*An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone.
The first step to getting a Paxil prescription online is finding an online psychiatry provider for an evaluation. For an in-person evaluation, your primary care physician may refer you to a prescriber who may offer a Paxil prescription.
If you’re looking for access to a Paxil prescription online, we have thoroughly reviewed platforms like Brightside Health, Talkiatry, or Circle Medical. These platforms can prescribe antidepressants such as Paxil and we have found them each to be a good place to get started with an evaluation. Your provider may provide a Paxil prescription online if they believe the medication may help your anxiety or depression symptoms.
Boxed Warning: Paroxetine (Paxil) – Risk of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Certain People
Paroxetine, the active ingredient in Paxil, has a black box warning. These are the most serious types of warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Paroxetine can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. Regardless of your age, you should talk with your doctor about serious risks with paroxetine and any other medications before starting treatment.
Key Takeaways
To get prescribed Paxil online, start by getting an evaluation from an online provider who can prescribe antidepressants, such as Brightside Health, Talkiatry, and Circle Medical.
Paxil alternatives may be necessary for some to consider, including other antidepressant medications.
Brand name Paxil can cost between $297-$333 for a 30-day supply of the smallest dosage available without insurance. Paxil coupons, savings cards, and discounts may all help lower costs.
Online Psychiatry and Medication Management Covered by Insurance
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who takes your insurance and is seeing new patients. They’re in-network with major insurers and offer medication management. Get started with a short online assessment
How to Get Paxil Online or In Person
To get prescribed Paxil online or in person, you will first need an evaluation to determine whether it is a good fit for your depression symptoms. The process of getting a diagnosis and potentially prescribed Paxil online or in person may vary for people of different ages.
It is important to find an online provider who can prescribe antidepressants like Paxil. For in-person prescription options, a good place to start is with your primary care provider.
How to Get a Paxil Prescription Online
Here is how to get Paxil prescribed to you online in six steps.
Step 1: Book an Appointment With an Online Psychiatry Provider
The first step is to book an appointment with an online provider that can prescribe antidepressant medications like Paxil, such as Brightside Health, Talkiatry, and Circle Medical. We have thoroughly reviewed these platforms, and in using the services ourselves, we have found them each to be a good place to get started with an evaluation.
Step 2: Get a Psychiatric Evaluation & Discuss Your Symptoms
Your provider will evaluate your overall health history, your mental health symptoms, and any treatments you may have tried in the past. They may also speak with others you interact with regularly, such as family members. This is important because you may show symptoms differently in various settings. This discussion will help the provider know whether Paxil may be safe and appropriate for you.
Step 3: Get Treatment Recommendations
Your provider will develop a treatment plan to help improve your symptoms and quality of life. They may recommend behavioral therapy or medication such as Paxil, or possibly both. If Paxil looks like it could help you, your provider will discuss the risks, benefits, and how to take the medication.
Step 4: Fill Your Online Paxil Prescription
If offered, your prescriber will give you a prescription, which you may fill through their online platform. You may be able to get Paxil medication delivered to your home, but it can vary widely depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatric platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Step 5: Schedule Follow-up Appointments
If prescribed Paxil, your doctor will recommend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms and potential side effects, adjusting your medication as needed.
Step 6 : Discuss Prescription Refills With Your Provider
Talk to your prescriber about how frequently you may refill your Paxil medication. This timeframe may depend on how well you respond to the medication, if you experience side effects, or if you may need to consider another medication. It may also depend on how the platform manages medication delivery, such as offering 90-day supplies.
How to Get a Paxil Prescription In Person
In six steps, here is how to get Paxil prescribed to you in person.
Step 1: Book an Appointment With a Psychiatric Provider
A good place to start for an in-person psychiatric evaluation is with your primary care provider. This may be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. If they determine it is needed, they can refer you or your child to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist. They can further evaluate whether to include Paxil as a part of the treatment plan for you.
Step 2: Get an Evaluation & Discuss Your Symptoms
Your provider will evaluate your overall health history, your mental health symptoms, and any treatments you may have tried in the past. They may also speak with others you interact with regularly, such as family members. This is important because you may show symptoms differently in various settings. This discussion will help the provider know whether Paxil may be safe and appropriate for you.
