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Pexeva vs. Paxil

 

Are Pexeva and Paxil the Same Thing?

Pexeva (paroxetine mesylate) and Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride) are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Paxil is also used to treat panic attacks.

Side effects of Pexeva and Paxil that are similar include nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, trouble sleeping (insomnia), dry mouth, yawning, headache, restlessness, nervousness, constipation, weight changes, decreased sex drive, impotence, difficulty having an orgasm, and ringing in your ears.

Side effects of Pexeva that are different from Paxil include loss of appetite, weakness, sweating, and blurred vision.

Side effects of Paxil that are different from Pexeva include nasal irritation.

Both Pexeva and Paxil may interact with cold or allergy medicines, sedatives, narcotics, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, medicine for seizures or anxiety, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), blood thinners, cimetidine, fentanyl, fosamprenavir, ritonavir, St. John's wort, tamoxifen, theophylline, tramadol, tryptophan, heart medications, other antidepressants, medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, and “triptans” for migraine.

Pexeva may also interact with linezolid.

Paxil may also interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking Pexeva or Paxil.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Pexeva?

Common side effects of Pexeva include:

  • nausea,
  • drowsiness,
  • dizziness,
  • trouble sleeping (insomnia),
  • loss of appetite,
  • weakness,
  • dry mouth,
  • sweating,
  • blurred vision,
  • yawning,
  • headache,
  • restlessness,
  • nervousness,
  • constipation,
  • weight changes,
  • decreased sex drive,
  • impotence,
  • difficulty having an orgasm, or
  • ringing in your ears.

Report any worsening depression or suicidal thoughts you may have while taking Pexeva to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Pexeva including:

  • shakiness (tremor),
  • inability to keep still,
  • numbness or tingling,
  • easy bruising or bleeding,
  • fast or irregular heartbeat,
  • muscle weakness or spasm, or
  • seizures.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Paxil?

Common side effects of Paxil include:

  • headache,
  • nervousness,
  • restlessness,
  • drowsiness,
  • dizziness,
  • nasal irritation,
  • sleep problems (insomnia),
  • nausea,
  • constipation,
  • weight changes,
  • decreased sex drive,
  • impotence,
  • difficulty having an orgasm,
  • dry mouth,
  • yawning, or
  • ringing in the ears.

Call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts.

What Is Pexeva?

Pexeva (paroxetine mesylate) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) type of antidepressant used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

What Is Paxil?

Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder).

 

What Drugs Interact With Pexeva?

Pexeva may interact with cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotics, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, medicine for seizures or anxiety, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), blood thinners, cimetidine, fentanyl, fosamprenavir, linezolid, ritonavir, St. John's wort, tamoxifen, theophylline, tramadol, tryptophan, heart medications, other antidepressants, medicine to treat psychiatric disorders, almotriptan, frovatriptan, sumatriptan, naratripta, rizatriptan, or zolmitriptan. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Pexeva is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm a fetus. Babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may develop withdrawal symptoms such as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying. If you notice symptoms in your newborn, tell the doctor. Since untreated depression can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking this medication.

What Drugs Interact With Paxil?

Paxil may interact with cold or allergy medicines, sedatives, narcotics, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, medicines for seizures or anxiety, other antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), blood thinners, cimetidine, tramadol, L-tryptophan, or medicines to treat migraines.

Paxil may also interact with fentanyl, fosamprenavir, ritonavir, St. John's wort, tamoxifen, theophylline, heart medications, or medicines to treat psychiatric disorders.

You may have withdrawal symptoms (such as agitation, dizziness, numbness or tingling, ringing in your ears, confusion, or behavior changes) after you stop taking Paxil.

 

How Should Pexeva Be Taken?

The recommended initial dose of Pexeva is 20 mg/day.

How Should Paxil Be Taken?

The recommended initial dose of Paxil depends on the condition being treated and ranges from 20 mg/day to 50 mg/day.