Difference Between Paxil and Prozac

Paxil vs Prozac

Sometimes we are depressed. That is part of our lives as humans. Everyday is not Christmas. There will be times in which we are not capable of being happy. This due to a lot of factors. We are only capable of solving it on our own.

Sometimes our depression may continue for days, weeks, or, worse, up to months. When our coping mechanism is not well established, we are at risk for suicide. Thus, we must always seek our immediate support system such as our family members. We can also seek the help of doctors such as psychiatrists. They can prescribe anti-depressant medications. Two of these anti-depressants that will be tackled here are Paxil and Prozac.

The generic name of Prozac is Fluoxetine. Other trade names are Sarafem and Fontex. Paxil, on the other hand, has a generic name of Paroxetine. Other trade names are Aropax and Seroxat. Prozac is marketed and manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company while Paxil is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline which began in 1992.

Prozac is approved for treatment of the following disorders: pediatric depression, major depression, bulimia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Paxil is also used to treat major depression, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder or GAD, and panic disorder.

In terms of side effects, Paxil is said to have a side effect of increased weight gain compared to Prozac. There is also a major withdrawal syndrome once it is discontinued immediately. Lastly there is an increased risk of suicide through suicidal thoughts by taking this drug. Both Paxil and Prozac are SSRI’s or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Serotonin is said to be responsible for making us happy. Thus, once it is released in our system, depression will be eliminated. The downside of taking anti-depressants is that the effect does not occur immediately. It takes weeks up to a month before the effects will take place so patients are advised not to stop taking the drug. Other side effects of SSRI medications are mainly on sexual functions. There will be erectile problems and ejaculation problems. The patient taking it won’t have any interest in sex.

Summary:

1.Prozac’s brand name is Fluoxetine while Paxil’s brand name is Paroxetine.
2.Prozac is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company while Paxil is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.
3.Paxil has many side effects compared to Prozac.
4.Both are SSRI’s.
5.Both are used to treat major depression and other disorders.

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