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Compare Pamelor vs. Paxil

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

Key takeaways

Nortriptyline (Pamelor) and paroxetine (Paxil) are both used to treat depression, but they belong to different medication classes. Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that works by adjusting levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and other chemicals in your brain, while paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that specifically raises serotonin levels. Nortriptyline is also used off-label for chronic pain and nerve pain, whereas paroxetine is approved for a wider range of conditions, including various anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Nortriptyline is typically taken multiple times a day, while paroxetine is taken once daily. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, but paroxetine is more likely to cause weight gain and sexual side effects. Additionally, paroxetine has a higher risk of drug interactions and is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential harm to unborn babies.

  • Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
    Paroxetine (Paxil)
  • Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
    Paroxetine (Paxil)

  • Summary of Pamelor vs. Paxil

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Nortriptyline (Pamelor) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It's approved to treat depression in adults. This medication is also often prescribed off-label to treat certain types of nerve pain. Nortriptyline (Pamelor) is available as a capsule and liquid that are taken by mouth. Side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, and possible weight gain. This medication is available under the brand name Pamelor and as a generic.

    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 Pamelor vs. Paxil

    Indications for
    •Depression
    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 Pamelor vs. Paxil

    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Available as a capsule and liquid
    •Taken by mouth once per day, or split into smaller doses throughout the day
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for depression because of side effects
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it after long-term use
    •Not recommended for children
    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 Pamelor vs. Paxil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Blurred vision
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach upset
    •Loss of appetite
    •Numbness in the hands or feet
    •Rash
    •Itching
    •Changes in blood pressure
    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 Pamelor vs. Paxil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression and risk for suicidal thoughts and unusual behavior
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Dizziness and drowsiness
    •Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
    •Glaucoma
    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 Pamelor vs. Paxil

    Learn more about Nortriptyline
    Learn more about Paroxetine

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