Step 3: Get Treatment Recommendations
Your provider will develop a treatment plan to help improve your symptoms and quality of life. They may recommend behavioral therapy or medication such as Paxil, or possibly both. If Paxil looks like it could help you, your provider will discuss the risks, benefits, and how to take the medication.
Step 4: Choose Where to Get Your Paxil Prescription Filled
If offered, your prescriber will give you a prescription that you may fill at your preferred local pharmacy or an online platform. You may be able to get Paxil delivered to your home, but it can vary widely depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatry platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Step 5: Schedule Follow-up Appointments
If prescribed Paxil, your doctor will recommend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms and potential side effects, adjusting your medication as needed.
Step 6: Discuss Prescription Refills With Your Provider
Talk to your prescriber about how frequently you may refill your Paxil medication. This timeframe may depend on how well you respond to the medication, if you experience side effects, or if you may need to consider another medication.
Popular Choices for Online Psychiatry
Talkiatry – Safe, virtual mental health care from doctors who take insurance. Most psychiatry visits cost patients $30 or less* Take a short assessment.
Circle Medical – anxiety and depression treatment. Meet with an online doctor today! All prescriptions are based on necessity determined by a medical professional. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. No membership or hidden fees. Same day appointments. Visit Circle Medical
*Includes copayment, deductible, coinsurance, and $0 Visits. Excludes no shows. **On average. Actual appointment times vary by state and individual patient.
How Much Does Paxil Cost?
The cost of Paxil can vary based on several factors, including your location, the pharmacy you use, and whether you have insurance, as well as on the dosage and length of prescription (number of days) your doctor prescribes.
Paxil Prices
The cost of Paxil currently ranges from $296-$333 for a 30-day supply of 10 milligrams without insurance. Your Paxil prescription may cost much less with insurance depending on your plan and coverage. A similar prescription of the generic form of Paxil, paroxetine, costs $6-$25. The cost of Paxil will also vary based on the dosage and amount prescribed. Coupons for Paxil are often available and may reduce your out of pocket costs.
Note: Cash prices listed are derived from multiple sources. The prices listed are an estimate only and cannot be guaranteed. For exact prices, please contact the pharmacy.
Walmart
$318
Walgreens
$310
CVS / Target
$315
RiteAid
$297
Kroger
$301
Costco
$333
Hy-Vee
$296
Publix
$327
Albertsons
$306
Does Insurance Cover Paxil?
Your insurance plan may cover your prescription for Paxil, depending on the company. However, insurance policies can change coverage at any time and some may only cover a prescription for generic paroxetine. Requirements for medication coverage may also vary for Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and commercial insurance policies. Contact your insurance provider directly to learn whether your prescription may be covered.
Here are online psychiatric platforms that accept insurance:
- Circle Medical takes insurance and offers same-day or next-day appointments for non-emergency mental health needs.
- Brightside Health accepts many major insurance plans, offering online medication management at affordable prices across most of the United States.
- Talkiatry is only available to those with insurance, but it makes using insurance for online psychiatry services simple.
Who Is Paxil a Good Fit For?
An evaluation from a medical provider can determine whether getting a Paxil prescription may be helpful. Paxil is thought to work by affecting serotonin levels in the brain, which may help reduce symptoms of several conditions.
Paxil is an FDA-approved treatment for depression, panic disorder, PTSD, OCD, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.1, 2 Paxil is only approved for use with adults 18 and older.
Below are signs you may benefit by getting a Paxil prescription:3
Adults with depression
- Persistent low mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure
- Insomnia or sleeping too much nearly every day
Adults with generalized anxiety disorder
- Constant excessive worry that is difficult to control
- Feelings of restlessness or being keyed up
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
This is not a complete list of symptoms of the conditions Paxil is FDA-approved to treat. Discuss the potential risks and benefits of Paxil with your doctor.
Other conditions that Paxil is FDA-approved to treat include:
- PTSD
- Panic disorder
- OCD
- Social anxiety
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Who Should Not Take Paxil?
