Paxil vs. Effexor
- Are Paxil and Effexor the Same Thing?
- What Are Possible Side Effects of Paxil?
- What Are Possible Side Effects of Effexor?
- What is Paxil?
- What is Effexor?
- What Drugs Interact with Paxil?
- What Drugs Interact with Effexor?
- How Should Paxil Be Taken?
- How Should Effexor Be Taken?
Are Paxil and Effexor the Same Thing?
Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are antidepressants used to treat depression.
Paxil is also used to treat panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder).
Paxil and Effexor are different types of antidepressants. Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and Effexor is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI).
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 Are Possible Side Effects of Effexor?
Common side effects of Effexor include:
- dizziness,
- nervousness,
- nausea,
- constipation,
- headaches,
- anxiety,
- insomnia,
- strange dreams,
- drowsiness,
- increased sweating,
- blurred vision,
- dry mouth,
- changes in appetite or weight,
- decreased sex drive,
- impotence,
- difficulty having an orgasm,
- increased blood pressure, and
- seizures.
Abrupt discontinuation of Effexor may cause dizziness, headache, nausea, changes in mood, or changes in the sense of smell, and taste.
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 is Effexor?
Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant used for treatment of major depression.
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.
What Drugs Interact With Effexor?
Effexor 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.
Effexor may also interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), ketoconazole, linezolid, lithium, haloperidol, or risperidone.
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