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Compare Paxil vs. Effexor XR

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

Key takeaways

Paroxetine (Paxil) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are both medications used to treat depression and anxiety, but they belong to different classes. Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), while Venlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). This means Paroxetine mainly increases serotonin levels in the brain, whereas Venlafaxine increases both serotonin and norepinephrine levels. Paroxetine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, and it can also treat conditions like OCD, PTSD, and PMDD. Venlafaxine, on the other hand, is available in immediate-release and extended-release forms but is not used for OCD or PTSD. Paroxetine is more likely to cause weight gain and sexual side effects, while Venlafaxine is more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Both medications can cause nausea and sleepiness, and they carry a risk of serotonin syndrome and suicidal thoughts, especially in younger people.

Paroxetine (Paxil)
Venlafaxine
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Venlafaxine
Summary of Paxil vs. Effexor XR
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.
Summary for SNRI
Prescription only
Venlafaxine is an antidepressant used to treat mental health conditions like depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It comes in two forms: extended-release, which is taken once a day, and immediate-release, which is taken in split doses throughout the day. This medication can interact with many things, including other medications and alcohol. Possible side effects can include nausea, weight changes, and sexual problems. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly.
Indications of Paxil vs. Effexor XR
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)

Indications for

•Depression

•Generalized anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules only

•Social anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules and tablets only

•Panic disorder - extended-release capsules only
Pros and Cons of Paxil vs. Effexor XR
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

Pros and Const for SNRI
Pros

•Can treat multiple mental health conditions

•Affects two chemicals in the brain that impact your mood

•Lower risk of weight gain compared to other antidepressants

•Comes in both immediate-release and extended-release versions

Cons

•Might raise your blood pressure, especially at higher doses

•Interacts with many medications

•Can take up to 4 to 8 weeks before you feel the full effect

•High risk of causing withdrawal symptoms if suddenly stopped
Common Side Effects of Paxil vs. Effexor XR
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%)

Common Side Effects for
Extended-release:

•Nausea (29-31%)

•Trouble sleeping (17-23%)

•Dizziness (16-20%)

•Loss of appetite (10-20%)

•Drowsiness (15-17%)

•Dry mouth (12-17%)

•Abnormal ejaculation (10-16%)

•Sweating (11-14%)

•Weakness (8-13%)

Immediate-release:

•Nausea (37%)

•Headache (25%)

•Drowsiness (23%)

•Dry mouth (22%)

•Dizziness (19%)

•Trouble sleeping (18%)

•Constipation (15%)

•Nervousness (13%)

•Weakness (12%)

•Sweating (12%)

•Abnormal ejaculation (12%)

•Loss of appetite (11%)
Warnings of Paxil vs. Effexor XR
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

Common Side Effects for

•Suicidal thoughts and behavior

•Serotonin syndrome

•High blood pressure

•Higher bleeding risk

•Mania

•Glaucoma

•Withdrawal

•Seizures

•Low sodium levels

•Lung problems and pneumonia

•Sexual problems
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Learn more about Paroxetine
Learn more about Venlafaxine

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Compare Paxil vs. Effexor XR

Key takeaways

Summary of Paxil vs. Effexor XR

Indications of Paxil vs. Effexor XR

Pros and Cons of Paxil vs. Effexor XR

Common Side Effects of Paxil vs. Effexor XR

Warnings of Paxil vs. Effexor XR

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