Paxil vs Zoloft: Difference and Comparison

Today, there exist several disorders and diseases that take place in the human body. The human body has to deal with several types of illnesses.

If a person is dealing with mental health issues, there are several medicines that can be used to treat and cure those disorders. Two of those are 1. Paxil, and 2. Zoloft.

Key Takeaways

  1. Paxil (paroxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used to treat depression and other mental health disorders.
  2. Both medications increase serotonin levels in the brain, helping to improve mood and alleviate anxiety symptoms.
  3. Side effect profiles may differ, with Paxil more likely to cause weight gain and sedation, while Zoloft may induce gastrointestinal issues and insomnia.

Paxil vs Zoloft

Paxil is a medical treatment that is used to aid different mental disorders, including depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, or anxiety. Zoloft is a medicine that is used to treat different mental health sicknesses, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder,  panic attacks, and depression.

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Paxil is a medicine that is used as an antidepressant. Paxil is the brand name, and the generic name of the medicine is paroxetine. Seroxat and Loxamine are also the brand names by which this medicine is known as.

Zoloft is a medicine that is used as an antidepressant that targets a specific class of serotonin reuptake inhibitors which is also a drug class. Zoloft is the brand name, and the generic name of the medicine is sertraline.

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Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonPaxilZoloft
Generic NameParoxetineSertraline
Brand/ Trade NamesPaxil, Seroxat, LoxamineZoloft, Amy, Lustral
Manufacturing CompanyGlaxoSmithKlinePfizer
Released inThe early 90s1997
Side-effectsConstipation, weakness, loss of appetite, sweating, constant yawning, nausea, infections etc. Dryness in the mouth, fatigue, drowsiness, sleeplessness, upset stomach etc.

What is Paxil?

Paxil, also known as Loxamine and Seroxat, is a medicine used to treat several mental health disorders. These disorders include depression, OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder, both generalized and social anxiety disorders, panic attacks, PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder etc.

The manufacturer of this medicine is GlaxoSmithKline. In the year 2018, Paxil was one of the top ten most prescribed medicines for the treatment of depression and other mental health disorders.

Other than that, a patient may also experience sexual dysfunction and insomnia. Studies have also shown that people have also experienced side effects like nervousness in their behaviour, diarrhoea etc.

They must always make sure that they take medicine in the right quantity and must overdose or even skipping the dose. However, a person must also ensure that they are taking the right medicine.

What is Zoloft?

Zoloft, also known as Amy and Lustral, is a medicine used to treat several mental health disorders. These disorders include depression, OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, social anxiety, premenstrual dysphoric disorder etc.

The medicine Zoloft was approved first in the year 1997. However, it is approved for children that have OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder and only for the treatment of this particular disorder, and it must not be consumed by children with other mental health illnesses.

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Other than that, a person may also experience agitated behaviour, nausea, loss of appetite etc. Unlike the side-effect of Paxil, a person does not experience sexual dysfunction as a side-effect of Zoloft.

People must understand the importance of medication. People must understand that they can avoid further serious issues with a certain disorder by strictly following medications in the initial stage.

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Main Differences Between Paxil and Zoloft

  1. .One of the side effects of Paxil includes sexual dysfunction, which is not one of the side effects of Zoloft.
  2. If a patient is taking Paxil, then he or she must not take any other medications. On the other hand, if a patient is undergoing electroconvulsive therapy, then he or she must not take Zoloft.
References
  1. https://www.nature.com/articles/srep23789
  2. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/chir.20113

Last Updated : 11 June, 2023

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9 thoughts on “Paxil vs Zoloft: Difference and Comparison”

  1. Paxil and Zoloft are used to treat depression and anxiety, and both are widely used and can be effective. Their differences are notable, and it’s important for people to be aware of them.

    Reply
  2. Paxil and Zoloft are widely used SSRIs, and they have different side effect profiles which should be considered when choosing an appropriate treatment.

    Reply
  3. Paxil and Zoloft are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Understanding the specific differences between them can help patients and physicians make well-informed decisions.

    Reply
  4. The article provides a comprehensive comparison between Paxil and Zoloft, detailing their usage and side effects effectively.

    Reply
  5. Paxil and Zoloft are essential in treating various mental health disorders. Understanding their differences can facilitate informed treatment choices.

    Reply
  6. Paxil and Zoloft are important medications for mental health, and it is crucial to understand their differences and usage guidelines.

    Reply
  7. The differences between Paxil and Zoloft are crucial for identifying the most suitable treatment for different patients’ needs. It’s essential to consider these factors in mental health care.

    Reply
  8. The detailed comparison between Paxil and Zoloft provides insight into their characteristics and appropriate usage, helping patients and physicians make better decisions.

    Reply

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