Depression and anxiety disorders can make it challenging to think clearly, so comparing medications as similar as Paxil and Luvox can quickly become confusing. Managing a mental illness is already difficult enough without the added frustration of sifting through medical jargon.

This comparison guide explains the advantages and disadvantages of each medication, including possible side effects, contraindications, and the conditions they treat. Understanding the differences between the two can help you have an informed discussion with your healthcare provider.

If you have questions about these or other SSRI medications for depression, the healthcare providers on Klarity Health can help. Within just a couple days, we’ll match you with a licensed and certified medical professional in your state who can help you choose a medication, prescribe it, and provide follow-up care (if applicable). Schedule an appointment and get treatment within 48 hours.

This article discusses suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately at 800-273-8255.

	Paxil	Luvox
Drug Class	Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)	Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Brand / Generic Status	Brand name for paroxetine	Brand name for fluvoxamine
Form(s) of the Drug	• Color-coded tablets • Time-release tablets • Orange-colored and flavored liquid suspension	• Immediate-release tablets • Extended-release capsules
Standard Dosage	Time-release tablets: • 37.5mg of paroxetine Color-coded tablets: • Yellow: 10 mg • Pink: 20 mg • Blue: 30 mg • Green: 40 mg Liquid suspension: • 5mg of suspension contains 10mg of paroxetine	Immediate release tablets: • 25 mg • 50 mg • 100 mg Extended-release capsules: • 100 mg • 150 mg
Conditions Treated	FDA-approved uses: • Major depression Off-label uses: • Anxiety • Panic disorder • Insomnia	FDA-approved uses: • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Off-label uses: • Social phobia or social anxiety disorder (SAD) • Major depressive disorder (MDD) • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) • Panic disorder • Eating disorders
Cost	Generic form (paroxetine): • $4 to $25 for a 30-day supply Brand-name: • $280 for a 30-day supply	Generic form (fluvoxamine): • $20 to $46 for a 30-day supply Brand-name: • $400 for a 30-day supply
Side-Effects	Common side effects: • Changes in vision • Weakness, drowsiness, or dizziness • Sweating or shaking • Anxiety • Insomnia • Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting • Diarrhea or constipation • Dry mouth • Infections • Headaches • Decreased sex drive or impotence • Abnormal ejaculation or difficulty orgasming Serious side effects: • Racing thoughts • Decreased need for sleep • Unusual risk-taking behaviors • Extreme feelings of happiness or sadness • Being more talkative than usual • Blurred vision or tunnel vision • Eye pain, swelling, or seeing halos around lights • Bone pain, tenderness, swelling, or bruising • Changes in weight or appetite • Coughing up blood or bleeding from your nose, mouth, or rectum • Unusual vaginal bleeding • Stiff or rigid muscles • High fever, sweating, tremors, or fainting • Fast, uneven heartbeat • Headaches • Confusion or slurred speech • Severe weakness, lost coordination, or feeling unsteady	Common side effects: • Dry mouth • Fatigue, dizziness • GI upset, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation • Headache • Difficulty sleeping or insomnia • Increased anxiety or nervousness • Increased or excessive sweating Serious side effects: • Trouble urinating • Breathing problems • Sexual dysfunction, including lack of desire or orgasm
Warnings For Use	Contraindicated conditions: • Bipolar disorder • History of suicide attempts • Liver or kidney problems • Bleeding problems • Low sodium in the blood • Peptic ulcer disease • Seizure disorders • Thyroid disease • Angle-closure type glaucoma • Pregnancy or breastfeeding Drug interactions: • Antiplatelet • NSAIDs • Warfarin and other blood-thinning medications • Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory • SNRIs • Phenothiazines • Antipsychotic, • Atypical Antipsychotic • SERM • VMAT2 Inhibitors • Antiarrhythmic medications • TCA antidepressants • Antihistamines • Sleep aids • Muscle relaxants • Opiate-based pain relievers or cough suppressants • Water pills (may cause salt imbalance) • MAOIs may cause a fatal reaction • Alcohol • Marijuana	Contraindicated conditions: • Liver disease • Prior heart attack or severe heart disease • Heart arrhythmias • Bipolar disorder or prior episodes of mania • Seizure disorder Drug interactions: • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) • NSAID medications, including ibuprofen • Warfarin and other blood-thinning medications • Other SSRI medications and antidepressants • ADHD medication, like • Adderall • St. John’s Wort • Most pain medications, including opioids • Thiazide diuretics • Recreational drugs, such as MDMA

What is Paxil?

