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.
