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Depression
20 min read
Written by Klarity Editorial Team
Published: Oct 11, 2022
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Zoe Russell
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 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 |
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.
Paxil is available via prescription as:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
In general, brand-name Paxil costs significantly more than the generic version, paroxetine. A 30-day supply of each is typically priced as follows:
These prices may change depending on your dose, pharmacy, and insurance.
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:
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:
If you’re experiencing serotonin syndrome, contact emergency medical services immediately.
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:
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.
The following medications should not be combined with Paxil:
If your healthcare provider recommends that you replace your MAOI with Paxil, stop taking the MAOI for at least 14 days before starting Paxil.
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.
Luvox is available as a brand-name medication or in its generic form, fluvoxamine. Both versions are available in the following dosages:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
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.
Those with the following conditions or disorders should not take Luvox:
Luvox should not be taken in combination with the following drugs and supplements:
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.
It’s no secret that mental healthcare can be difficult to access. Between finding a provider who can prescribe the right medication, waiting for an appointment, and carving out time to go, treatment can become more exhausting than the condition.
At Klarity, 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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sources:
Philip Thornton. “Paxil” Drugs.com
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
https://www.rxlist.com/luvox-drug.htm
“Luvox Side Effects” Drugs.com
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