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.
