Difference between Prozac, Paxil and Cymbalta
Depression is one of the most prevalent mental conditions known to man, and many millions of people the world over actually suffer from it without realizing that they are depressed. The effective treatment of the condition requires thorough diagnosis and powerful medications are often prescribed. Among these are Prozac, Paxil and Cymbalta, and they are the subjects of this comparison article.
Profile
Prozac (generic name fluoxetine) belongs to the category of drugs known as SRRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These medications are often used in the treatment of mood related conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD, and panic attacks. In some cases, Prozac is also used in the treatment of various types of eating disorders.
Paxil (also known as paroxetine) is another anti-depressant, and it is used in the treatment of a variety of mental conditions such as anxiety, OCD, panic attacks, posttraumatic stress disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD.
Cymbalta (generic name: duloxetine) is a medication belonging to the antidepressant category, also it is also used in the treatment of pain resulting from fibromyalgia.
Precautions
Prozac should not be taken when you are already taking medications that contain fluoxetines as well. Some of the drugs in this category are Sarafem and Symbya. Prozac should also not be taken with dexfenfluramine, phentermine and cisapride. This medication may also react unfavorably with St. John's wort, thioridazine and tryptophan.
Paxil for its part should not be taken with fenfluramine, phentermine, Eldepryl, Marplan, Parnate, and medications that have a similar effect to paroxetine. Paxil may also react unfavorably with St. John's wort and tryptophan.
Cymbalta has similar restrictions as well, and it should not be taken with many of the same medications that cause adverse reactions with Prozac and Paxil.
Side Effects
Taking Prozac may result in a number of side effects including rash, hives, itching, and swelling of the face, lips, and tongue. The medication may also cause difficulty in breathing, and the patient may experience heart palpitations. In some cases, symptoms such as fever, cough, and muscle pain may also occur. In more extreme cases, Prozac may even cause mod swings and even suicidal tendencies.
Paxil causes a number of side effects as well, including many of the same side effects associated with Prozac use. In addition, Paxil may also cause dark or bloody stools, hallucination, body pain, headaches, and suicidal thoughts.
Among the side effects you could expect to experience with Cymbalta are allergic reactions (much like this associated with Prozac and Paxil use), high blood pressure, confusion, fever, and body pains. In more extreme cases, hallucination, suicidal thoughts, and bleeding may also occur.
Summary
Prozac
- Generic name: fluoxetine
- Belongs to the category of drugs known as SRRIs
- May result in a number of side effects including rash, hives, and itching among others
Paxil
- Also known as paroxetine
- Is an anti-depressant
- May cause side effects similar to those associated with Prozac use
Cymbalta
- Generic name: duloxetine
- Belongs to the antidepressant category
- Also used in the treatment of pain resulting from fibromyalgia
- May cause high blood pressure, confusion, fever, and body pains
