{"id":3473,"date":"2022-09-12T11:29:21","date_gmt":"2022-09-12T18:29:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/?p=3473"},"modified":"2024-02-14T05:52:23","modified_gmt":"2024-02-14T13:52:23","slug":"zoloft-vs-paxil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/post\/zoloft-vs-paxil\/","title":{"rendered":"Zoloft vs. Paxil: What\u2019s the Difference and Which One Should I Take?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Zoloft and Paxil are both frequently-prescribed medications for depression and anxiety. They belong to the same class of drugs and work similarly in the body, so it can be confusing to decide which one is right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both of these medications are SSRIs\u2014selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors\u2014and are FDA-approved. While they\u2019re similar, certain symptoms may make one drug more effective than the other. This comparison guide details the similarities, differences, contraindications, and cost of Zoloft vs. Paxil to help you decide which one you should take. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are diagnosed with generalized anxiety or major depression, or you suspect you have one of these conditions, SSRIs like Zoloft and Paxil could be the solution to relieving your symptoms. Klarity can connect you with a certified healthcare provider in just 48 hours for comprehensive, fast, and affordable online depression<\/a> and anxiety treatment<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Schedule an appointment today<\/a> for an evaluation, diagnosis, and individualized treatment for your anxiety or depression symptoms if applicable\u2014all from the comfort and convenience of your home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
<\/th>Zoloft<\/th>Paxil<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Drug Class<\/strong><\/td>Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)<\/td>Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td>Brand name for sertraline<\/td>Brand name for paroxetine
\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td>\u2022 Clear, peppermint-flavored liquid suspension
\n\u2022 Color-coded tablets
\n<\/td>		\u2022 Color-coded tablets
\n\u2022 Time-release tablets
\n\u2022 Orange-colored and flavored liquid suspension
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard Dosage<\/strong><\/td>Liquid suspension
\n\u2022 20 mg of sertraline per dose
\n
\nStandard tablet dosages:
\n\u2022 Green indicates 25 mg
\n\u2022 Blue indicates 50 mg
\n\u2022 Pinkish-red indicates 100 mg
\n<\/td>		Time-release tablets:
\n\u2022 37.5mg of paroxetine
\n
\nColor-coded tablets:
\n\u2022 Yellow: 10 mg
\n\u2022 Pink: 20 mg
\n\u2022 Blue: 30 mg
\n\u2022 Green: 40 mg
\n
\nLiquid suspension:
\n\u2022 5mg of suspension contains 10mg of paroxetine
\n
\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Conditions Treated<\/strong><\/td>FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 Major depression
\n\u2022 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
\n\u2022 Panic disorder
\n\u2022 Post-traumatic stress (PTS)
\n\u2022 Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
\n\u2022 Social anxiety disorder
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Autism (mood stabilizing)
\n\u2022 Alcoholism
\n\u2022 Eating disorders
\n\u2022 Diabetic neuropathy
\n\u2022 Dementia
\n\u2022 Hot flashes
\n\u2022 Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
\n\u2022 Fibromyalgia
\n\u2022 Migraines
\n\u2022 Personality disorders
\n\u2022 Tourette syndrome
\n\u2022 Premature ejaculation<\/td>		FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 Major depression
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Anxiety
\n\u2022 Panic disorder
\n\u2022 Insomnia
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost<\/strong><\/td>Generic form (sertraline):
\n\u2022 $4 to $25 for 30 days\u2019 worth
\n
\nBrand-name:
\n\u2022 $215 to $315 for a 30-day supply
\n<\/td>		Generic form (paroxetine):
\n\u2022 $4 to $25 for a 30-day supply
\n
\nBrand-name:
\n\u2022 $280 for a 30-day supply
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side-Effects<\/strong><\/td>Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Nausea or indigestion
\n\u2022 Diarrhea or loose stool
\n\u2022 Tremors or twitching
\n\u2022 Decreased appetite and weight loss
\n\u2022 Bruising and muscle aches
\n\u2022 Decreased libido\/trouble orgasming
\n\u2022 Excessive sweating
\n\u2022 Anxiety
\n
\nSerious side effects:
\n\u2022 Heart arrhythmia
\n\u2022 Bleeding and liver injury
\n\u2022 Confusion and seizures
\n\u2022 Suicidal thoughts
\n\u2022 Changes in behavior
\n\u2022 Serotonin syndrome
\n<\/td>		Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Changes in vision
\n\u2022 Weakness, drowsiness, or dizziness
\n\u2022 Sweating or shaking
\n\u2022 Anxiety
\n\u2022 Insomnia
\n\u2022 Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting
\n\u2022 Diarrhea or constipation
\n\u2022 Dry mouth
\n\u2022 Infections
\n\u2022 Headaches
\n\u2022 Decreased sex drive or impotence
\n\u2022 Abnormal ejaculation or difficulty orgasming
\n
\nSerious side effects:
\n\u2022 Racing thoughts
\n\u2022 Decreased need for sleep
\n\u2022 Unusual risk-taking behaviors
\n\u2022 Extreme feelings of happiness or sadness
\n\u2022 Being more talkative than usual
\n\u2022 Blurred vision or tunnel vision
\n\u2022 Eye pain, swelling, or seeing halos around lights
\n\u2022 Bone pain, tenderness, swelling, or bruising
\n\u2022 Changes in weight or appetite
\n\u2022 Coughing up blood or bleeding from your nose, mouth, or rectum
\n\u2022 Unusual vaginal bleeding
\n\u2022 Stiff or rigid muscles
\n\u2022 High fever, sweating, tremors, or fainting
\n\u2022 Fast, uneven heartbeat
\n\u2022 Headaches
\n\u2022 Confusion or slurred speech
\n\u2022 Severe weakness, lost coordination, or feeling unsteady
