Choosing to take medication to manage your anxiety can be difficult, especially when you\u2019re faced with a long list of available options. Even choosing between well-known medications like Zoloft and Prozac can be a significant challenge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both Prozac and Zoloft are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which prevent neurons from reabsorbing serotonin, thereby increasing levels of available serotonin in the brain. These medications are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders due to their ability to regulate serotonin levels, promoting a sense of calm and reducing symptoms. However, Zoloft is more suitable for the treatment of social anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though Prozac and Zoloft are very similar, they have key differences, including medication interactions, that may make one a better choice than the other for each individual. In this article, we will compare Prozac and Zoloft so that you can have an informed discussion with your healthcare provider about which one could be right for you and your symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you suspect you have an anxiety disorder, find a provider<\/a> on Klarity today for affordable online anxiety treatment.<\/a> Your provider can diagnose your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan for anxiety, including prescription SSRIs. With Klarity, you can receive comprehensive, insurance-free anxiety treatment in as little as 48 hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
| <\/th> | Zoloft<\/th> | Prozac<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Drug Class<\/strong><\/td>| Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)<\/td> | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td> | Brand name for sertraline<\/td> | Brand name fluoxetine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td> | \u2022 Clear, peppermint-flavored liquid suspension | \n\u2022 Color-coded tablets \n<\/td> \u2022 Clear, peppermint-flavored liquid suspension | \n\u2022 Half-green, half-white capsules \n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Standard Dosage<\/strong><\/td> | Liquid suspension | \n\u2022 20 mg of sertraline per dose \n \nStandard tablet dosages: \n\u2022 Green indicates 25 mg \n\u2022 Blue indicates 50 mg \n\u2022 Pinkish-red indicates 100 mg \n<\/td> Liquid suspension: | \n\u2022 10mg per dose \n \nCapsules: \n\u2022 10mg per dose \n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Conditions Treated<\/strong><\/td> | FDA-approved uses: | \n\u2022 Major depression \n\u2022 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) \n\u2022 Panic disorder \n\u2022 Post-traumatic stress (PTS) \n\u2022 Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) \n\u2022 Social anxiety disorder \n \nOff-label uses: \n\u2022 Autism (mood stabilizing) \n\u2022 Alcoholism \n\u2022 Eating disorders \n\u2022 Diabetic neuropathy \n\u2022 Dementia \n\u2022 Hot flashes \n\u2022 Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) \n\u2022 Fibromyalgia \n\u2022 Migraines \n\u2022 Personality disorders \n\u2022 Tourette syndrome \n\u2022 Premature ejaculation<\/td> FDA-approved uses: | \n\u2022 Anxiety and stress \n\u2022 Major depression \n\u2022 Bulimia nervosa \n\u2022 Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) \n\u2022 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) \n\u2022 Panic disorder \n\u2022 Postpartum depression \n\u2022 Schizoaffective disorder \n \nOff-label uses: \n\u2022 Anorexia nervosa \n\u2022 Premature ejaculation \n\u2022 Various anxiety disorders \n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Cost<\/strong><\/td> | Generic form (sertraline): | \n\u2022 $4 to $25 for 30 days\u2019 worth \n \nBrand-name: \n\u2022 $215 to $315 for a 30-day supply \n<\/td> Generic form (fluoxetine): | \n\u2022 $3 to $4 for 30-days\u2019 worth of capsules* \n\u2022 $12 for 30 days\u2019 worth of liquid suspension \n \n*May cost up to $100 for high dosages \n \nBrand-name: \n\u2022 $460 to $1000 for 30 days\u2019 worth of capsules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Side-Effects<\/strong><\/td> | Common side effects: | \n\u2022 Nausea or indigestion \n\u2022 Diarrhea or loose stool \n\u2022 Tremors or twitching \n\u2022 Decreased appetite and weight loss \n\u2022 Bruising and muscle aches \n\u2022 Decreased libido\/trouble orgasming \n\u2022 Excessive sweating \n\u2022 Anxiety \n \nSerious side effects: \n\u2022 Heart arrhythmia \n\u2022 Bleeding and liver injury \n\u2022 Confusion and seizures \n\u2022 Suicidal thoughts \n\u2022 Changes in behavior \n\u2022 Serotonin syndrome \n<\/td> Common side effects: | \n\u2022 Nausea \n\u2022 Diarrhea or constipation \n\u2022 Changes in appetite \n\u2022 Headache and fatigue \n\u2022 Increased sweating \n\u2022 Trouble sleeping \n\u2022 Impotence\/sexual dysfunction \n \nSerious side effects include: \n\u2022 Fever \n\u2022 High blood pressure \n\u2022 Rigid muscles \n\u2022 Seizures \n\u2022 Kidney or respiratory failure \n\u2022 Disorientation or delirium \n\u2022 Serotonin syndrome \n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/td> | Contraindicated conditions: | \n\u2022 Pregnancy or breastfeeding \n\u2022 Liver problems \n\u2022 Epilepsy and seizure disorders \n\u2022 Glaucoma \n\u2022 Bipolar disorder \n\u2022 Thyroid disease \n \nDrug interactions: \n\u2022 Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) \n\u2022 Blood thinners \n\u2022 Antipsychotic and antiseizure medications \n\u2022 Alcohol\u2014recreational and alcohol-based medications \n<\/td> Contraindicated conditions: | \n\u2022 Diabetes \n\u2022 Liver disease \n\u2022 Alcohol use disorder \n\u2022 History of bipolar disorder \n\u2022 History of suicide attempts \n\u2022 Low blood sodium or dehydration \n\u2022 Seizures \n\u2022 Gastrointestinal ulcers \n\u2022 Glaucoma \n \nDrug Interactions: \n\u2022 Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) \n\u2022 Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) \n\u2022 Aspirin and other blood thinners \n\u2022 Antihistamines \n\u2022 Opioid pain relievers \n\u2022 St. John\u2019s wort \n\u2022 Cannabis and MDMA \n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n What Is Zoloft?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nZoloft is the brand name for the medication sertraline. It\u2019s an SSRI FDA-approved to treat depression in adults, and OCD in children and adolescents. Both the brand name and generic formula are available via prescription. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Zoloft is also prescribed off-label to treat a number of conditions that can result from a serotonin imbalance. This can be a preferable option for some, as It has less potential to cause drowsiness than other antidepressants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Zoloft Forms and Doses<\/h3>\n\n\n\nHealthcare providers may prescribe Zoloft in two forms: tablets or liquid solution. The solution is typically given to children aged 6 to 12, while tablets are given to adolescents and adults aged 13 and older. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Each dose of the liquid solution contains 20 mg of sertraline. It\u2019s a clear, peppermint-flavored suspension that must be properly diluted before it\u2019s administered. Each dose of the liquid solution contains 20 mg of sertraline. Dilution instructions come with each 60 ml bottle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tablets are oblong, scored down the center, and stamped with the dosage amount. Dosages are also color-coded as follows: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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