Xet 20
Xet 20 (Paroxetine 10/20 mg) — short-half-life SSRI for depression, OCD, panic, social anxiety, PTSD. careful taper — worst SSRI discontinuation profile.
✓ Medically reviewed by Morgan Ellis — Pharmacy Researcher · 8 years experience · Last reviewed: May 2026
⚡ Quick Answer
Xet 20 (Paroxetine 10 / 20 mg) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used for depression, anxiety, and related disorders. Strong serotonin reuptake blockade — effective but with the worst discontinuation profile of any SSRI; taper carefully.
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How Xet 20 works
Xet 20 is a Paroxetine-containing SSRI tablet supplied by Intas. Available strengths: 10 / 20 mg. Take with or without food, at the same time each day for steady-state plasma levels.
SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) at the presynaptic serotonin transporter (SERT), increasing synaptic serotonin availability. The therapeutic effect lags transporter blockade by 2–6 weeks — the delay reflects downstream adaptations in 5-HT autoreceptor sensitivity, BDNF expression, and hippocampal neurogenesis, not direct receptor effects. Patients who feel “nothing” at 2 weeks should not stop early; assess response at 4–6 weeks of an adequate dose.
Paroxetine is also the only SSRI with a clear pregnancy signal — first-trimester exposure has been linked to a small increase in cardiac malformations (FDA Category D / pregnancy risk increased). Do not start paroxetine in women planning pregnancy or in early pregnancy; if already on it, do not abruptly stop — a careful risk-benefit conversation with the prescriber is required. Other SSRIs (sertraline, citalopram) are preferred for women of reproductive age.
Indications and dosing
| Indication | Starting | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major depression | 20 mg OD | 20–40 mg OD | 50 mg |
| OCD | 20 mg OD | 40–60 mg OD | 60 mg |
| Panic disorder | 10 mg OD × 1 wk | 40 mg OD | 60 mg |
| Social anxiety / GAD / PTSD | 20 mg OD | 20–50 mg OD | 50 mg |
| Older adults / hepatic / renal | 10 mg OD | 10–20 mg OD | 40 mg |
Important safety considerations
Paroxetine has a short half-life (~21 hours, no active metabolite) plus potent SERT binding plus anticholinergic action — the combination produces the worst withdrawal of any antidepressant. Symptoms (dizziness, “brain zaps”, flu-like malaise, irritability, nausea) appear within 24–48 h of a missed dose. Always taper over at least 4 weeks (often 8–12 weeks for long-term users), going as slowly as 1–2 mg/week at the bottom end. Consider switching to fluoxetine for the taper.
All SSRIs carry an FDA black-box warning for increased suicidal ideation in patients under 25, particularly in the first 4 weeks and at dose changes. This does not mean SSRIs are net-harmful in young people — meta-analyses show net benefit — but it does mean close clinical monitoring during initiation and titration in adolescents and young adults.
Combining Xet 20 with other serotonergic agents can cause serotonin syndrome (tremor, hyperreflexia, clonus, hyperthermia, agitation). Avoid concurrent: MAOIs (14-day washout each direction; fluoxetine needs 5 weeks), tramadol, pethidine, dextromethorphan, linezolid, methylene blue, St John’s wort, MDMA. Triptan + SSRI is generally tolerated for migraine — the absolute risk is low.
Common side effects
- First 1–2 weeks: nausea, headache, jitteriness/anxiety surge, insomnia or somnolence, loose stools — usually self-limit.
- Persistent: sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, delayed orgasm/anorgasmia, erectile difficulty — affects up to 50% of men and women on SSRIs; the most common reason for discontinuation), weight changes (modest gain over 6–12 months), bruxism, dry mouth, sweating.
- Rare but important: hyponatraemia (SIADH, especially in older adults — check Na⁺ at 2 and 4 weeks if at risk), bleeding (additive with NSAIDs/anticoagulants — consider PPI cover), bone-density loss with long-term use.
Drug interactions
Beyond the sub-specific interactions above:
- NSAIDs / aspirin / anticoagulants — additive bleeding risk; use a PPI for older adults on chronic NSAID + SSRI.