Known as paroxetine in its generic form, Paxil is part of a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications work by stopping receptors in the brain from absorbing serotonin, which boosts the amount of serotonin in the brain.

Since serotonin is a key component in regulating mood, circadian rhythms, appetite, and the ability to focus, having more of it available can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Common Doses and Forms of Paxil

Paxil is available via prescription as:

Tablets
Extended-release (ER) tablets
Liquid suspension

Regular tablets work well for those taking a lower dose of Paxil or who feel comfortable taking multiple doses per day. ER tablets are better if you prefer the convenience of a once-daily pill, while the liquid form of Paxil is best if you have trouble swallowing pills.

Both regular and ER tablets are scored and printed with the dosage on one side, with “Paxil” printed on the other. They’re color-coded according to dosage, as follows:

10 mg yellow
20 mg pink
30 mg blue
40 mg green

The liquid form of Paxil is orange in both color and flavor and contains 10 mg of Paxil for every 5mL of liquid.

Regardless of which type of Paxil you take, you’ll likely start with a dose of 20 mg and gradually increase it under your healthcare provider’s supervision to 50 mg daily.

Conditions Paxil Treats

Paxil is effective for treating a range of mood-related disorders and conditions. However, it’s only FDA-approved to treat depression. All other uses are off-label.

Paxil Can Treat Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

Depression and anxiety typically go hand-in-hand because both often result from a chemical imbalance in the brain. Low serotonin is associated with fatigue and listlessness but can also cause excessive nervousness, panic attacks, racing thoughts, and other anxiety symptoms.

If you have either or both of these conditions, Paxil can help alleviate associated symptoms by balancing your brain chemistry.

Off-Label Uses for Paxil

When a medication is prescribed off-label, it simply means that the medication hasn’t gone through the time-consuming FDA approval process for a specific use. It can still be ethically and safely prescribed to treat conditions other than those approved.

Off-label uses for Paxil include:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Menopausal symptoms
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Anxiety and panic disorder

Paxil Costs

In general, brand-name Paxil costs significantly more than the generic version, paroxetine. A 30-day supply of each is typically priced as follows:

Paxil: up to $300
Paroxetine: between $16 and $40

These prices may change depending on your dose, pharmacy, and insurance.

Paxil Side Effects

As your body acclimates to increased serotonin levels in the brain, you may experience mild to moderate side effects. Some side effects subside after a few weeks, while others may persist. If you’re experiencing continued negative side effects, speak with your healthcare provider to see if you should take an alternative medication or adjust your dose.

Common side effects associated with Paxil include:

Changes in vision
Weakness, drowsiness, or dizziness
Sweating, anxiety, or shaking
Insomnia
Reduced appetite
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
Dry mouth
Headaches
Sexual dysfunction

Some rarer but more severe side effects could indicate the onset of a potentially deadly condition called serotonin syndrome. This condition occurs when too much serotonin builds up in your brain.

Side effects associated with serotonin syndrome include:

Racing thoughts, requiring less sleep, manic euphoria
Blurred or tunnel vision
Eye pain, swelling, or seeing halos around lights
Bone pain or tenderness
Swelling or easy bruising
Unusual changes in weight or appetite
Unusual bleeding from the nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum
Coughing up blood;
Rigid muscles, high fever, sweating
Confusion, racing heart or arrhythmia, tremors, or fainting
Severe headache and slurred speech
Severe weakness and reduced coordination

If you’re experiencing serotonin syndrome, contact emergency medical services immediately.

