Compare Paxil vs. Effexor
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 694 reviewsforPaxil
Improves mood and helps you relax.
Effexor (venlafaxine) is good for treating depression and anxiety, but it can cause more withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly compared to other antidepressants.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 577 reviewsforEffexor
Upsides
- Available in a cheaper, generic form.
- Is convenient and can take once a day.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) effectively treats depression, anxiety, and panic disorder.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) causes more sleepiness than other antidepressants, so it's beneficial for people who have trouble sleeping.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) might work when other antidepressants haven't worked since it affects two chemicals in the brain that impact your mood.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) has several uses, which may be good for people with multiple conditions.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) is available in generic, which is cheaper.
Downsides
- 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.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) can cause side effects such as decreased libido and increased blood pressure.
- Like most antidepressants, it can cause a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people aged 24 years or younger.
- Compared to other antidepressants, it's more likely to cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it and can causes more sleepiness.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$26.89
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$11.99
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Reviews
694 reviews so far
52%
saidit'sworth it
39%
saiditworked well
24%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Paxil (paroxetine)?
Leave a review577 reviews so far
62%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
23%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Effexor (venlafaxine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
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%
39possible side effects
- Nausea37%
- Headache25%
- Drowsiness23%
- Dry mouth22%
- Dizziness19%
- Difficulty sleeping18%
- Constipation15%
- Nervousness13%
- Weakness12%
- Sweating12%
- Abnormal ejaculation/orgasm12%
- Loss of appetite11%
- Diarrhea8%
- Infection6%
- Vomiting6%
- Anxiety6%
- Blurred vision6%
- Impotence6%
- Indigestion5%
- Tremor5%
- Abnormal dreams4%
- Chills3%
- Rash3%
- Gas3%
- Stiff muscles3%
- Prickling/burning sensation3%
- Yawn3%
- Increased urination3%
- Chest pain2%
- Trauma2%
- Increased blood pressure2%
- Increased heart rate2%
- Decreased libido2%
- Agitation2%
- Confusion2%
- Thinking abnormal2%
- Changes in taste2%
- Ringing in the ears2%
- Dilation of pupils2%
Risks and risk factors
- 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
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Serotonin syndrome
- Taking tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, tramadol, fentanyl, amphetamines, certain headache medications (triptans), St. John's Wort
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Effexor (venlafaxine) suddenly
- Increased bleeding
- Taking other blood-thinning drugs (including aspirin, NSAIDs such as Advil, warfarin)
- Increased blood pressure
- Bipolar disorder
- History of bipolar disorder
- At risk for bipolar disorder