paroxetine

noun

par·​ox·​e·​tine pa-ˈräk-sə-ˌtēn 

: a drug C₁₉H₂₀FNO₃ that enhances serotonin activity and is usually administered in the form of its hydrochloride to treat depression

Examples of paroxetine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some of the most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and paroxetine (Paxil). — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 23 June 2026

First-line medications such as fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, or venlafaxine are recommended. — Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 19 Feb. 2025

Meanwhile, those on Paxil (paroxetine), Cymbalta (duloxetine), and Celexa (citalopram) gained a bit more on average. — Sherri Gordon, Health, 23 July 2024

For instance, a patient might be dissuaded from taking paroxetine over sertraline due to a greater short-term risk of weight gain. — Don Rauf, EverydayHealth.com, 5 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from International Scientific Vocabulary par- (alteration of piperidine) + ox- + methyl + -ine entry 2

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for paroxetine

• aconitine
• anopheline
• antipyrine
• bromocriptine
• chlorhexidine
• clomipramine
• creatinine
• desipramine
• guanethidine
• heterodyne
• imipramine
• meperidine

Medical Definition

paroxetine

noun

par·​ox·​e·​tine par-ˈäk-sə-ˌtēn 

: a drug that functions as an SSRI and is usually taken orally in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₉H₂₀FNO₃·HCl or mesylate C₁₉H₂₀FNO₃·CH₄O₃S to treat depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder and to relieve symptoms (such as hot flashes) of menopause

Note: Trademarks for paroxetine include Brisdelle, Paxil, and Pexeva.