{"id":4329,"date":"2020-01-23T09:04:14","date_gmt":"2020-01-23T14:04:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3735"},"modified":"2025-06-11T10:29:42","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T14:29:42","slug":"paxil-vs-zoloft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/paxil-vs-zoloft\/","title":{"rendered":"Paxil vs. Zoloft: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Drug overview & main differences<\/span><\/a> | <\/span>Conditions treated<\/span><\/a> | <\/span>Efficacy<\/span><\/a> | <\/span>Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/span><\/a> | <\/span>Side effects<\/span><\/a> | <\/span>Drug interactions<\/span><\/a> | <\/span>Warnings<\/span><\/a> | <\/span>FAQ<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Paxil<\/span><\/a> (paroxetine) and<\/span> Zoloft<\/span><\/a> (sertraline) are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) that are indicated for the treatment of depression and other mental health conditions. An SSRI works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps improve symptoms. Both prescription drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Examples of other medications in the SSRI class are<\/span> Prozac<\/span><\/a> (fluoxetine),<\/span> Celexa<\/span><\/a> (citalopram), and<\/span> Lexapro<\/span><\/a> (escitalopram). Although Paxil and Zoloft are similar, they have some differences as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Paxil and Zoloft?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Paxil and Zoloft are SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) medications. Both drugs are available in brand and generic. The generic name for Paxil is paroxetine, and the generic name for Zoloft is sertraline. Although dosing varies, a typical dose for Paxil is 20 mg daily<\/a>, and a typical dose for Zoloft is 50 mg daily<\/a>. Paxil is available in tablet form, as well as extended-release tablets, and suspension. Zoloft is available in tablet form and as a solution.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nPaxil<\/b><\/td>\nZoloft<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/td>\nSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)<\/span><\/td>\nSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/td>\nParoxetine<\/span><\/td>\nSertraline<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What forms does the drug come in?<\/td>\nTablets<\/span><\/p>\n

Extended-release tablets Suspension<\/span><\/td>\n

Tablets<\/span><\/p>\n

Solution<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/td>\n10-60 mg daily, depending on the indication and response to treatment\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n50-200 mg daily, depending on the indication and response to treatment<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/td>\nLong-term, depending on your doctor\u2019s instruction<\/span><\/td>\nLong-term, depending on your doctor\u2019s instruction<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/td>\nAdults; <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> in children seven years and older\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nAdults, children six years and older<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by Paxil and Zoloft<\/span><\/h2>\n

Paxil and Zoloft are both indicated for major depressive disorder (depression), obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Paxil is also approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Zoloft is not FDA-approved for generalized anxiety disorder, but some healthcare providers prescribe it <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> for this use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/strong><\/td>\nPaxil<\/strong><\/td>\nZoloft<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Major depressive disorder (MDD)<\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)<\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Panic disorder<\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Social anxiety disorder<\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Generalized anxiety disorder<\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder<\/td>\nYes (extended-release form only)<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)<\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Paxil or Zoloft more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

In a randomized, double-blind <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> comparing the two drugs for the treatment of panic disorder, Paxil and Zoloft were found to be equally effective; however, Zoloft was slightly better tolerated, and patients did better when discontinuing the drug.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In another randomized, <\/span>double-blind study<\/span><\/a> of Paxil and Zoloft for 24 weeks, both drugs were similarly effective in improving the quality of life scores in patients with major depressive disorder. Paxil and Zoloft were also well-tolerated, with Zoloft patients having fewer side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> looked at Paxil and Zoloft, as well as Prozac, in patients with major depression and high levels of anxiety (anxious depression) and found all three drugs to be similarly effective and well-tolerated.<\/span><\/p>\n

The most effective medication for you should only be determined by your healthcare provider, who can take into account your medical condition(s), history, and other medications you are taking that could interact with Paxil or Zoloft.<\/span><\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of Paxil vs. Zoloft<\/span><\/h2>\n

Generic Paxil (paroxetine) and generic Zoloft (sertraline) are usually covered under most insurance as well as Medicare prescription plans. Without insurance, a 30-day supply of 20 mg name-brand Paxil will cost around $327, and a 30-day supply of 50 mg brand-name Zoloft costs about $493. Insurance and Medicare copays vary by plan. Choosing the generic versions of these drugs will save a significant amount of money. You can pay $4-$16 for <\/span>paroxetine<\/span><\/a> and about $7-17 for sertraline.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nPaxil<\/b><\/td>\nZoloft<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage<\/td>\n#30, 20 mg tablets (generic)<\/td>\n#30, 50 mg tablets (generic)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare Part D copay<\/td>\n$0-15<\/td>\n$0-12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/td>\n$4-16<\/span><\/td>\n$7-17<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Common side effects of Paxil vs. Zoloft<\/span><\/h2>\n