While Paxil is a commonly prescribed medication for depression, it may not be a fit for everyone. Each person responds differently to medication. Paxil is a safe and effective treatment for several conditions, but some exceptions should be considered.
People who should take extra caution before using Paxil include:1, 2
- Children and teenagers
- Those age 65 and older
- Pregnant and breastfeeding parents
- Those with other mental health conditions
- Those with certain medical conditions
Not all possible reactions may occur, and this is not a complete list of potential risks of taking Paxil. Discuss with your doctor to see if Paxil is right for you.
Paxil Alternatives
There are many Paxil alternatives available. The potential risks and benefits may vary, but all types of antidepressants can help reduce depression symptoms. Brightside Health, Talkiatry, and Circle Medical are reliable online psychiatric providers that offer Paxil alternatives.
SSRI & SNRI Antidepressant Medications
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are considered the safest and most effective antidepressants available. Alternatives to Paxil include other SSRIs such Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro. Commonly used serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) include Cymbalta and Effexor.
Other Antidepressant Medications
Having other alternatives to Paxil is important for those who aren’t able to use SSRIs or SNRIs. Wellbutrin and Remeron are atypical antidepressants, which work differently to improve symptoms and don’t fit into a formal category.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are older medications that are not typically used as the first treatment. They can cause more side effects, but they may be helpful for those who need to avoid or aren’t responding to other types of antidepressants.
Generic Paxil
Generic Paxil may be prescribed as an alternative to the brand name for several reasons. It contains paroxetine, the same active ingredient as brand-name Paxil. The generic form also has the same treatment benefits as brand name Paxil at a lower cost.
Over-the-Counter Paxil Options
Currently, there are no over-the-counter depression treatments approved by the FDA. Several over-the-counter and dietary supplements may claim to relieve depression. However, quality studies are limited and have yet to show whether such supplements improve depression symptoms.
Also, supplements are not regulated for safety the way that medications are. Some supplements can interact with other medications you may be taking. Check with reputable sources and your healthcare providers before taking any supplements.
Online Psychiatry and Medication Management Covered by Insurance
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who takes your insurance and is seeing new patients. They’re in-network with major insurers and offer medication management. Get started with a short online assessment
Questions to Ask Your Provider
If you think getting a Paxil prescription may help treat your condition, one place to start is by talking to your primary care provider. They already know your health history and may be able to prescribe medication, if they think it is needed.
Paxil is most often used as a treatment for depression, but is also FDA-approved to treat panic disorder, PTSD, OCD, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).1
And if your provider believes you’d be better served by a specialist, such as a psychiatrist, they may give you a referral. Alternatively, if you do not have a primary care provider, an online psychiatry provider is a good place to start.
To prepare for your first appointment, begin by gathering important information about your condition. Write down your symptoms, how they affect you each day, and what it would be like if your symptoms improved. Consider your treatment goals and your concerns about taking medications.
Questions to ask your care team about getting a Paxil prescription include:
- What are the side effects of Paxil?
- Are there any alternatives to Paxil?
- How long will it take Paxil to start working?
- What are the best online psychiatry options?
- Is it safe if I use over-the-counter Paxil alternatives?
- How long will Paxil’s side effects last?
- If my symptoms worsen while on Paxil medication, what should I do?
- Should I be worried about mixing Paxil with other medications or substances?
Prescriber’s Tips
Your prescriber will share important information about your Paxil prescription. They will explain how to take and store your medication, what to avoid when taking it, and what to do about side effects. Follow these tips for safe and effective use of Paxil.
- Take Paxil as prescribed, do not change your dose or stop taking it unless your prescriber tells you to. Stopping abruptly or taking too much can be harmful.
- Take your medication at the same time each day. Doing so can help you remember to take it, making it as effective as possible.
- Tell your prescriber right away if you or your child have any worsening mental health symptoms. Paxil has a boxed warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children under age 18 and young adults.
- If taking Paxil CR (extended-release) tablets, swallow them whole. Do not chew or crush them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Paxil?
Paxil (paroxetine) is prescribed to treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. It is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
How Does Paxil Work?