Paxil Warnings

If you have any of the following conditions — or a family history of them — you should discuss them with your medical provider before taking Paxil:

Heart disease or stroke
High blood pressure
Liver or kidney disease
Bleeding disorders
Epilepsy
Bipolar disorder
Sexual dysfunction
Glaucoma
Low blood sodium levels
Substance abuse disorder

If you experience any changes in behavior or mood, like suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm, reach out to your healthcare provider right away.

Paxil Drug Interactions

The following medications should not be combined with Paxil:

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Pimozide or other Tourette’s syndrome medications
Thioridazine or other antipsychotic medications
Stimulant medications, like Adderall
Opioid-based painkillers
Herbal supplements, such as St. John’s Wort
Tryptophan

If your healthcare provider recommends that you replace your MAOI with Paxil, stop taking the MAOI for at least 14 days before starting Paxil.

What is Luvox?

Luvox is the brand name for the medication fluvoxamine. Like Paxil, Luvox is an SSRI that increases serotonin levels in the brain. More serotonin in the brain helps alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety, including mood swings, nervousness or apathy, reduced appetite, and insomnia.

Common Doses and Forms of Luvox

Luvox is available as a brand-name medication or in its generic form, fluvoxamine. Both versions are available in the following dosages:

25 mg
50 mg
100 mg

Luvox may be prescribed to both children and adults. Adults 18 and over will start with a daily dose of 50 mg and increase it to 300 mg or more, per day, depending on the healthcare provider’s instruction. Children 8 to 17 typically take 25 mg at first, increasing it to a maximum of 200 mg daily.

Conditions Luvox Treats

Luvox can treat various mood-related conditions via prescription, either on- or off-label. On-label, it’s FDA-approved to treat clinical depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Luvox Can Treat Symptoms of OCD and Depression

Insufficient serotonin levels can either cause a person to have very little energy or launch them into ritualistic or repetitive behaviors that the person experiences a sense of relief or reduced anxiety from performing those tasks , like that associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder. OCD is a condition characterized by irrational—sometimes paralyzing—fear, overwhelming intrusive thoughts, and compulsive behaviors meant to relieve internal symptoms.

Since obsessive-compulsive disorder is related to anxiety, SSRIs are often effective in reducing or completely alleviating symptoms. Luvox can help reduce the fear and anxiety caused by OCD while simultaneously easing the apathy and low energy associated with depression.

Off-Label Uses for Luvox

Like other SSRIs, Luvox is frequently prescribed off-label to treat conditions related to a chemical imbalance in the brain. These conditions include the following:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Panic disorder and social phobias
Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
Various eating disorders

Luvox Costs

Pricing for brand-name Luvox varies significantly based on the pharmacy used, your insurance coverage, and available discounts. A 30-day supply may cost from $32 to over $400. Prices for its generic counterpart, fluvoxamine, remain relatively stable at $25 to $30 per month.

Luvox Side Effects

Since Luvox alters your brain chemistry, it causes side effects similar to Paxil. Most should fade over time. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience prolonged or severe side effects.

The most common side effects of Luvox include:

Feeling dizzy, weak, sleepy, or tired
Constipation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced appetite
Dry mouth or change in taste
Insomnia
Headache or shakiness
Excess gassiness
Feeling nervous and easily startled
Excessive sweating
Common cold symptoms

Luvox may also cause an allergic reaction or dangerously low sodium. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek medical attention immediately:

Allergic reaction, including hives; swelling of the face, mouth, and throat; difficulty breathing
Signs of low sodium, including headache, brain fog, weakness, seizures, or trouble balancing
Coughing up or vomiting blood; blood in the urine or stool; unusual vaginal bleeding; bleeding that cannot be easily stopped
Abnormal weight gain or loss
Difficulty passing urine
Sexual problems, such as difficulty orgasming or lowered sex drive
- Erection lasting more than 4 hours
Unusual menstrual flow

Serotonin syndrome may arise from taking any SSRI, including Luvox. If you experience any of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome listed under Paxil, seek medical help immediately.

