What is the difference between sertraline and fluoxetine

But they are not the same drug. In addition, doctors will sometimes prescribe it in combination with other medications to treat patients with bipolar disorder.

Both Prozac and Zoloft are considered powerful mental health medications , comparably effective at treating depression and reducing anxiety for the patients who take them. A few clinical trials suggest that Zoloft may have less serious side effects than Prozac. It also may be slightly better at treating severe depression. If you have questions about whether you should be taking Prozac, Zoloft, or another anti-depression medication, seek medical advice from a healthcare professional to learn if one may be right for you.

Antidepressant medications like Prozac and Zoloft can offer patients relief from symptoms related to anxiety, but effectiveness can vary depending on the individual, dosage, and condition treated. Although SSRI medications like Prozac and Zoloft often have similar side effects, patient experiences on these drugs are not always the same.

Common side effects of Prozac include:. Both medications carry the rare but serious risk of increasing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in teenagers and young adults. If you or someone you know is at risk of harming themselves or others, call or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. One study suggests that many patients lose weight after they begin taking antidepressant medication. Researchers suggest that those who gain weight do so because they eat more nutritiously after being medicated for depression.

Taking both medications will not increase their efficacy or make them work more quickly; it will only put you at an increased risk for adverse effects. Symptoms of this syndrome include heart palpitations, confusion, vision changes glaucoma , and seizures. You should be evaluated in the emergency room right away if they occur. If you are concerned about whether your antidepressant drug is working for you, talk to your doctor. They may recommend changing your dosage or medication to something that will work better for your case.

If you are experiencing depression while pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about whether or not taking an SSRI medication is right for you. Women with untreated depression may not receive adequate nutrition or seek prenatal care, putting their babies at risk for long-term health consequences.

On the other hand, women who take antidepressant medications while pregnant, particularly while in their third trimester, may increase the risk of their child having withdrawal symptoms after they are born. In very rare cases, children exposed to SSRIs while in utero can develop persistent pulmonary hypertension, a condition that affects the lungs. A few studies have also linked the use of SSRI medications particularly one called paroxetine during pregnancy with the increased risk of cardiac conditions in infants.

For example, some people take antidepressant medications for a few weeks or months; others may take them much longer.

Learn more about what off-label drug use means ». Prozac is the only drug approved by the FDA for treating depression in children who are 8 years or older. Additionally, it treats adults for all of its uses. Zoloft is approved to treat adults and children who are 6 years or older for OCD. Otherwise, for its other uses, Zoloft is only approved to treat adults. To lower your chance of side effects, your doctor will start you on the lowest possible dosage.

It may take some time to find the correct dosage and the best medication for you. When it comes to side effect specifics, Zoloft is more likely than Prozac to cause diarrhea. Prozac is more likely to cause dry mouth and sleep problems. Neither drug causes drowsiness, and both medications are less likely to cause weight gain than older antidepressant drugs. Antidepressants can also cause serious side effects.

Prozac and Zoloft may cause suicidal thoughts in children, teenagers, and young adults. Both Prozac and Zoloft can interact with other drugs. Be sure to tell your doctor about all drugs and supplements you take, both prescription and over-the-counter. These include:. In general, you should only use these medications in these cases if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. Both medications are available in most pharmacies. In a study , researchers found that people prescribed fluoxetine and sertraline both gained a small amount of weight 4.

A separate study published in found that several of the most commonly prescribed SSRIs and other antidepressants, including the active ingredients in Prozac and Zoloft, caused a higher risk of weight gain during treatment.

In short, antidepressants, including Prozac and Zoloft, can cause weight gain. However, not all people who are prescribed antidepressants will gain weight. If you are concerned about weight gain while using either antidepressant, talk to your healthcare provider. Drinking alcohol while you use either Prozac or Zoloft is not recommended. The FDA labels for both medications specifically recommend not to drink alcohol while you are being treated with either medication.

Both Prozac and Zoloft can affect your ability to make decisions, think clearly or react quickly. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

Insider tips, early access and more. Top Treatments. Top Conditions Erectile Dysfunction. Studies have shown no significant differences in treatment with the two.

However, they may have different side effect profiles. One SSRI may be prescribed over the other depending on your symptoms. Zoloft and Prozac may be used during pregnancy if necessary. However, not enough studies have shown the effects of these drugs on babies. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Zoloft or Prozac.

Drinking alcohol with these medications can increase side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. Zoloft and Prozac are both well tolerated. Zoloft may produce more digestive and sexual side effects while Prozac may produce more headaches. Side effects from SSRIs are often mild and improve over time. Prozac can be prescribed off-label for general and social anxiety. It may also be useful for people with both depression and anxiety. Skip to main content Search for a topic or drug.

Zoloft vs. Prozac: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you. By Gerardo Sison, Pharm. Want the best price on Zoloft? Want the best price on Prozac? Top Reads in Drug vs. Toujeo vs Lantus: Main Differences and S Dulera vs Advair: Main Differences and S Suboxone vs Methadone: Main Differences Looking for a prescription? Search now! Type your drug name.

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