Paxil is thought to work by affecting levels of serotonin in the brain, which may improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety for some people.6
Can You Get Paxil Prescription Refills Online?
Yes, online psychiatry platforms such as Talkiatry and some online primary care platforms, such as Circle Medical, can prescribe antidepressants like Paxil and provide refills.
Can You Get Paxil Without Therapy?
Yes, Paxil can be used without therapy.
Can I Get Paxil Delivered to My Home?
You may be able to get Paxil delivered to your home, but this service may depend on the state you live in. All online psychiatry platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Can You Get Paxil From a Walk-in Clinic?
An urgent care clinic cannot prescribe Paxil, other antidepressants, or anti-anxiety medications. These providers are not able to monitor and follow up with patients long-term for treatments like these. If you have a prescription already, contact your primary provider or local pharmacy for help. If you do not have a prescription, you will need a full psychiatric evaluation first. Providers at an urgent care or walk-in clinic are not able to provide this type of evaluation.7
How Much Does Paxil (Paroxetine) Cost Without Insurance?
The cash cost of brand name Paxil can range from $297-$333 for a 30-day supply of the smallest dosage available.
How Can I Get Paxil Prescribed Without Insurance?
Online psychiatry platforms such as Brightside Health and Circle Medical can provide psychiatric evaluations and may offer a Paxil prescription if it is deemed necessary. Both platforms accept cash pay if you don’t have insurance. Available services may vary based on a person’s age, state, and other factors.
Can You Get Paxil (Paroxetine) Over the Counter?
No, Paxil is only available with a prescription.
Is There a Generic Version of Paxil?
Yes, a generic version of Paxil is available and contains the active ingredient paroxetine.
Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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PAXIL- paroxetine hydrochloride tablet, film coated. (December 25, 2023). DailyMed.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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PAXIL CR- paroxetine hydrochloride tablet, film coated, extended release. (January 10, 2024). DailyMed.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA.
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Paroxetine – StatPearls. (July 17, 2023). NCBI.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526022/
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Spencer, Aiden. (May 19, 2016). What Type of Medication Can an Urgent Care Doctor Prescribe? AJMC.com. Retrieved from https://www.ajmc.com/view/what-type-of-medication-can-an-urgent-care-doctor-prescribe
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Added Key Takeaways feature. Updated formatting, edited for clarity. Consolidated sections called “Do I Need a Paxil Prescription?” and “What Can I Expect When Getting a Paxil Prescription?”, retitled as “Who Is Paxil a Good Fit For?”; Revised and retitled sections titled “How to Get Prescribed Paxil Online & In Person”, “Questions to Ask Your Provider”, “Paxil Alternatives” with additional subsections “SSRI & SNRI Antidepressant Medications”, “Other Antidepressant Medications”, “Generic Paxil”, and “Over-the-Counter Paxil Options”. Created additional FAQs, updated sources as needed.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated cost information in FAQ “How Much Does Paxil Cost Without Insurance?” section.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated formatting and added new article content including drug overview summary block, cost table, and alternatives comparison slider. Also updated “Questions to Ask Your Provider” and “Prescriber Tips” page features.
Author: (No Change)
Medical Reviewer: (No Change)
Primary Changes: Added new sections titled “How Much Does Paxil Cost?”, “What Can I Expect When Getting a Paxil Prescription?”, “Prescriber’s Tips”, “FAQs”, “Does Insurance Cover Paxil?”. Revised sections titled “Do I Need a Paxil Prescription?”, “How to Get a Paxil Prescription”, “What Are Paxil Alternatives?”, “Are There Over-the-Counter Paxil Options?”, “Questions to Ask Your Health Team About How to Get Paxil”. Reviewed and added relevant sources. Edited for readability and clarity.
Author: Diana Rangaves, PharmD, RPh
Reviewer: Heidi Moawad, MD
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Best Online Psychiatry Services
Online psychiatry, sometimes called telepsychiatry, platforms offer medication management by phone, video, or secure messaging for a variety of mental health conditions. In some cases, online psychiatry may be more affordable than seeing an in-person provider. Mental health treatment has expanded to include many online psychiatry and therapy services. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming to find the one that is right for you.
