Compare Lexapro vs Paxil

Compare Lexapro

vs Paxil

Compare Lexapro to Paxil. To make a decision about Lexapro vs Paxil, click here for a Medication Risk Map to help you select Lexapro or Paxil

Click here for Drug Interactions and Side Effects of Lexapro.
Click here for Drug Interactions and Side Effects of Paxil.
Click here to see the effects of combining Lexapro and Paxil.

Uses of Lexapro

Lexapro is also known by the generic name Escitalopram USES: Escitalopram is an antidepressant (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-SSRI) used to treat depression and anxiety. It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters such as serotonin) in the brain. Escitalopram may improve your feelings of well-being and energy level and decrease nervousness.

Uses of Paxil

Paxil is also known by the generic name Paroxetine Hcl

USES:
Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder).

SSRIs work by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters such as serotonin). Paroxetine may improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. It may decrease anxiety/unreasonable fears, persistent/troubling thoughts (obsessions), and unwanted urges that keep returning (compulsions). It may decrease the number and severity of panic attacks. Paroxetine may lessen premenstrual symptoms such as irritability, increased appetite, and depression.

Lexapro and Paxil Have 9 Life Threatening (Major) Side Effects in Common

Critical Seriousness - Hallucination - Hallucinations is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Lexapro and Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Extrapyramidal Reaction - Extrapyramidal Disease is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Lexapro and Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Seizures - Seizure Disorder is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Lexapro and Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Behaving with Excessive Cheerfulness and Activity - Manic Disorder is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Lexapro and Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - High Blood Pressure - Hypertension is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Lexapro and Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Lexapro and Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction - Serotonin Syndrome is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Lexapro and Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood - Hyponatremia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Lexapro and Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Having Thoughts of Suicide - Suicidal Ideation is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Lexapro and Paxil.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Life Threatening Side Effects associated with Lexapro and Paxil.

Lexapro Has 24 Life Threatening (Major) Side Effects Not Found in Paxil

Critical Seriousness - Slow Heartbeat - Bradycardia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Blood Clot in a Deep Vein - Deep Venous Thrombosis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Heart Attack - Myocardial Infarction is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Prolonged Q-T Interval on EKG - Prolonged QT Interval is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion - SIADH Syndrome is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Decreased Blood Platelets - Thrombocytopenic Disorder is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Mental Disorder with Loss of Normal Personality & Reality - Psychotic Disorder is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Abnormally Low Blood Pressure - Hypotension is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Acute Inflammation of the Pancreas - Acute Pancreatitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Hemorrhage is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Very Rapid Heartbeat - Torsades de Pointes - Torsades de Pointes is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Hepatitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Involuntary Quivering - Tremors is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Giant Hives - Angioedema is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Atrial Fibrillation is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Aggressive Behavior is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Blood Clot in Lung - Pulmonary Thromboembolism is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Kidney Failure - Renal Failure is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Inflammation of the Lining of the Stomach and Intestines - Gastroenteritis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Rapid Ventricular Heartbeat - Ventricular Tachycardia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Bleeding of the Stomach or Intestines - Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Serious Muscle Damage that may Lead to Kidney Failure - Rhabdomyolysis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Life Threatening Side Effects associated with Lexapro and Paxil.

Paxil Has 24 Life Threatening (Major) Side Effects Not Found in Lexapro

Critical Seriousness - Muscle Weakness is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Abnormal Liver Function Tests - Abnormal Hepatic Function Tests is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Increased Risk of Bleeding is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Confused - Impaired Cognition is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Muscle Disease - Myopathy is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Abnormally Long or Heavy Periods - Menorrhagia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Heart Throbbing or Pounding - Palpitations is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Feeling Restless - Feeling Agitated is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Abnormal Heart Rhythm - Conduction Disorder of the Heart is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Muscle Pain - Myalgia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Mild Degree of Mania - Hypomania is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Inflammation or Infection of Vagina - Vaginitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - A Feeling of Restlessness with Inability to Sit Still - Akathisia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Problems with Eyesight - Visual Changes is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Widening of Blood Vessels - Vasodilation of Blood Vessels is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Difficulty Speaking - Dysarthria is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Broken Bone - Fractures is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Myoclonus is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Chest Pain is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Hyperactive Behavior - Hyperkinesis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Sinus Irritation and Congestion - Sinusitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Diminished or Slow Movement - Hypokinesia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Voluntary Movement Difficulty - Dyskinesia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Critical Seriousness - Rash - Skin Rash is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Life Threatening Side Effects associated with Lexapro and Paxil.

Lexapro and Paxil Have 8 Most Frequently Occurring Side Effects in Common

Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements - Constipation is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Lexapro and Paxil.

