Alcohol also can increase some of Paxil’s side effects, especially dizziness, sleepiness, and trouble concentrating. Other side effects of Paxil that alcohol can increase include: Mixing alcohol with paroxetine can lead to impaired judgment and increase the likelihood of alcohol toxicity and overdose. This can make relapsing on alcohol extra risky as a recovering alcoholic. While relapsing alone has a negative impact on mental health, the combined effects of using paroxetine can make brain chemistry even worse. I've been taking prescribed Paroxetine for 15 years continuously to combat depression/anxiety. I started on 20 mgs per day, went up to 40 mgs per day and then spent about 10 years working my way down to 10 mgs/day (feeling like crap most of the time). That sounds more severe than warning messages on other medications that say something like Drinking alcohol can increase the effects of drowsiness , etc. I am trying to assess the real effects that drinking and taking Paroxetine is having on my body. Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of PARoxetine such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. Before reviewing the side effects and dangers of mixing alcohol and Paxil, what is it? Paxil is the brand name for the generic paroxetine. It’s an antidepressant that’s part of the SSRI class of drugs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Paroxetine (Seroxat) is used for depression and anxiety - we explain how it works and give advice on taking it, including paroxetine and alcohol, paroxetine side effects and paroxetine withdrawal Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of PARoxetine such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. Considering the potential for side effects and interactions between Paxil and alcohol, the manufacturer of the drug, as well as many healthcare providers, recommends avoiding all alcohol use while being treated. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for paroxetine to work. Side effects such as feeling sick or sexual problems are common. They are usually mild and go away after a couple of weeks.