PAXIL vs PAXIL CR

Independent side-by-side comparison.

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

Attribute	PAXIL	PAXIL CR
Rating	66/100	60/100
Pharmacy pays	~$2.84 /30	~$2.84 /30
Type	RX	RX
Active ingredient	PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE	PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Manufacturer	Apotex	Apotex
Dosage forms	Tablet	Tablet, extended release
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 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

paxil paxil cr

Rating

66/100

60/100

Pharmacy pays

~$2.84 /30

Type

Active ingredient

PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Manufacturer

Apotex

Dosage forms

Tablet

Tablet, extended release

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)

Treats

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

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Frequently asked questions

Which is better-rated, Paxil or Paxil CR?

By our independent rating, Paxil scores higher — 3.3 vs 3.0 out of 5 for Paxil CR. Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data.

Which is cheaper, Paxil 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 Paxil and Paxil CR?

Both Paxil and Paxil CR share the active ingredient Paroxetine Hydrochloride.

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.