Paxil vs. Luvox
See how Paxil and Luvox compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Paxil is FDA-approved for six conditions including depression and several anxiety disorders, while Luvox is approved only for OCD.
Both carry a boxed warning for increased suicidal thoughts in young people and interact with many other drugs, but through different liver enzymes.
Luvox typically costs far less out of pocket than Paxil, though Paxil offers more dosing form options.
Paxil vs. Luvox Drug Summary
Paxil
Paxil (paroxetine) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorder, PTSD, and OCD. It comes as an immediate-release tablet, extended-release tablet, or oral suspension, usually taken once daily.
Luvox
Luvox (fluvoxamine) is an SSRI that's FDA-approved specifically for obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults and children ages 8 and up. It's taken as an oral tablet once or twice daily depending on dose, and is sometimes used off-label for depression and anxiety.
Paxil vs. Luvox Side Effects
Paxil
Luvox
Paxil vs. Luvox Dosage
Paxil
Luvox
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 50 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 300 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Paxil
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 50 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Luvox
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 300 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Paxil vs. Luvox Indications
Paxil
Paxil is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD. It is not approved for use in children.
Major depressive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Panic disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD
Luvox
Luvox is FDA-approved only for obsessive-compulsive disorder, in both adults and children ages 8 to 17. Doctors sometimes prescribe it off-label for depression, social anxiety, or panic disorder, though these uses aren't FDA-approved.
OCD in adults (FDA-approved)
OCD in children ages 8-17 (FDA-approved)
Off-label for depression
Off-label for social anxiety disorder
Off-label for panic disorder
Paxil vs. Luvox Pros and Cons
Paxil
Paxil has one of the broadest FDA-approved indication lists among SSRIs, covering depression and several anxiety disorders. Its strong CYP2D6 inhibition means it can raise levels of many other medications, and its short half-life can make stopping it harder than other SSRIs.
Pros
FDA-approved for six different conditions
Available as tablet, extended-release, or liquid
Long history of use since 1992
Cons
Strong CYP2D6 inhibitor, affects many other drugs
Short half-life linked to harder discontinuation
Not approved for pediatric patients
Higher list price, roughly $300 to $310 per month without insurance
Luvox
Luvox's FDA approval is narrower, limited to OCD in adults and children, though it's often used off-label for depression and anxiety. It strongly inhibits CYP1A2 instead of CYP2D6, which changes which other drugs it interacts with, most notably caffeine.
Pros
FDA-approved for pediatric OCD starting at age 8
Available only as lower-cost generic
Substantially lower list price, roughly $15 to $170 per month without insurance
Cons
FDA-approved for only one condition, OCD
Potent CYP1A2 inhibitor, interacts with caffeine
Higher maintenance doses require twice-daily dosing
Brand-name product discontinued, generic only
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