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Compare Paxil vs. Zoloft

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

Key takeaways

Paxil (paroxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) both belong to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Both medications can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and panic disorder (PD). Zoloft is more known for causing gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea, but Paxil is more likely to cause weight gain and sexual problems.

Paroxetine (Paxil)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Summary of Paxil vs. Zoloft
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 SSRI
Prescription only
Sertraline (Zoloft) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's used to treat different mental health conditions, including depression and certain types of anxiety disorder, such as panic disorder. It's typically taken by mouth once per day. This medication is available as both a tablet and liquid. Common side effects of sertraline (Zoloft) include nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth. It's best to avoid alcohol while taking sertraline (Zoloft) because this combination can worsen side effects of sertraline (Zoloft).
Indications of Paxil vs. Zoloft
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

•Major depressive disorder (MDD)

•Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

•Panic disorder (PD)

•Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

•Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

•Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
Pros and Cons of Paxil vs. Zoloft
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 SSRI
Pros

•Taken by mouth once daily

•A possible option during pregnancy and breastfeeding

•Fewer interactions compared to other SSRIs

•Less likely to cause weight gain compared to paroxetine (Paxil)

•Available as a generic

Cons

•Can take up to 2 months before you feel the full benefits

•More likely to cause diarrhea compared to other SSRIs

•Might make it more difficult for you to fall asleep

•Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

•The liquid form contains alcohol
Common Side Effects of Paxil vs. Zoloft
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 (26%)

•Diarrhea (20%)

•Difficulty sleeping (20%)

•Dry mouth (14%)

•Sleepiness (12%)
Warnings of Paxil vs. Zoloft
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

•Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior

•Serotonin syndrome

•Risk of bleeding

•Not for use alone in bipolar disorder

•Glaucoma

•Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

•Low blood sodium levels
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Compare Paxil vs. Zoloft

Key takeaways

Summary of Paxil vs. Zoloft

Indications of Paxil vs. Zoloft

Pros and Cons of Paxil vs. Zoloft

Common Side Effects of Paxil vs. Zoloft

Warnings of Paxil vs. Zoloft

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