Skip to main content

Compare
Lyrica vs. Paxil

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

Key takeaways

Lyrica (Pregabalin) and Paxil (paroxetine) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Lyrica is an antiepileptic medication used to treat nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and partial-onset seizures. It is available in both capsule and oral solution forms and is typically taken 2 or 3 times a day. Common side effects include dizziness and drowsiness. On the other hand, Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, and PTSD. It comes in immediate-release and extended-release tablets, as well as an oral suspension, and is usually taken once daily. Paxil can cause side effects like nausea, sexual problems, and weight gain, and it may lead to withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. Unlike Lyrica, Paxil is not a controlled substance.

Pregabalin

(Lyrica)

Get free coupons

Paroxetine

(Paxil)

Get free coupons

Summary for Lyrica

Prescription only

Pregabalin (Lyrica) helps treat nerve pain and fibromyalgia in adults. It can also be taken with other medications to help treat certain seizures in people 1 month and older. Pregabalin (Lyrica) comes as a capsule and oral solution in both brand-name and generic versions. The dosage depends on what condition you're treating, but it's usually taken by mouth 2 or 3 times a day. Common side effects include feeling dizzy and drowsy. This medication is a controlled substance and has interactions, like with alcohol and benzodiazepines.

Indications for Lyrica

Pros and Cons for Lyrica

Pros

  • An option for relieving nerve pain caused by diabetes, shingles, and spinal cord injuries
  • Can take with other anti-seizure medications for partial-onset seizures in people as young as 1 month of age
  • Available in a capsule and liquid

Cons

  • Can cause dizziness and drowsiness
  • Can cause weight gain
  • Is a controlled substance, so there are some rules to follow to get it filled

Common Side Effects for Lyrica

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Weight gain

Warnings for Lyrica

  • Allergic reactions and severe swelling
  • Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
  • Higher risk of side effects if you stop taking the medication too suddenly or too fast
  • Slowed breathing
  • Dizziness, sleepiness, and trouble concentrating
  • Swelling of the arms or legs
  • Weight gain
  • Lower platelet levels
  • Possible risk of muscle breakdown

Summary for Paxil

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 for Paxil

Pros and Cons for Paxil

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

Common Side Effects for Paxil

  • 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 for Paxil

  • Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Risk of harm to unborn babies
  • Sexual problems
  • Withdrawal
  • 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 Lyrica vs. Paxil

Price Card Drug Icon
Pregabalin60 capsules / 75mg
$13.43$39.25
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Paroxetine30 tablets / 20mg
$4.00$4.00
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Epilepsy and Depression drugs

Cymbalta vs. LyricaEffexor vs. LyricaGabapentin vs. LyricaLexapro vs. LyricaLyrica vs. Depakote
Lyrica vs. DesipramineLyrica vs. ElavilLyrica vs. LidocaineLyrica vs. NeurontinLyrica vs. PamelorLyrica vs. PaxilLyrica vs. PristiqLyrica vs. RemeronLyrica vs. SavellaLyrica vs. UltramLyrica vs. WellbutrinLyrica vs. XanaxCymbalta vs. CelexaCymbalta vs. LuvoxCymbalta vs. PristiqCymbalta vs. ViibrydCymbalta vs. XanaxElavil vs. CymbaltaLexapro vs. CymbaltaNeurontin vs. CymbaltaPamelor vs. CymbaltaPaxil vs. CymbaltaProzac vs. CymbaltaRemeron vs. CymbaltaTofranil vs. Cymbalta

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.