PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE vs PAROXETINE MESYLATE

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 20, 2026·How we rate

Possible drug interaction. PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE and PAROXETINE MESYLATE are different prescription medicines. Combining or switching between them can cause interactions — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber before making changes. This page is not medical advice.

Attribute	PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE	PAROXETINE MESYLATE
Rating	66/100	70/100
Pharmacy pays	~$2.84 /30	~$2.84 /30
Type	RX	RX
Active ingredient	PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE	PAROXETINE MESYLATE
Manufacturer	Apotex	Actavis Labs Fl Inc
Dosage forms	Suspension, Tablet, extended release	Capsule
Drug class	Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor	Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
Boxed warning	None	None
Half-life	about 21 hours on average (the label reports a mean of approximately 21 hours, with 32% variability between people)	about 21 hours on average (the label reports a mean of approximately 21 hours, with 32% variability between people)
Treats	Feeding and Eating Disorders, Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder	Feeding and Eating Disorders, Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

paroxetine hydrochloride paroxetine mesylate

Rating

66/100

70/100

Pharmacy pays

~$2.84 /30

Type

Active ingredient

PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE

PAROXETINE MESYLATE

Manufacturer

Apotex

Actavis Labs Fl Inc

Dosage forms

Suspension, Tablet, extended release

Capsule

Drug class

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

Boxed warning

None

Half-life

about 21 hours on average (the label reports a mean of approximately 21 hours, with 32% variability between people)

Treats

Feeding and Eating Disorders, Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

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Frequently asked questions

Which is better-rated, Paroxetine Hydrochloride or Paroxetine Mesylate?

By our independent rating, Paroxetine Mesylate scores higher — 3.5 vs 3.3 out of 5 for Paroxetine Hydrochloride. Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data.

Which is cheaper, Paroxetine Hydrochloride or Paroxetine Mesylate?

Pharmacies pay about the same to acquire either one — roughly $2.84 for a 30-count supply, per the CMS NADAC survey. That is not what you will be charged: your price is set by your insurer and the pharmacy, not by what the drug cost them.

What is the difference between Paroxetine Hydrochloride and Paroxetine Mesylate?

Paroxetine Hydrochloride contains Paroxetine Hydrochloride, while Paroxetine Mesylate contains Paroxetine Mesylate — they have different active ingredients.

Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.