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Compare Anafranil vs. Paxil

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Clomipramine (Anafranil)
    Paroxetine (Paxil)
  • Clomipramine (Anafranil)
    Paroxetine (Paxil)

  • Summary of Anafranil vs. Paxil

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Clomipramine (Anafranil) is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can be used by children as young as 10 years old. The medication is taken by mouth and your dosage might increase over several weeks. Clomipramine (Anafranil) isn't a first-choice medication because of the high risk for side effects such as dry mouth, sleepiness, weight gain, and headaches.

    Summary for SSRI
    Prescription only

    Paroxetine (also known by it's brand name Paxil) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), used for different types of anxiety problems and depression. It's available as a brand name and generic version, and it comes as an immediate-release tablet, an oral suspension, and an extended-release tablet. Possible side effects include nausea, sexual side effects, and weight gain. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms (e.g., headache, trouble sleeping, anxiety) if you suddenly stop taking it.

  • Indications of Anafranil vs. Paxil

    Indications for
    •Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Panic disorder (PD)
    •Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
    •Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (IR only)
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (IR only)
    •Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (IR only)
    •Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (ER only)

  • Pros and Cons of Anafranil vs. Paxil

    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Can help lessen unwanted thoughts and compulsions for people with OCD
    •Can be used in children as young as 10 years old
    •Dose can be adjusted by your provider based on your response
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •More likely to cause bothersome side effects compared with other medications for OCD
    •Can affect sex drive or sexual performance for men
    •Unknown if long-term use (more than 10 weeks) is safe
    •Careful use in people with certain medical conditions (e.g., overactive thyroid or glaucoma)
    Pros and Const for SSRI
    Pros
    •Only needs to be taken once daily
    •Available as a tablet and oral liquid
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Can be used for many different mental health conditions
    •Can be helpful for people who have both anxiety and depression
    Cons
    •Can take several weeks or months to achieve the full benefits
    •Might be more likely than other SSRIs to cause weight gain or sexual problems
    •Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

  • Common Side Effects of Anafranil vs. Paxil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (63-84%)
    •Sleepiness (46-54%)
    •Dizziness (41-54%)
    •Tremor (33-54%)
    •Headache (28-52%)
    •Constipation (22-47%)
    •Sexual problems in males (6-42%)
    •Tiredness (35-39%)
    •Nausea (9-33%)
    •Sweating more (9-29%)
    •Trouble sleeping (11-25%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Abnormal ejaculation (up to 28%)
    •Nausea (up to 25%)
    •Weakness (up to 22%)
    •Sleepiness or trouble sleeping (up to 24%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 18%)
    •Constipation (up to 16%)
    •Sweating (up to 14%)
    •Dizziness (up to 14%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 12%)
    •Low libido (up to 12%)
    •Shakiness (up to 11%)

  • Warnings of Anafranil vs. Paxil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Mania
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Seizures
    •Dizziness and falls
    •Eye problems (Angle-closure glaucoma)
    •Low sodium levels
    •Serious skin reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Risk of harm to unborn babies
    •Sexual problems
    •Withdrawal
    •Risk factors: Stopping paroxetine (Paxil) suddenly
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Glaucoma
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Seizures
    •Risk of abnormal heart rhythm from interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Anafranil vs. Paxil

    Learn more about Clomipramine
    Learn more about Paroxetine

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