\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/td>Contraindicated conditions:
\n\u2022 Pregnancy or breastfeeding
\n\u2022 Liver problems
\n\u2022 Epilepsy and seizure disorders
\n\u2022 Glaucoma
\n\u2022 Bipolar disorder
\n\u2022 Thyroid disease
\n
\nDrug interactions:
\n\u2022 Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
\n\u2022 Blood thinners
\n\u2022 Antipsychotic and antiseizure medications
\n\u2022 Alcohol\u2014recreational and alcohol-based medications
\n<\/td>		Contraindicated conditions:
\n\u2022 Bipolar disorder
\n\u2022 History of suicide attempts
\n\u2022 Liver or kidney problems
\n\u2022 Bleeding problems
\n\u2022 Low sodium in the blood
\n\u2022 Peptic ulcer disease
\n\u2022 Seizure disorders
\n\u2022 Thyroid disease
\n\u2022 Angle-closure type glaucoma
\n\u2022 Pregnancy or breastfeeding
\n
\nAdverse drug interactions:
\n\u2022 Thioridazine
\n\u2022 Clopidogrel
\n\u2022 NSAIDs
\n\u2022 Warfarin
\n\u2022 Aspirin
\n\u2022 Atomoxetine
\n\u2022 Phenothiazines
\n\u2022 Pimozide,
\n\u2022 Risperidone
\n\u2022 Tamoxifen
\n\u2022 Tetrabenazine
\n\u2022 Antiarrhythmic medications
\n\u2022 TCA antidepressants
\n\u2022 Antihistamines
\n\u2022 Sleep aids
\n\u2022 Muscle relaxants
\n\u2022 Opiate-based pain relievers or cough suppressants
\n\u2022 Water pills (may cause salt imbalance)
\n\u2022 MAOIs may cause a fatal reaction
\n\u2022 Alcohol
\n\u2022 Marijuana
\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n

What Is Paxil?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Paxil is the brand name for paroxetine, an FDA-approved SSRI medication available only via prescription. It\u2019s used to treat a wide variety of mood disorders by preventing nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin too quickly. This increases the serotonin levels in the brain, which helps stabilize mood, concentration, and sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paxil Forms and Doses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Paxil comes in three forms: tablets, time-release tablets, and liquid suspensions. Both kinds of pills are color-coded according to dosage. Time-release tablets are usually blue and printed with 37.5, indicating it contains 37.5 mg of medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regular tablets come in several different colors, with each color corresponding to a specific dosage: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Yellow: 10 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Pink: 20 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Blue: 30 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Green: 40 mg<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    In liquid form, Paxil is an orange-colored and flavored suspension, with each 5 mg dose containing the equivalent of 10 mg of paroxetine. Liquid medications usually have a clearly marked oral syringe to administer the exact dosage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The standard dosage is between 10 mg and 60 mg daily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Conditions Paxil Treats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Anxiety<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    While anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences now and then, chronic, very intense, or frequent acute episodes of anxiety may indicate you have an anxiety disorder. Chemical imbalances sometimes cause these disorders in the brain, which can be addressed with medications like Paxil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Since Paxil is an SSRI that increases the serotonin in the brain, it helps regulate brain and body functions related to proper serotonin levels. These functions include restoring a sense of calm to a person\u2019s body and mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Depression<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    A lack of available serotonin can also cause depression. Though temporary feelings of depression are normal in some situations\u2014such as the loss of a loved one\u2014frequent or prolonged depressive episodes may indicate a disorder and the need for treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paxil is often prescribed to treat depression, and patients typically feel an improvement in their symptoms within 4 to 6 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Insomnia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Though Paxil isn\u2019t typically prescribed to treat insomnia, those experiencing insomnia as a symptom of anxiety or depression may find that Paxil helps them establish healthy sleeping habits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, one of Paxil\u2019s potential side effects is insomnia, so if you continue or begin to experience disturbed sleep, talk to your healthcare provider right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paxil Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Paxil\u2019s generic form, paroxetine, is covered by most insurance, including Medicare Part D. The brand name may cost between $4 and $25 for a 30-day supply. Costs vary depending on your level of insurance coverage and whether you have prescription copays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paxil Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Just as with most prescription medications, Paxil may cause side effects in some people. Common side effects include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Changes in vision<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Weakness, drowsiness, or dizziness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Sweating or shaking<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Anxiety<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Insomnia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Diarrhea