Paroxetine Dosage Guide: How to Take This Antidepressant Safely

Standard Adult Dosing

For most adults with depression or anxiety, doctors start you on 20 mg once daily. The pill is usually taken in the morning to avoid sleep problems, but some people prefer bedtime if it makes them drowsy. After a week or two, the doctor may keep you at 20 mg or raise the dose to 40 mg if symptoms haven’t improved.

The maximum recommended daily dose is 60 mg. Going above that rarely adds benefit and can raise the risk of side effects like nausea, headache, or sexual changes. If you’re feeling better, stay on the lowest dose that controls your symptoms – that’s the safest approach.

Special Situations

Older adults often need a lower starting dose because their bodies process drugs more slowly. A typical start is 10 mg a day, with careful monitoring for dizziness or low blood pressure. If you have liver problems, the dose may also be reduced, since the liver clears paroxetine.

Pregnant or nursing mothers should discuss alternatives with their doctor. Paroxetine crosses the placenta and appears in breast milk, so many clinicians recommend a different SSRI unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.

Teenagers (13‑17 years) are usually started on 10‑20 mg once daily, depending on weight and severity of symptoms. Pediatric dosing follows the same principle – start low, go slow, and watch for any behavioral changes.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next one. Don’t double up – that can spike side effects. In case of an overdose, contact emergency services right away; symptoms can include extreme drowsiness, vomiting, or rapid heartbeat.

Remember, you don’t have to stay on paroxetine forever. Many people taper off after 6‑12 months of stable improvement. Tapering should be done slowly, usually cutting the dose by 10 mg every one to two weeks, to avoid withdrawal symptoms like electric‑shock sensations or mood swings.

Bottom line: start low, adjust slowly, and keep your doctor in the loop. With the right dose, paroxetine can lift your mood without dragging you into unwanted side effects.