Paxil vs Effexor: side-by-side comparison
Paxil (Paroxetine) and Effexor (Venlafaxine) both belong to the Antidépresseurs class. They share clinical context but use different active ingredients. The choice between them depends on mechanism nuances, side-effect profile and individual response.
| Property | Paxil | Effexor |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Paroxetine | Venlafaxine |
| Manufacturer | GlaxoSmithKline | Wyeth/Pfizer |
| Class | Antidépresseurs | Antidépresseurs |
| Strengths | 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg | 37.5mg, 75mg, 150mg |
| Forms | tablet | capsule |
What's the same
Paxil and Effexor both belong to the Antidépresseurs class and are used for partially overlapping indications. The active ingredients — Paroxetine vs Venlafaxine — share the same therapeutic approach, so many safety and management points carry across both.
Key differences
Meaningful differences are in active ingredient (Paroxetine vs Venlafaxine), strengths (10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg vs 37.5mg, 75mg, 150mg), forms (tablet vs capsule), and the mechanism, half-life and side-effect nuances that distinguish members of the class.
Mechanism and action
Paxil: La paroxétine inhibe sélectivement le transporteur de recapture de la sérotonine (SERT), augmentant sa disponibilité synaptique. Effexor: Effexor inhibe la recapture synaptique de la sérotonine et de la noradrénaline.
When Paxil is preferred
Paxil est autorisé dans la dépression caractérisée, le trouble anxieux généralisé, l'anxiété sociale, le trouble panique, le trouble obsessionnel compulsif et l'état de stress post-traumatique, avec des variations selon les pays.
When Effexor is preferred
Effexor LP est autorisé dans la dépression caractérisée, le trouble anxieux généralisé, l'anxiété sociale et le trouble panique.
Questions fréquentes
Is Paxil or Effexor better? ▾
There is no single answer. Paxil and Effexor both belong to the Antidépresseurs class but differ in mechanism nuances, half-life and side-effect profile. Preference depends on the patient, the prescriber and prior response to other therapies.
Can I switch from Paxil to Effexor? ▾
Switching within the Antidépresseurs class is done under supervision, typically using equivalent doses and a follow-up period to confirm response and tolerance. It is not a self-directed decision.
Do Paxil and Effexor have the same side effects? ▾
They share many of the Antidépresseurs class side effects, with differences from mechanism and dose. Each medication's prescribing information lists specifics.
More Paxil comparisons
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