Luvox Warnings

Those with the following conditions or disorders should not take Luvox:

Bipolar disorder
Bleeding problems
Depression
Glaucoma
Heart attack or heart disease
Heart rhythm problems
Hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood)
Mania (feeling elated)
Seizures
Liver disease

Luvox Drug Interactions

Luvox should not be taken in combination with the following drugs and supplements:

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Tourette’s syndrome medications, like pimozide
Warfarin and other blood thinners
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs
St. John’s Wort
Tryptophan
Other SSRIs and antidepressants
Stimulant medications like Adderall
Certain pain or migraine medications

This is not an exhaustive list. Be sure to give your healthcare provider a complete list of your prescriptions and supplements.

Habitual tobacco users should consider quitting before taking Luvox.

Get Anxiety and Depression Treatment with Klarity Health

It’s no secret that mental healthcare can be difficult to access. Between finding a provider who can prescribe the right medication when medically necessary, waiting for an appointment, and carving out time to go, treatment can become more exhausting than the condition.

At Klarity Health, we streamline this process to make it easier for you to get the best medication and the help you need. We’ll match you with a certified and licensed provider within 48 hours. All care is via telehealth, and you can message your provider 24/7.

If you’re ready to receive convenient online treatment, find your provider today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paxil and Luvox

Does Paxil Make You Gain Weight? Does Luvox?: Paxil is more likely to cause weight gain than Luvox. Most people taking Luvox don’t experience weight gain, while those taking higher doses of Paxil may notice some weight gain.
Is Paxil or Luvox Better for Anxiety?: Paxil is more frequently prescribed off-label for anxiety than Luvox. However, Luvox is an effective treatment for OCD, an anxiety-related condition. If you tolerate Luvox better than Paxil, it can be prescribed to treat anxiety.
Can I Replace Paxil with Luvox?: Yes, it’s safe to switch from one SSRI to another, though you should only do so under medical supervision. Your healthcare provider will help you replace Paxil with Luvox using one of two methods:

Cross taper method: You’ll gradually decrease your Paxil dosage while simultaneously taking a low dose of Luvox, increasing it as you taper off of the Paxil.
Direct taper method: You’ll taper off Paxil completely before starting a low dose of Luvox and gradually increasing it to a full dose.
Is Paxil Energizing or Sedating? What About Luvox?: Both of these medications have sleepiness or daytime drowsiness as possible side effects. However, whether they’re sedating or energizing depends on what you’re treating. They’ll have a calming effect if you’re using them for anxiety. If you’re taking them for depression, you’ll likely feel more energized.
Does Paxil Cause Brain Fog? Does Luvox?: The side effect of daytime drowsiness may cause brain fog for either of these medications. However, if your brain fog is severe or worsens over time, this may be a symptom of serotonin syndrome and should be addressed immediately.
Can I Drink Alcohol On Paxil? On Luvox?: No, alcohol enhances the effects of SSRIs and vice versa. Drinking alcohol with these medications could cause seriously impaired thinking, decreased coordination, and other dangerous side effects.
Can I Drink Caffeine When I’m on Paxil? How About Luvox?: Caffeine doesn’t interact negatively with SSRIs, so enjoying your favorite energizing beverages is safe. However, limiting your intake is best to avoid the onset of side effects like nervousness.
What Is Better For Depression—Paxil or Luvox?: Paxil and Luvox are both FDA-approved to treat depression, meaning they’re both safe and effective depression treatments. Which one you try will be based on your medical history, other medications you’re taking, and which one you tolerate better.

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https://www.drugs.com/paxil.html#faq

John P. Cunha. “Paxil” RxList
https://www.rxlist.com/paxil-drug.htm#indications

“Compare fluvoxamine vs. Paxil” Iodine.com
https://www.iodine.com/compare/fluvoxamine-vs-paxil

John P. Cunha. “Luvox” RxList
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The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.

If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.