Difference Between Paxil and Zoloft
Main difference
The main difference between Paxil and Zoloft is that Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that has paroxetine hydrochloride as its active part and Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that has sertraline hydrochloride as its active part.
Paxil vs. Zoloft
Paxil is the brand name for paroxetine hydrochloride; on the other hand, Zoloft is the trade name for sertraline hydrochloride. Paxil’s chemical structure is different from other SSRIs in that it has a piperidine ring, while Zoloft has a chemical structure related to other SSRIs. Paxil is available in 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, and 40mg tablets, while Zoloft is available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets. Paxil oral suspension is available as a 10mg/5ml; on the other hand, Zoloft concentrate is available in 20mg/ml.
Comparison chart
| Paxyl | zolopht |
| Paxil is the brand name for paroxetine hydrochloride used to treat major depressive disorders, panic attacks, and social anxieties. | Zoloft is the brand name for sertraline hydrochloride used to treat depression, panic attacks, and social phobias. |
| drug class | |
| Paxil is a potent and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. | Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. |
| Mechanism of action | |
| Paxil causes serotonin reuptake inhibition and GRK2 | Zoloft causes inhibition of neuronal uptake of serotonin (5HT) in the CNS |
| Side Effect Management | |
| Paxil side effects more than Zoloft. | Zoloft side effects get worse over time. |
| Use during pregnancy | |
| Paxil is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it is associated with a shorter duration of pregnancy. | Zoloft causes poor neonatal adaptation syndrome when used in late pregnancy |
| therapeutic uses | |
| Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual syndrome, hot flashes | Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual syndrome, social anxiety disorder |
What is Paxil?
Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is the brand name for paroxetine hydrochloride. Paxil helps restore serotonin in the brain. Paxil is well absorbed orally. Paxil has an absolute bioavailability of 50%. Paxil is excreted (less than 2%) unchanged in the urine after oral administration. Paxil elevates mood, helps induce sleep, improves appetite and energy level. Paxil helps restore interest in daily work. Paxil reduces fear, lowers anxiety levels, improves unwanted thoughts and the number of severe panic attacks. Paxil decreases premenstrual symptoms, which include irritability, increased appetite, and anxiety. Paxil overdose causes vomiting, fatigue, tachycardia, and moderate seizures. Paxil concentrations in plasma, serum, or blood should be monitored for intoxication. Plasma concentrations of Paxil are in a range of 40 to 400 μg/L in patients receiving daily therapeutic doses. Paxil interacts with drugs that act on the serotonin system or alter serotonin metabolism, thereby increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Paxil is not prescribed with MAOIs. Paxil interacts with cytochrome P450 enzymes so they increase the risk of serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Paxil is not prescribed with MAOIs. Paxil interacts with cytochrome P450 enzymes so they increase the risk of serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Paxil is not prescribed with MAOIs. Paxil interacts with cytochrome P450 enzymes
Example
Paxil pill, extended release pill and liquid are available.
What is Zoloft
Zoloft is a potent, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) and is the trade name of sertraline. Zoloft is a prescription drug, and one can not take it without a prescription. Zoloft inhibits the re-uptake of serotonin by neurons, so it increases the concentration of serotonin, meaning more drug availability to act for antidepressant effects. Zoloft does not cause inhibition of noradrenaline re-uptake and has little anticholinergic activity. Zoloft is a weak inhibitor of the reuptake of dopamine clinically. Zoloft is absorbed slowly when taken orally. Zoloft reaches its highest plasma concentration in 4-6 hrs. Zoloft is 98.7% protein bind. Zoloft causes diarrhea, sleep disturbances, and sexual disturbances. Zoloft is associated with psychiatric disturbances. Zoloft causes a higher rate of insomnia and agitation as compared to other members of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Zoloft increases the suicidal thoughts, so, in long therapies, the patient is monitored carefully. Zoloft causes an increase in weight after six months of therapy in some patients. Zoloft overdose causes vomiting, fatigue, ataxia, tachycardia, and seizures. Zoloft moderately inhibits some metabolizing enzymes. Zoloft is not taken with mono amine oxidase inhibitors, disulfiram, and antipsychotic drugs. Zoloft moderately inhibits some metabolizing enzymes. Zoloft is not taken with mono amine oxidase inhibitors, disulfiram, and antipsychotic drugs. Zoloft moderately inhibits some metabolizing enzymes. Zoloft is not taken with mono amine oxidase inhibitors, disulfiram, and antipsychotic drugs.
Example
Zoloft pill and liquid are available.
Key differences
- Paxil is the brand name for paroxetine hydrochloride, while Zoloft is the brand name for sertraline.
- Paxil is used to treat anxiety and depression while Zoloft is used to treat depression and other CNS related problems.
- Paxil shows more side effects while Zoloft shows fewer side effects but they get worse over time.
Final Thought
The conclusion from the above discussion is that Paxil and Zoloft are trade names for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that have different active parts with their effective uses in anxiety and depression.