrome: the most severe among SSRIs — brain zaps, severe dizziness, nausea, electric shock feelings; never stop abruptly
• Pregnancy Category D: risk of cardiac defects in the first trimester; neonatal adaptation syndrome near term
• Suicidal thoughts: monitor patients under 25 during the first 4 weeks
• MAO inhibitors: FATAL — 14-day washout required on both sides
• CYP2D6 inhibitor: many common medicines are affected — inform your doctor of all medications

• Tamoxifen: paroxetine can cause cancer treatment failure — avoid in cancer patients
• Codeine: paroxetine prevents conversion of codeine to morphine — analgesia reduced
• Tramadol: serotonin syndrome + CYP2D6 interaction — dangerous combination

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

• Store below 30°C
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of the reach of children

12. Side Effects

• Nausea
• Dry mouth — the most anticholinergic SSRI
• Sedation / drowsiness — the most sedating SSRI
• Constipation
• Sexual dysfunction (anorgasmia, delayed ejaculation — very common)
• Weight gain
• Sweating

• Serotonin syndrome
• QT prolongation / cardiac arrhythmia
• SIADH / hyponatraemia
• Mania precipitation
• Severe discontinuation syndrome
• Pregnancy risks (Category D)
• Bleeding risk (antiplatelet effect)
• Suicidal ideation (under 25s)

13. Drug Interactions

• MAO inhibitors — FATAL — 14-day washout on both sides
• Thioridazine / pimozide — CONTRAINDICATED — CYP2D6 inhibition raises to toxic levels
• Tamoxifen — CYP2D6 inhibition blocks active metabolite — cancer treatment failure
• Codeine — CYP2D6 — analgesia reduced (morphine not produced)
• Tramadol — serotonin syndrome + CYP2D6 — dangerous combination
• Warfarin / NSAIDs / Aspirin — bleeding risk increases
• Tricyclic antidepressants — raised TCA levels (toxicity risk)
• Lithium — serotonin syndrome risk

14. When to See Doctor

• Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm
• Severe withdrawal symptoms if the medicine was stopped — brain zaps, severe dizziness, nausea
• Signs of serotonin syndrome — agitation, high fever, tremor, confusion
• Irregular heartbeat
• On discovering pregnancy — inform your doctor immediately (Category D)

15. Alternatives

16. Price in Pakistan

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17. FAQs

Q: Paroxetine kis kaam aata hai?

A: Paroxetine (Seroxat) is prescribed by doctors for depression (MDD), panic disorder, OCD, social anxiety, GAD, PTSD, and PMDD. Take only on prescription.

Q: Paroxetine ke side effects kya hain?

A: Common: dry mouth, drowsiness (most sedating SSRI), nausea, sexual dysfunction, weight gain. Serious: serotonin syndrome with MAO inhibitors, and discontinuation syndrome.

Q: Paroxetine band karna itna mushkil kyun hai?

A: Paroxetine has a very short half-life — when it leaves the body, brain zaps, severe dizziness, nausea, and electric shock feelings occur. It has the most severe discontinuation syndrome among SSRIs. Never stop abruptly — tapering under doctor supervision is essential.

Q: Paroxetine price Pakistan mein?

A: Price varies by pharmacy and city. Verify at your local pharmacy or an online listing for the updated price.

Q: Kya Paroxetine pregnancy mein safe hai?

A: No — pregnancy Category D. There is a risk of cardiac defects in the first trimester. Use in pregnancy only on doctor's advice — alternatives are preferred.

18. Medical Review

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

19. Disclaimer

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Paroxetine is a prescription (Rx) medicine — do not take it without a doctor's prescription. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.