{"id":4560,"date":"2022-10-11T08:59:55","date_gmt":"2022-10-11T15:59:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/?p=4560"},"modified":"2023-10-04T11:02:44","modified_gmt":"2023-10-04T18:02:44","slug":"paxil-vs-luvox","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/post\/paxil-vs-luvox\/","title":{"rendered":"Paxil vs. Luvox: Which One Should I Take?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Depression and anxiety disorders can make it challenging to think clearly, so comparing medications as similar as Paxil and Luvox can quickly become confusing. Managing a mental illness is already difficult enough without the added frustration of sifting through medical jargon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This comparison guide explains the advantages and disadvantages of each medication, including possible side effects, contraindications, and the conditions they treat. Understanding the differences between the two can help you have an informed discussion with your healthcare provider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have questions about these or other SSRI medications for depression, the healthcare providers on Klarity can help. Within just a couple days, we\u2019ll match you with a licensed and certified medical professional in your state who can help you choose a medication, prescribe it, and provide follow-up care (if applicable). Schedule an appointment<\/a> and get treatment<\/a> within 48 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article discusses suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately at 800-273-8255.<\/em><\/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>Paxil<\/th>Luvox<\/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 paroxetine
\n
\n<\/td>		Brand name for fluvoxamine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td>\u2022 Color-coded tablets
\n\u2022 Time-release tablets
\n\u2022 Orange-colored and flavored liquid suspension
\n<\/td>		\u2022 Immediate-release tablets
\n\u2022 Extended-release capsules
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard Dosage<\/strong><\/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>		Immediate release tablets:
\n\u2022 25 mg
\n\u2022 50 mg
\n\u2022 100 mg
\n
\nExtended-release capsules:
\n\u2022 100 mg
\n\u2022 150 mg
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Conditions Treated<\/strong><\/td>FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 Major depression
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Anxiety
\n\u2022 Panic disorder
\n\u2022 Insomnia
\n<\/td>		FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Social phobia or social anxiety disorder (SAD)
\n\u2022 Major depressive disorder (MDD)
\n\u2022 Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
\n\u2022 Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
\n\u2022 Panic disorder
\n\u2022 Eating disorders
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost<\/strong><\/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>		Generic form (fluvoxamine):
\n\u2022 $20 to $46 for a 30-day supply
\n
\nBrand-name:
\n\u2022 $400 for a 30-day supply
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side-Effects<\/strong><\/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>		Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Dry mouth
\n\u2022 Fatigue, dizziness
\n\u2022 GI upset, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
\n\u2022 Headache
\n\u2022 Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
\n\u2022 Increased anxiety or nervousness
\n\u2022 Increased or excessive sweating
\n
\nSerious side effects:
\n\u2022 Trouble urinating
\n\u2022 Breathing problems
\n\u2022 Sexual dysfunction, including lack of desire or orgasm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/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
\nDrug interactions:
\n\u2022 Antiplatelet
\n\u2022 NSAIDs
\n\u2022 Warfarin and other blood-thinning medications
\n\u2022 Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory
\n\u2022 SNRIs
\n\u2022 Phenothiazines
\n\u2022 Antipsychotic,
\n\u2022 Atypical Antipsychotic
\n\u2022 SERM
\n\u2022 VMAT2 Inhibitors
\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<\/td>		Contraindicated conditions:
\n\u2022 Liver disease
\n\u2022 Prior heart attack or severe heart disease
\n\u2022 Heart arrhythmias
\n\u2022 Bipolar disorder or prior episodes of mania
\n\u2022 Seizure disorder
\n
\nDrug interactions:
\n\u2022 Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
\n\u2022 NSAID medications, including ibuprofen
\n\u2022 Warfarin and other blood-thinning medications
\n\u2022 Other SSRI medications and antidepressants
\n\u2022 ADHD medication, like \u2022 Adderall
\n\u2022 St. John\u2019s Wort
\n\u2022 Most pain medications, including opioids
\n\u2022 Thiazide diuretics
\n\u2022 Recreational drugs, such as MDMA
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n

