PAXIL CR vs PROZAC

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 23, 2026·How we rate

Possible drug interaction. PAXIL CR and PROZAC 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	PAXIL CR	PROZAC
Rating	60/100	New
Pharmacy pays	~$2.84 /30	$0.05 /mL
Type	RX	RX
Active ingredient	PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE	FLUOXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Manufacturer	Apotex	Eli Lilly and Co
Dosage forms	Tablet, extended release	Capsule
Drug class	Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor	Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
Boxed warning	Boxed warning	Boxed warning
Half-life	about 21 hours on average (the label reports a mean of approximately 21 hours, with 32% variability between people)	about 1 to 3 days (roughly 24-72 hours) after a single dose, lengthening to about 4 to 6 days with ongoing daily use
Treats	Feeding and Eating Disorders, Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder	Bulimia, Major Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

paxil cr prozac

Rating

60/100

New

Pharmacy pays

~$2.84 /30

$0.05 /mL

Type

Active ingredient

PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE

FLUOXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Manufacturer

Apotex

Eli Lilly and Co

Dosage forms

Tablet, extended release

Capsule

Drug class

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

Boxed warning

Half-life

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

about 1 to 3 days (roughly 24-72 hours) after a single dose, lengthening to about 4 to 6 days with ongoing daily use

Treats

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

Bulimia, Major Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Paxil CR and Prozac?

Paxil CR contains Paroxetine Hydrochloride, while Prozac contains Fluoxetine 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.