or constipation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Dry mouth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Infections <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Headaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Decreased sex drive or impotence<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Abnormal ejaculation or difficulty orgasming<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      If these side effects persist or become unmanageable, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Additionally, seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following severe side effects: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Racing thoughts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Decreased need for sleep<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Unusual risk-taking behaviors<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Extreme feelings of happiness or sadness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Being more talkative than usual<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Blurred vision or tunnel vision <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Eye pain, swelling, or seeing halos around lights<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Bone pain, tenderness, swelling, or bruising<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Changes in weight or appetite<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Coughing up blood or bleeding from your nose, mouth, or rectum<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Unusual vaginal bleeding<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Stiff or rigid muscles<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • High fever, sweating, tremors, or fainting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Fast, uneven heartbeat<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Headaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Confusion or slurred speech<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Severe weakness, lost coordination, or feeling unsteady<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Paxil Warnings for Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Tell your healthcare provider about any allergies you have before taking Paxil. Even if you\u2019re not allergic to the medication itself, you may be allergic to one or more of the inactive ingredients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Additionally, it\u2019s important to share if you or your family has a history of any of the following conditions: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Bipolar disorder<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • History of suicide attempts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Liver or kidney problems<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Bleeding problems<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Low sodium in the blood<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Peptic ulcer disease<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Seizure disorders<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Thyroid disease<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Angle-closure type glaucoma<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Older adults and children may both be more sensitive to some of Paxil\u2019s side effects. Seniors may experience bleeding or loss of coordination, while children may experience loss of appetite and weight loss. Additionally, Paxil is not recommended for those who are nursing or may be pregnant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Paxil Interactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Paxil may interact with other substances or medications in ways that inhibit their intended effects or cause health issues. Before taking Paxil, tell your healthcare provider about every medication and substance you use regularly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Contraindicated medications include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • Thioridazine<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Clopidogrel<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Warfarin<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Aspirin<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Atomoxetine<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Phenothiazines<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Pimozide, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Risperidone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Tamoxifen<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Tetrabenazine<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Antiarrhythmic medications<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • TCA antidepressants<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Antihistamines<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Sleep aids<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Muscle relaxants<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Opiate-based pain relievers or cough suppressants<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Water pills (may cause salt imbalance)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • MAOIs may cause a fatal reaction<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Other contraindicated substances include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Alcohol<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Marijuana<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Your healthcare provider will discuss your symptoms, your medical history, your current medications, and other important information before prescribing any drug for your anxiety or depression. <\/p>\n\n\n\t\t

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