Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood and reduce anxiety. Developed in the late 1970s by Glaxo (now GlaxoSmithKline) as part of a new generation of antidepressants, it was approved for medical use in the United States in 1992. Paroxetine quickly became a widely prescribed SSRI due to its efficacy across multiple psychiatric conditions, though it may cause side effects such as sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and withdrawal symptoms if discontinued abruptly.
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