Can you feel depressed on paroxetine?

Paroxetine is a medication that is primarily used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. While it can be effective in reducing symptoms, it is possible for a person to still feel depressed while taking paroxetine.

Effectiveness of Paroxetine in Treating Depression

Paroxetine and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often considered first-line treatments for depression, as they can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression in many people. However, medication effectiveness can vary from person to person, and some people may not respond to paroxetine or other medications.

Studies have shown that paroxetine can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression in some people. For example, a meta-analysis of 22 randomized controlled trials found that paroxetine was more effective than placebo in reducing symptoms of depression in adults. However, the effectiveness of the medication can depend on the individual and the severity of their depression.

Possible Reasons for Feeling Depressed on Paroxetine

There can be several reasons why a person may still feel depressed while taking paroxetine. These include:

  • Insufficient dosage: If a person is not taking the right dosage of paroxetine, it may not be effective in reducing their symptoms of depression.
  • Non-adherence to medication regimen: If a person is not taking paroxetine as prescribed, it may not be effective in reducing their symptoms of depression.
  • Co-occurring mental health conditions: If a person has other mental health conditions in addition to depression, such as anxiety or bipolar disorder, paroxetine may not be as effective in reducing their symptoms.
  • Other factors: There may be other factors contributing to a person’s depression, such as stress, trauma, or a lack of social support.

What to Do If You Still Feel Depressed on Paroxetine

If you are still feeling depressed while taking paroxetine or any other medication, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on potential treatment options or adjustments to your medication regimen, as well as other therapies that may help to manage depression, such as therapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

In addition, it’s important to communicate openly and honestly with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and concerns, as they can provide personalized guidance and support throughout the treatment process.

Conclusion

While paroxetine can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression in many people, it is possible for a person to still feel depressed while taking the medication. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression while taking paroxetine or any other medication, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment options for your specific needs and concerns.


There are various forms of drugs available, such as tablets or liquids, and each may have a separate patient information leaflet (PIL) for different doses. It is important to refer to the PIL for the specific form and dose of the drug that you have been prescribed.

You can search for further information and PILs on websites such as:

  • The British National Formulary (BNF)
  • Electronic medicines compendium (emc)
  • The National Library of Medicine's DailyMed
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
  • Different drug forms like tablets or liquids have specific patient information leaflets (PIL) for various doses. Refer to the PIL for your prescribed drug form and dose.

    Search for PILs on websites like:

    France

    • ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé): ansm.sante.fr

    Spain

    • AEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios): aemps.gob.es

    Germany

    • BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte): bfarm.de

    Italy

    For questions about your medication:

    • Consult your doctor, a healthcare professional, or a pharmacist

    France

    • Contact SOS Médecins: 3624
    • For mental health support, contact SOS Suicide: 01 45 39 40 00

    Belgium (French)

    Switzerland (French)

    • La Main Tendue: 143
    • Website: 143.ch

    Canada (French)

    • Centre de prévention du suicide du Québec: 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553)
    • Website: cpsquebec.ca

    Spain

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Teléfono de la Esperanza: 717 003 717

    Germany

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefonseelsorge: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222

    Italy

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefono Amico: 199 284 284

    Netherlands

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact 113 Zelfmoordpreventie: 0800 0113

    Portugal

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Sos Voz Amiga: 21 354 45 45, 91 280 26 69, or 96 352 46 60

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