Dizzy - Dizziness is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Lexapro and Paxil.

Feel Like Throwing Up - Nausea is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Lexapro and Paxil.

Problem with Ejaculation - Disorder of Ejaculation is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Lexapro and Paxil.

Chronic Trouble Sleeping - Insomnia is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Lexapro and Paxil.

Diarrhea is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Lexapro and Paxil.

Dry Mouth - Xerostomia is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Lexapro and Paxil.

Excessive Sweating - Hyperhidrosis is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Lexapro and Paxil.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Side Effects associated with Lexapro and Paxil.

Lexapro Has 2 Most Frequently Occurring Side Effects Not Found in Paxil

Inability to have an Erection - Erectile Dysfunction is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil. Low Energy - Fatigue is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Lexapro but not Paxil. Click for a searchable interactive map of all Side Effects associated with Lexapro and Paxil.

Paxil Has 10 Most Frequently Occurring Side Effects Not Found in Paxil

Sexual Problems - Abnormal Sexual Function is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Paxil but not Lexapro.

Head Pain - Headache Disorder is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Paxil but not Lexapro.

Cannot Empty Bladder - Urinary Retention is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Paxil but not Lexapro.

Drowsiness - Drowsy is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Paxil but not Lexapro.

Loss of Appetite - Anorexia is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Paxil but not Lexapro.

Feeling Weak - General Weakness is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Paxil but not Lexapro.

Difficult or Painful Urination - Dysuria is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Paxil but not Lexapro.

Involuntary Quivering - Tremors is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Paxil but not Lexapro.

Nervous - Nervousness is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Paxil but not Lexapro.

Frequent Urination - Increased Urinary Frequency is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Paxil but not Lexapro.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Side Effects associated with Lexapro and Paxil.

Lexapro and Paxil Treat 10 Conditions in Common

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is treated by both Lexapro and Paxil.

Panic Disorder is treated by both Lexapro and Paxil.

"Change of Life" Signs - Vasomotor Symptoms associated with Menopause is treated by both Lexapro and Paxil.

Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is treated by both Lexapro and Paxil.

Repeated Episodes of Anxiety - Generalized Anxiety Disorder is treated by both Lexapro and Paxil.

Bipolar Depression - Depression associated with Manic Depressive Disorder is treated by both Lexapro and Paxil.

Lexapro has 13 Condition Contraindications

If you have any of these Conditions then you should carefully evaluate the risks of taking Lexapro.

Lexapro Oral Contraindications
(grouped by decreasing seriousness level)

Relative Contraindications

Hyponatremia - Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Suicidal Ideation - Having Thoughts of Suicide is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Upper GI Bleed - Bleeding from Stomach, Esophagus or Duodenum is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Contraindication Warnings

Bipolar Disorder - Manic-Depression is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Cardiac Disease - Heart Disease is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Disease of Liver - Liver Problems is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Epilepsy - Epileptic Seizure is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Increased Risk of Bleeding is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Recovery Phase Following Myocardial Infarct - Recent Heart Attack is a contraindication of Lexapro.

SIADH Syndrome - Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Serotonin Syndrome - Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Severe Renal Disease - Serious Kidney Problems is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Paxil has 15 Condition Contraindications

If you have any of these Conditions then you should carefully evaluate the risks of taking Paxil.

Paxil Oral Contraindications
(grouped by decreasing seriouosness level)

Absolute Contraindications

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a contraindication of Paxil.

Pregnancy is a contraindication of Paxil.

Serotonin Syndrome - Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction is a contraindication of Paxil.

Relative Contraindications

Bipolar Disorder - Manic-Depression is a contraindication of Paxil.

Disease of Liver - Liver Problems is a contraindication of Paxil.

Severe Renal Disease - Serious Kidney Problems is a contraindication of Paxil.

Suicidal Ideation - Having Thoughts of Suicide is a contraindication of Paxil.

Upper GI Bleed - Bleeding from Stomach, Esophagus or Duodenum is a contraindication of Paxil.

Contraindication Warnings

Akathisia - A Feeling of Restlessness with Inability to Sit Still is a contraindication of Paxil.

Hyponatremia - Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood is a contraindication of Paxil.

Increased Risk of Bleeding is a contraindication of Paxil.

Manic Disorder - Behaving with Excessive Cheerfulness and Activity is a contraindication of Paxil.

Pathological Fracture - Broken Bone due to Disease or Illness is a contraindication of Paxil.

SIADH Syndrome - Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion is a contraindication of Paxil.

Seizure Disorder - Seizures is a contraindication of Paxil.

Lexapro - Symptoms of overdose may include
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Paxil - Symptoms of overdose may include
irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness, seizures.

Contact poison control
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.