ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/paroxetine
US brand names:Paxil
Paroxetine is dosed at 1–4 mg/kg PO q12-24h in african grey parrots, per 221. Desmarchelier MR. Clinical psychopharmacology for the exotic animal practitioner. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2021;24:17-35. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.473 doi:10.1016/j.cvex.2020.08.003 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 5.10 (Psychotropic and Antiepileptic Agents Used in Birds.a,b). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Also has mild anticholinergic activity contributing to anxiolytic effects.
Used for anxiety disorders, aggression, and compulsive behaviors. 4-6 weeks for full effect. Serotonin syndrome risk. GI upset initially. Do not combine with MAO inhibitors.
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Blue-and-Gold Macaw drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 4 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 0.5–2 mg/kg | q24h | Moderate | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1016 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.989, Paroxetine monograph spanning p.988-989; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, and carries this exact dose under the matching species heading. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 0.5–1 mg/kg | q24h | Moderate | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1016 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.988, Paroxetine monograph spanning p.988-989; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.