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

Known as paroxetine in its generic form, Paxil is part of a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications work by stopping receptors in the brain from absorbing serotonin, which boosts the amount of serotonin in the brain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since serotonin is a key component in regulating mood, circadian rhythms, appetite, and the ability to focus, having more of it available can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Paxil is available via prescription as: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Tablets<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Extended-release (ER)  tablets<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Liquid suspension<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Regular tablets work well for those taking a lower dose of Paxil or who feel comfortable taking multiple doses per day. ER tablets are better if you prefer the convenience of a once-daily pill, while the liquid form of Paxil is best if you have trouble swallowing pills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Both regular and ER tablets are scored and printed with the dosage on one side, with \u201cPaxil\u201d printed on the other. They\u2019re color-coded according to dosage, as follows: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • 10 mg yellow<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 20 mg pink<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 30 mg blue <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 40 mg green <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      The liquid form of Paxil is orange in both color and flavor and contains 10 mg of Paxil for every 5mL of liquid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Regardless of which type of Paxil you take, you\u2019ll likely start with a dose of 20 mg and gradually increase it under your healthcare provider\u2019s supervision to 50 mg daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

      Paxil is effective for treating a range of mood-related disorders and conditions. However, it\u2019s only FDA-approved to treat depression. All other uses are off-label. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Paxil Can Treat Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

      Depression and anxiety typically go hand-in-hand because both often result from a chemical imbalance in the brain. Low serotonin is associated with fatigue and listlessness but can also cause excessive nervousness, panic attacks, racing thoughts, and other anxiety symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If you have either or both of these conditions, Paxil can help alleviate associated symptoms by balancing your brain chemistry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Off-Label Uses for Paxil<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

      When a medication is prescribed off-label, it simply means that the medication hasn\u2019t gone through the time-consuming FDA approval process for a specific use. It can still be ethically and safely prescribed to treat conditions other than those approved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Off-label uses for Paxil include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Menopausal symptoms<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Anxiety and panic disorder<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

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

        In general, brand-name Paxil costs significantly more than the generic version, paroxetine. A 30-day supply of each is typically priced as follows: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Paxil: up to $300<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Paroxetine: between $16 and $40<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          These prices may change depending on your dose, pharmacy, and insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

          As your body acclimates to increased serotonin levels in the brain, you may experience mild to moderate side effects. Some side effects subside after a few weeks, while others may persist. If you\u2019re experiencing continued negative side effects, speak with your healthcare provider to see if you should take an alternative medication or adjust your dose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Common side effects associated with Paxil 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, anxiety, or shaking<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Insomnia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Reduced appetite<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Dry mouth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Headaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Sexual dysfunction <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Some rarer but more severe side effects could indicate the onset of a potentially deadly condition called serotonin syndrome. This condition occurs when too much serotonin builds up in your brain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Side effects associated with serotonin syndrome include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Racing thoughts, requiring less sleep, manic euphoria<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Blurred or tunnel vision <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Eye pain, swelling, or seeing halos around lights<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Bone pain or tenderness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Swelling or easy bruising<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Unusual changes in weight or appetite<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Unusual bleeding from the nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Coughing up blood;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Rigid muscles, high fever, sweating<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Confusion, racing heart or arrhythmia, tremors, or fainting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Severe headache and slurred speech <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Severe weakness and reduced coordination<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              If you\u2019re experiencing serotonin syndrome, contact emergency medical services immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

              If you have any of the following conditions \u2014 or a family history of them \u2014 you should discuss them with your medical provider before taking Paxil:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Heart disease or stroke<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • High blood pressure<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Liver or kidney disease<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Bleeding disorders<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Epilepsy <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Bipolar disorder <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Sexual dysfunction<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Glaucoma<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Low blood sodium levels<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Substance abuse disorder<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                If you experience any changes in behavior or mood, like suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm, reach out to your healthcare provider right away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

                The following medications should not be combined with Paxil: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Pimozide or other Tourette’s syndrome medications<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Thioridazine or other antipsychotic medications<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Stimulant medications, like Adderall<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Opioid-based painkillers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Herbal supplements, such as St. John\u2019s Wort<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Tryptophan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  If your healthcare provider recommends that you replace your MAOI with Paxil, stop taking the MAOI for at least 14 days before starting Paxil.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t

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