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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)

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Sertraline

(Zoloft)

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Summary for Paxil

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.

Indications for Paxil

Pros and Cons for Paxil

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

Common Side Effects for Paxil

  • 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%)

Warnings for Paxil

  • Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Risk of harm to unborn babies
  • Sexual problems
  • Withdrawal
  • Risk of bleeding
  • Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
  • Glaucoma
  • Low blood sodium levels
  • Seizures
  • Risk of abnormal heart rhythm from interactions

Summary for Zoloft

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 for Zoloft

Pros and Cons for Zoloft

Pros

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 for Zoloft

  • Nausea (26%)
  • Diarrhea (20%)
  • Difficulty sleeping (20%)
  • Dry mouth (14%)
  • Sleepiness (12%)

Warnings for Zoloft

  • 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

Prices with our coupons for Paxil vs. Zoloft

Price Card Drug Icon
Paroxetine90 tablets / 20mg
$10.00$10.00
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Sertraline30 tablets / 50mg
$9.26$33.64
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