The most common <\/span>adverse effects<\/span><\/a> of Paxil are nausea, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, and weakness. The most common adverse effects of Zoloft are nausea, dry mouth, diarrhea, and insomnia. Both drugs have a similar list of side effects, as seen below, with varying percentages of patients experiencing these side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Consult your healthcare provider for a complete list of side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nPaxil<\/b><\/td>\nZoloft<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side Effect<\/strong><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/strong><\/td>\nFrequency<\/strong><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/strong><\/td>\nFrequency<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drowsiness<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n23%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n11%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nausea<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n26%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n26%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Headache<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n18%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>2%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weakness<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n15%<\/span><\/td>\nYes (when due to low sodium levels)<\/span><\/td>\n% not given<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sweating<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n11%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n7%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dry mouth<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n18%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n14%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Constipation<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n14%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n6%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diarrhea<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n12%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n20%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dizziness<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n13%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n12%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Insomnia<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n13%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n20%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tremor<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n8%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n9%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nervousness<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n5%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n% not given<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Decreased libido<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n3%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n7% (men); 4% (women)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ejaculation disorder<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n13%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n3%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Blurred vision<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n4%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<2%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Source: <\/span>DailyMed (Paxil)<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>DailyMed (Zoloft)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Drug interactions of Paxil vs. Zoloft<\/span><\/h2>\n

MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants) in combination with Paxil or Zoloft can be very dangerous and potentially fatal. The use of MAO inhibitors should be separated from SSRIs by at least 14 days.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Using Paxil or Zoloft in combination with other drugs that increase serotonin, as well as with other SSRIs, SNRIs, or tricyclic antidepressants, can increase the risk of <\/span>serotonin syndrome<\/span><\/a>. Aspirin and other NSAIDs should not be used with Paxil or Zoloft as they can increase the risk of bleeding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many other drugs may interact with Paxil or Zoloft. Consult your healthcare provider for a complete list of drug interactions.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Drug<\/b><\/td>\nDrug Class<\/b><\/td>\nPaxil\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nZoloft<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Eldepryl (selegiline) Azilect (rasagiline) Nardil (phenelzine) Parnate (tranylcypromine)<\/span><\/td>\nMAOI<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tryptophan<\/span><\/td>\nAmino acid<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Orap (pimozide)<\/span><\/td>\nAntipsychotic<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Triptans (migraine medications)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lithium\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fentanyl<\/span><\/p>\n

Ultram (tramadol) amphetamines<\/span><\/p>\n

St. John’s Wort<\/span><\/td>\n

Drugs that increase serotonin<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Prozac (fluoxetine)<\/span><\/p>\n

Celexa (citalopram)<\/span><\/p>\n

Lexapro (escitalopram)<\/span><\/p>\n

Luvox (fluvoxamine)<\/span><\/p>\n

Viibryd (vilazodone)<\/span><\/td>\n

SSRIs<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cymbalta (duloxetine)<\/span><\/p>\n

Effexor (venlafaxine)<\/span><\/p>\n

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)<\/span><\/td>\n

SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mellaril (thioridazine)<\/span><\/td>\nAntipsychotic<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Coumadin (warfarin)<\/span><\/td>\nAnticoagulant<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Elavil (amitriptyline)<\/span><\/p>\n

Pamelor (nortriptyline)<\/span><\/td>\n

Tricyclic antidepressants<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aspirin<\/span><\/p>\n

Aleve (naproxen)<\/span><\/p>\n

Motrin, Advil (ibuprofen)<\/span><\/td>\n

NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Theophylline<\/span><\/td>\nMethylxanthine<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dilantin (phenytoin)<\/span><\/p>\n

Phenobarbital<\/span><\/td>\n

Anticonvulsants<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Warnings of Paxil vs. Zoloft<\/span><\/h2>\n

All antidepressants, including Paxil and Zoloft, come with a <\/span>black box warning<\/span><\/a>, which is the strongest warning required by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. Depression and other psychological disorders also increase the risk of suicide.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Patients of any age who take antidepressants should be closely monitored for signs of changes in behavior, and suicidality, especially during the first few months of treatment and if any changes in dose occur. Families and caregivers should also monitor the patient, and notify the prescriber of any issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, there are other warnings that come with both Paxil and Zoloft:<\/span><\/p>\n