Compare Lexapro vs. Paxil
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Improves mood and helps you relax.
Lexapro (escitalopram) is good for treating depression and anxiety. It is less likely to cause side effects than and has fewer drug interactions. However, it might not be a good choice if you have liver or heart problems.
●●●●●
3.6/ 5 average rating with 1063 reviewsforLexapro
Improves mood and anxiety.
Paxil (paroxetine) is effective for treating depression and anxiety, but causes more unwanted side-effects than other medicines that work like it.
●●●●●
3.4/ 5 average rating with 694 reviewsforPaxil
Upsides
- Effective at relieving depression and anxiety symptoms.
- Lowers the likelihood that your depression will come back.
- Lexapro (escitalopram) has less drug interactions than other similar antidepressants and might cause fewer side effects.
- Available in a cheaper, generic form.
- Is convenient and can take once a day.
Downsides
- Can cause a small weight gain of 1-5 pounds.
- Lexapro (escitalopram) is not a good option if you have heart or liver problems.
- The first antidepressant you try might not always work, so you may need to try a few different medicines until you find one that works for you.
- More likely to decrease your sexual appetite and delay or prevent ejaculation than other antidepressants.
- Like most antidepressants, Paxil (paroxetine) has a high risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior when used in children and adolescents.
- May not be appropriate for you if you are elderly or suffer from dementia.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$7.13
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$53.47
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
1063 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Lexapro (escitalopram)?
Leave a review694 reviews so far
52%
saidit'sworth it
39%
saiditworked well
24%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Paxil (paroxetine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
25possible side effects
- Headache24%
- Nausea18%
- Problems ejaculating14%
- Sleepiness13%
- Insomnia12%
- Dry mouth9%
- Diarrhea8%
- Fatigue8%
- Decreased libido7%
- Problems with orgasm6%
- Constipation5%
- Flu-like symptoms5%
- Increased sweating4%
- Indigestion3%
- Vomiting3%
- Neck/shoulder pain3%
- Abnormal dreams3%
- Decrease appetite3%
- Lack of energy3%
- Tingling or burning in the hands/feet2%
- Abdominal pain2%
- Flatulence2%
- Toothache2%
- Yawning2%
- Menstrual disorder2%
29possible side effects
- Abnormal ejaculation28%
- Nausea25%
- Weakness22%
- Drowsiness22%
- Difficulty sleeping21%
- Decreased sexual appetite12%
- Dizziness11%
- Sweating9%
- Dry mouth9%
- Diarrhea9%
- Tremor9%
- Female genital disorder9%
- Decreased appetite8%
- Nervousness8%
- Constipation5%
- Anxiety5%
- Yawning5%
- Painful period5%
- Impotence5%
- Indigestion4%
- Gas4%
- Muscle pain4%
- Impaired concentration4%
- Throat inflammation4%
- Abnormal vision4%
- Trauma3%
- Agitation3%
- Vomiting2%
- Muscle twitching2%
Risks and risk factors
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Serotonin syndrome
- Using other medications that affect serotonin
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Lexapro (escitalopram) suddenly
- Increased bleeding
- Taking blood thinners
- Sexual problems
- Uncovering of bipolar disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- High levels of serotonin (Serotonin Syndrome)
- Using other medications that affect serotonin levels
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Paxil (paroxetine) suddenly
- Increased bleeding risk
- Taking other blood-thinning drugs
- Sexual dysfunction