Citalopram vs Paroxetine

## Citalopram vs Paroxetine: Overview

This comparison examines the pharmacological differences between **Citalopram** and **Paroxetine**.

## Mechanism of Action

**Citalopram**: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI); racemic mixture with escitalopram as active S-enantiomer.

**Paroxetine**: Potent selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor with additional muscarinic and NE reuptake inhibition.

## Pharmacokinetics

**Half-life**: Citalopram — 35 hours; Paroxetine — 21 hours.

## Chemical Properties

**Molecular Formula**: Citalopram — C20H21FN2O; Paroxetine — C19H20FNO3.

**Molecular Weight**: Citalopram — 324.3920 g/mol; Paroxetine — 329.3730 g/mol.

**Type**: Citalopram — Small molecule; Paroxetine — Small molecule.