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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)
    Paroxetine (Paxil)
  • Pregabalin (Lyrica)
    Paroxetine (Paxil)

  • Summary of Lyrica vs. Paxil

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Pregabalin (Lyrica) treats pain caused by nerve damage and fibromyalgia in adults. It can be used with other medications to prevent seizures for both adults and children. Pregabalin (Lyrica) is taken by mouth, typically 2 or 3 times a day. It's available as a capsule and oral solution. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include dizziness and drowsiness.

    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 Lyrica vs. Paxil

    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from diabetes (diabetic peripheral neuropathy), shingles (postherpetic neuralgia), or spinal cord injury
    •Fibromyalgia
    •Partial-onset seizures
    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 Lyrica vs. Paxil

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Works well to relieve nerve pain caused by diabetes, shingles, and spinal cord injuries
    •Available in a capsule and oral solution
    •Used in combination with other anti-seizure drugs to treat partial-onset seizures
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can cause dizziness and drowsiness
    •Must avoid drinking alcohol
    •Not recommended for breastfeeding females
    •Can cause weight gain
    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 Lyrica vs. Paxil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (8-29%)
    •Drowsiness (4-16%)
    •Swelling of hands, feet, arms, or legs (4-12%)
    •Dry mouth (2-7%)
    •Weight gain (4-6%)
    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 Lyrica vs. Paxil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions and severe swelling
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Difficulty driving and concentrating
    •Breathing problems
    •Swelling in the limbs and weight gain
    •Withdrawal symptoms and risk of seizures
    •Possible risk of bleeds (from low platelet levels)
    •Possible risk of muscle breakdown
    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 Lyrica vs. Paxil

    Learn more about Pregabalin
    Learn more about Paroxetine

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