PAROXETINE MESYLATE vs PAXIL CR

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 22, 2026·How we rate

Possible drug interaction. PAROXETINE MESYLATE and PAXIL CR 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 MESYLATE	PAXIL CR
Rating	70/100	60/100
Pharmacy pays	~$2.84 /30	~$2.84 /30
Type	RX	RX
Active ingredient	PAROXETINE MESYLATE	PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Manufacturer	Actavis Labs Fl Inc	Apotex
Dosage forms	Capsule	Tablet, extended release
Drug class	Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor	Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
Boxed warning	None	Boxed warning
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 mesylate paxil cr

Rating

70/100

60/100

Pharmacy pays

~$2.84 /30

Type

Active ingredient

PAROXETINE MESYLATE

PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Manufacturer

Actavis Labs Fl Inc

Apotex

Dosage forms

Capsule

Tablet, extended release

Drug class

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

Boxed warning

None

Boxed warning

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 Mesylate or Paxil CR?

By our independent rating, Paroxetine Mesylate scores higher — 3.5 vs 3.0 out of 5 for Paxil CR. Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data.

Which is cheaper, Paroxetine Mesylate or Paxil CR?

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 Mesylate and Paxil CR?

Paroxetine Mesylate contains Paroxetine Mesylate, while Paxil CR contains Paroxetine Hydrochloride — 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.