Posted by Cam W. on May 24, 2001, at 21:51:46
In reply to Re: Paxil better than Zoloft ?, posted by ben on May 24, 2001, at 14:10:31
Ben - In general, Paxil™ (paroxetine) causes less nausea than Zoloft™ (sertraline), but remember, everyone has different chemical make-ups. Nausea is usually a self-limiting start-up side effect with SSRIs and lasts only 2 to 3 weeks after starting the antidepressants. The SSRIs stimulate serotonin-3 (5-HT3) receptors in the gut causing the nausea. This usually stops once the 5-HT3 receptors desensitize.
Also, Zoloft should be taken with food to help avoid first-pass effect through the liver. Food in the stomach increases hepatic (liver) blood circulation and more Zoloft gets through the liver unmetabolized. This allows more Zoloft to get into the brain. Food also lessens some of the nausea caused by Zoloft.
Now, I can't say that you won't get nausea with Paxil, especially at the start of therapy. Approximately the same number of people (approx. 25%) have nausea as a start-up side effect of both Zoloft and Paxil, where about 20% of people who start Celexa get nauseous. Over the long-term, Paxil does seem to cause less nausea, though.
Ya pays your money and takes your chances - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:64127
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010522/msgs/64168.html