As the first‑line chemotherapy, paclitaxel induced neuropathic pain and cognitive impairment has gradually attracted people's attention. Based on the pharmacological and functional characteristics of paclitaxel, this review summarized the research advances of the role of paclitaxel on gamma aminobutyric acid B (GABAB) receptor and endoplasmic reticulum stress in neurons of the central nervous system in recent years. This review aims to explore the mechanism of paclitaxel induced neuropathic pain, neuronal apoptosis and central cognitive impairment, and to provide a new theoretical basis for clinical treatment.