Comparing Lithium vs Paroxetine
Lithium |
Paroxetine |
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Lithium may be used to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder; however, there is a fine line between too much and too little and ongoing monitoring is needed to prevent lithium... more |
Paroxetine may be used in the treatment of depression or anxiety disorders. Common side effects include a headache and nausea. Prescribed for Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress, Depression, Postmenopausal... more |
Choose a suggestion belowDepression
Intermittent Explosive Disorder
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Prescription only |
Prescription only |
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Ratings & ReviewsRecent helpful reviews |
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7.5
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7.4
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Drug Class |
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Side Effects |
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See the full lithium side effects document. |
Commonly reported side effects include: asthenia, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, ejaculatory disorder, erectile dysfunction, insomnia, male genital disease, nausea, headache, decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, diaphoresis, and xerostomia. See the full paroxetine side effects document. |
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Pricing and Coupons* Prices are without insurance |
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Generic Availability |
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Yes (this medicine) |
Yes (this medicine) |
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Dosage Form(s) Available |
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Brand Names |
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Lithium Carbonate ER, Lithobid | Brisdelle, Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva | ||||||||||||||||
Half LifeThe half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value. |
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29 hours |
21 hours |
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CSA Schedule**View glossary of terms. |
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Not a controlled drug
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
Not a controlled drug
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
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Pregnancy Category |
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Category D
Positive evidence of risk
See the full Pregnancy Warnings document. |
Category D
Positive evidence of risk
Excluding Brisdelle
Category X
Not for use in pregnancy
Brisdelle See the full Pregnancy Warnings document. |
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FDA Alerts |
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Drug Interactions |
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A total of 1210 drugs are known to interact with lithium:
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A total of 935 drugs are known to interact with paroxetine:
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Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions |
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Disease Interactions |
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First Approval Date |
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April 06, 1970 |
December 29, 1992 |
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WADA ClassView World Anti-Doping Agency classifications. |
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N/A |
N/A |
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More Information |
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Consumer Resources |
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Professional Resources |
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Related Treatment Guide |
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** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
For Bipolar Disorder I've had a severe manic episode and was put on antipsychotics which helped calming me down but I was still a bit manic. When put on lithium I felt a lot better because mania ceased. The difference between antipsychotics and litihium for me was like if antipsychotics stepped on the brake and lithium lifted the gas pedal. The only, but still significant, side effect I've had is less short term memory. Lithium stabilize my mood, less anxiety and stress (less diarrhea, less neck pain, more relaxed), better sleep not just because mania stopped but also because overall well being I'm very satisfied with lithium as a mood stabilizer