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Compare Paxil vs. Pristiq

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

Key takeaways

Paroxetine (Paxil) and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes and have some key differences. Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that also treats various anxiety disorders, while desvenlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used for depression. Paroxetine is available in immediate-release and extended-release tablets, as well as a liquid suspension, whereas desvenlafaxine is only available as an extended-release tablet. Paroxetine can cause weight gain and sexual side effects more frequently, while desvenlafaxine is less likely to cause weight gain but can raise blood pressure. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly and have risks of serotonin syndrome and suicidal thoughts, especially in younger individuals. Both are available in lower-cost generic forms.

  • Paroxetine (Paxil)
    Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil)
    Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

  • Summary of Paxil vs. Pristiq

    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

    Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) is a medication used to treat depression in adults. It's only available as a tablet that's typically taken once a day. This medication can raise your blood pressure, so it might not be the best choice if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart problems.

  • Indications of Paxil vs. Pristiq

    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

  • Pros and Cons of Paxil vs. Pristiq

    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
    •A first-choice medication for treating depression in adults
    •Can take with or without food
    •Once-daily dosing makes it easier to remember to take
    •Lower-cost generic available
    •Less serious side effects compared to some other antidepressants
    Cons
    •Can take up to 8 weeks for effects to fully kick in
    •Can raise your blood pressure
    •Must lower dose slowly to stop the medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms
    •Not approved for use in children

  • Common Side Effects of Paxil vs. Pristiq

    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
    •Nausea (22%)
    •Dizziness (13%)
    •Dry mouth (11%)
    •Excessive sweating (10%)
    •Constipation (9%)
    •Trouble sleeping (9%)
    •Feeling tired (7%)
    •Loss of appetite (5%)
    •Sleepiness (4%)
    •Low sex drive (4%)

  • Warnings of Paxil vs. Pristiq

    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 behaviors
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •High blood pressure
    •Higher bleeding risk
    •Worsening of glaucoma
    •Emergence of mania
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Seizures
    •Low sodium levels in the blood
    •Lung problems and pneumonia

  • Prices with our coupons for Paxil vs. Pristiq

    Learn more about Paroxetine
    Learn more about Desvenlafaxine

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