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Paxil Vs. Lexapro

Both Paxil and Lexapro are prescription medications belonging to a class of drugs called Select Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs. This class of medication works by increasing a brain chemical called serotonin that regulates mood. The generic form of Paxil is paroxetine hydrochloride and the generic form of Lexapro is escitalopram oxalate.

  1. Conditions Commonly Treated

    • Paxil and Lexapro can be prescribed to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Paxil can also be prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), chronic headaches, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), hot flashes related to breast cancer and menopause, premature ejaculation and diabetic neuropathy.

    Directions for Use

    • Either medication can be taken with or without food and must be taken at about the same time each day. If upset stomach occurs, Paxil should be taken with food. Paxil and Lexapro are available in liquid and tablet forms. Paxil is also available in controlled release tablets. Lexapro takes approximately 1 to 4 weeks before the effects are felt while Paxil can take several weeks or longer.

    Side Effects

    • A common side effect of Paxil and Lexapro is nausea. Additional common side effects of Paxil are generalized weakness, dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, tremors, nervousness, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, sweating, sexual dysfunction and decreased sexual drive.

      Side effects of an allergic reaction to either medication can include hives, rash, fever, joint pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing and swelling of the feet, legs, hands, arms, throat, tongue or face. These symptoms need to be evaluated by a medical professional immediately

    Warnings

    • Neither medication should be used in conjunction with alcohol. Paxil should not be taken with the herb St. John's wort.

      Never stop taking Paxil or Lexapro without your physician's guidance. Symptoms of withdrawal include mood changes, hallucinations, depression, abnormally excited or frenzied mood, anxiety, irritability, dizziness, confusion, tiredness, headache, unusual dreams, problems with falling or staying asleep, sweating, nausea and numbness or tingling in feet, hands, legs or arms.

    Risks

    • Both medications may increase suicidal behavior and thoughts in persons 18 to 24 years of age for the first two months of treatment. Call your physician if you experience worsening depression, extreme worry, impulsive actions, abnormal excitement, panic attacks, agitation, problems falling or staying asleep and if you have any thoughts or plans of harming yourself.

      Paxil is a Pregnancy Class D medication which means the medication can pose a risk to the fetus, but the benefit of the drug may outweigh the risk. Lexapro is a Pregnancy Class C medication which means the drug has caused risk to the fetus in animal studies, but the benefit of the drug may outweigh the risk in humans.

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