Fluoxetine vs Sertraline
Compare Fluoxetine (Prozac) and Sertraline (Zoloft) — two of the most prescribed SSRIs.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Fluoxetine | Sertraline |
|---|---|---|
Effectiveness | Effective for depression, OCD, bulimia, panic disorder | Effective for depression, OCD, PTSD, social anxiety, panic |
Cost | $8-12/month generic | $10-15/month generic |
| Side Effects | More activating/energizing, insomnia risk, long half-life | GI side effects more common, diarrhea |
Convenience | Once daily, longest half-life (safest if doses missed) | Once daily |
| Insurance Coverage | Widely covered, lowest cost generic | Widely covered |
Key Differences
- Fluoxetine has 4-6 day half-life — most forgiving if doses missed
- Sertraline has fewer drug interactions
- Fluoxetine more activating, better for fatigue-dominant depression
- Sertraline better tolerated in elderly
Similarities
- Both SSRIs
- Once daily
- Both generic
- 2-4 week onset
Which Is Best For You?
Fluoxetine is Best For:
- Patients who miss doses frequently
- Fatigue-dominant depression
- Bulimia nervosa
- Cheapest option needed
Sertraline is Best For:
- Elderly patients
- PTSD
- Social anxiety disorder
- Fewer drug interactions needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prozac or Zoloft better for depression?
Both are equally effective first-line treatments. Choice depends on side effect profile, other medications, and individual response.
Which is cheaper, Prozac or Zoloft?
Both are very affordable generics. Fluoxetine (Prozac generic) is typically the cheapest SSRI available, often under $10/month.
Other Antidepressants Comparisons
Compare Lexapro (escitalopram) and Zoloft (sertraline) for depression and anxiety treatment.
Compare Prozac (fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) — two of the most prescribed SSRIs.
Compare Sertraline (Zoloft) and Escitalopram (Lexapro) for depression and anxiety.
Compare Venlafaxine (Effexor) and Duloxetine (Cymbalta) — two SNRI antidepressants.
Compare Prices for Fluoxetine and Sertraline
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