- Other QT-prolonging drugs (amiodarone, sotalol, methadone, ondansetron, haloperidol, ziprasidone) — additive risk.
- Lithium — increased serotonin signal; monitor for serotonin syndrome and lithium toxicity.
- CNS depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids) — additive sedation.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, paediatric
Most SSRIs are category C in pregnancy with an acceptable risk-benefit profile when depression itself poses real harm. Paroxetine is the exception — first-trimester exposure linked to small absolute increases in cardiac malformations. Sertraline is generally regarded as the SSRI of choice in pregnancy and lactation. Late-third-trimester SSRI exposure can produce a transient neonatal adaptation syndrome (jitteriness, feeding difficulty) that typically resolves within 1–2 weeks. Discuss any change in pregnancy with the prescriber — abruptly stopping during pregnancy carries its own risk (relapse).
Storage
Store at 15–30 °C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until Xet 20 works?
Some patients notice early effects on sleep and anxiety within 1–2 weeks, but the full antidepressant or anti-anxiety effect typically takes 4–6 weeks at an adequate dose. Don’t conclude Xet 20 isn’t working until you’ve had at least 4 weeks at a therapeutic dose.
Can I drink alcohol on Xet 20?
Alcohol does not chemically interact with SSRIs in a dangerous way at moderate consumption, but it worsens the underlying depression and amplifies SSRI sedation. Many psychiatrists advise minimising alcohol during the first 4–8 weeks while the effect is being established.
Will Xet 20 change my personality?
No. Adequately-treated patients describe feeling more like themselves, not less. If you feel emotionally blunted, sexually disconnected, or detached after several weeks, raise this with your prescriber — it can be dose-related or medication-specific and is often manageable.
What if I miss a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember the same day. If it’s nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never double up. With short-half-life SSRIs (paroxetine, fluvoxamine), a missed dose can produce mild withdrawal — take it as soon as you remember.
Can I stop Xet 20 when I feel better?
No — stopping after 4–6 weeks of feeling better is the most common cause of relapse. Most guidelines recommend continuing an effective antidepressant for at least 6–12 months after full remission of the first episode, longer for recurrent depression or anxiety. Always taper rather than stopping abruptly.
Does Xet 20 cause weight gain?
Most SSRIs cause modest weight gain over 6–12 months (often 2–4 kg). Fluoxetine is the most weight-neutral or even mildly weight-reducing of the SSRIs in some studies. If weight gain is a major concern, this is worth discussing with the prescriber when choosing or switching.
Can Xet 20 be combined with therapy?
Combination of an SSRI plus structured psychotherapy (CBT for depression and anxiety; ERP for OCD) consistently outperforms either alone in moderate-to-severe disease. Medication addresses biological dysregulation; therapy addresses cognitive and behavioural patterns.
How do I taper Xet 20?
For most SSRIs, taper over 4–8 weeks by halving the dose every 2 weeks. Paroxetine and fluvoxamine require slower tapers (often 8–12 weeks) because of their short half-lives. Some patients need hyperbolic tapering (10% reductions every 2–4 weeks) at the bottom end. The prescriber should plan this with you.
Is Xet 20 addictive?
SSRIs are not addictive in the substance-use-disorder sense — there’s no euphoric effect, no compulsive use, and no escalating tolerance. They do produce physical dependence: abrupt cessation causes withdrawal (discontinuation syndrome). That dependence is not addiction; it is a predictable pharmacological adaptation that resolves with proper taper.
What if I want to switch antidepressants?
Most SSRI-to-SSRI switches use a direct cross-taper or short washout. Switching to or from an MAOI requires a strict washout (14 days; 5 weeks if coming off fluoxetine because of its long half-life) to avoid serotonin syndrome. Switching is a clinician-supervised decision.
Other Mental Health Medications
- Lexaheal (Escitalopram 5/10/20 mg)
- Flunil (Fluoxetine 20/40 mg)
- Pexep (Paroxetine 12.5–37.5 mg)
- Duvanta (Duloxetine SNRI)
- Mirtaz (Mirtazapine NaSSA)
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| Strength | 20 mg |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 30 Tablet/s, 60 Tablet/s, 90 Tablet/s, 180 Tablet/s |
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