paxil - Version 1.0 In just a few years, Paxil (paroxetine HCl) has become one of the leading treatments for depression and anxiety disorders. Paxil is a member of a class of prescription drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that has proven in clinical trials to be both safe and effective with fewer side effects than other types of antidepressant medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Paxil for the treatment of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With continued treatment, Paxil can help restore the balance of serotonin (a naturally occurring chemical in the