Prozac vs. Zoloft: Choosing the Best for You

Key Differences Between Prozac & Zoloft

Prozac and Zoloft belong to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) class of drugs used to treat depression and other health conditions.³These antidepressants increase serotonin levels in the brain, which play an important role in regulating mood swings associated with depressive symptoms. SSRIs can only be prescribed by medical teams certified by regulating agencies.

Prozac and Zoloft can be prescribed by:

• Primary care providers
• Psychiatrists
• Medical doctor
• Psychiatric nurse
• Other health care professionals

The table below compares the different components of each medication:^{1, 2}

How Do Zoloft & Prozac Work?

Prozac and Zoloft belong to the SSRI class of drugs used to treat depression and other mental health conditions. Both Zoloft and Prozac work by increasing the levels of serotonin (a chemical neurotransmitter that carries signals between neurons) in the brain by inhibiting the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin into neurons.³ This inhibition makes serotonin more available in the brain, helping to improve the transmission of messages between neurons, in turn relieving certain symptoms of depression.

Prozac and Zoloft can produce different side effects as they interact with the body in different ways. Therefore, when choosing an antidepressant that best suits you, your medical provider will likely consider your health condition and genetic profile. This is to prevent any adverse side effects you may experience when taking the medications.⁵

What Are Prozac & Zoloft Used to Treat?

Prozac or Zoloft are FDA-approved for the treatment of depression. However, a medical provider may prescribe these antidepressants for the treatment of other conditions. This is referred to as an off-label use, meaning that is not an FDA-approved use of the antidepressant.^{1, 2}

While Prozac and Zoloft are used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), they can be used for other uses. Both of these medications have other FDA approved uses. For example, Zoloft is also approved to treat social anxiety disorder. These antidepressants may also be used off-label to treat other conditions such as borderline personality disorder, and premature ejaculation.^{1, 2}

Who Can Take Zoloft or Prozac?

Zoloft or Prozac can be prescribed to adults and certain children. The FDA warns that these antidepressants should be used with caution in pediatric patients, as well as breastfeeding and pregnant individuals. This is due to adverse reactions to the substances and potentially severe side effects. Before taking Prozac or Zoloft, consult with your medical provider. Your prescriber will assess your overall health before prescribing the best medication for your condition.^{1, 2}

The table below compares the different medical conditions treated by each medication:^{1, 2}

Side Effects of Prozac & Zoloft

Prozac and Zoloft are SSRIs and may produce certain side effects. Common mild side effects can include nausea and vomiting. However, the side effects can become more severe depending on your health condition. In some cases, a person may be at a higher risk for serotonin syndrome or suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

The table below compares the possible effects of each medication:^{1, 2}

Severe Side Effects & Allergic Reactions

Zoloft and Prozac are typically associated with producing mild side effects. However, side effects can worsen depending on your health condition. For example, mixing Zoloft or Prozac with a brain-altering substance like alcohol can worsen symptoms of depression. Both Zoloft and Prozac can also cause serious side effects or allergic reactions. If you are worried about possible severe side effects, it would be best for you to consult your medical provider.^{1, 2}

Insurance Coverage & Cost Effectiveness

Both Zoloft and Prozac are usually covered by Medicare. Without Medicare, the average retail price of Prozac is about $620.37 for 30 20mg capsules. However, you can get the prescription at a lower cost of about $3.86 for 30 20mg capsules of generic fluoxetine with a SingleCare coupon. A Medicare copay can range from $0 to $15.

The average retail price of Zoloft is about $469.55 for 30 50mg tablets. You can get the antidepressant at a lowered cost of $3.99 for 30 50mg tablets of generic sertraline with SingleCare Zoloft coupons. The Medicare copay ranges from $0 to $15. Insurance coverage or purchasing antidepressants on coupons can help you avoid extra costs.

Warnings & Associated Risks of Zoloft & Prozac

Before starting your Zoloft or Prozac medication, you must consult with your doctor regarding your medical history and conditions. Taking Zoloft and Prozac within 14 days of stopping monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or pimozide can be dangerous to your health. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children should not take these antidepressants without consulting their doctor first.^{1, 2}

It is dangerous to mix either Zoloft or Prozac with other brain-altering substances like alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant, while Prozac and Zoloft are antidepressants, meaning that mixing these substances can worsen the side effects of either substance. This can be life-threatening, as it increases the risk of sudden death. Also, sudden discontinuation of Prozac or Zoloft can lead to withdrawal symptoms.^{1, 2}

You should consult with their doctor before considering Zoloft or Prozac if you experience or are:^{1, 2}

• Liver problems
• Suicidal ideation
• Pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• Bleeding problems
• Bipolar disorder
• Seizure disorders

Interactions for Prozac & Zoloft

Taking certain medications, herbs, or supplements alongside Prozac and Zoloft can change how Prozac and Zoloft work in your body or increase the risk for serious side effects. This article does not consider all the possible interactions. Please let your doctor, psychiatrists, and pharmacists know about all the products you currently use, such as prescription medication, nonprescription drugs, and herbal supplements. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Prozac and Zoloft are antidepressants that have different chemical components and makeup. Both antidepressants can lead to undesirable results. Mixing these antidepressants with other substances, such as alcohol or other medications, poses the risk of worsening symptoms and severe side effects. Before you consider mixing Prozac or Zoloft with other substances, consult with your medical provider to understand possible risks.

Substances that can have a harmful interaction with Prozac and Zoloft include:^{1, 2}

• Blood thinners
• NSAIDs
• MAOIs
• Diuretics or water pills
• Migraine drugs
• Other depression medications
• Benzodiazepines

Prozac or Zoloft: Which Drug Is More Effective?

Prozac and Zoloft are two common antidepressants commonly prescribed to treat depression. However, these antidepressants vary in effectiveness and side effects. Therefore, a prescriber may consider prescribing one over the other.

A double-blind comparison of Prozac and Zoloft that compared the two for the treatment of depression found that both led to improved symptoms in patients. These antidepressants work by reducing the symptoms of depression by modifying the chemical activity of neurotransmitters. People taking these antidepressants usually start to feel better after some weeks.⁶However, more research is needed to determine if one drug works better than the other.

Which One Works Faster or Lasts Longer?

Antidepressants generally take up to eight weeks before users experience symptom improvement.⁵Their effectiveness and interaction with one’s body can be affected by their health condition and genetic profile. Many studies comparing Zoloft and Prozac found no major differences in efficacy with each medication. Still, antidepressants can result in different side effects.⁴

Which Is Better for Short-Term or Long-Term Use?

Antidepressants can be prescribed for short-term for those with acute symptoms, or long-term use for those who may experience worsened symptoms. However, many are intended for short-term use, including Zoloft and Prozac. While even short-term Zoloft or Prozac use can cause unwanted results and adverse side effects, taking these medications for a longer period may lead to worsening and adverse health complications.³

Can You Take Prozac & Zoloft Together?

A person may consider mixing Prozac and Zoloft in order to experience quicker symptom relief or gain the benefits of both. However, Prozac and Zoloft are both SSRI antidepressants and can cause serious side effects. Therefore, mixing the two substances is dangerous, as the antidepressants can worsen the side effects of either substance.^{1, 2}

Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Prozac & Zoloft

Before starting your Prozac or Zoloft medication, it is best to talk with your doctor about your health condition so that your doctor can determine the best solution for you. This may help you avoid adverse side effects.

Below are questions to ask your care team when considering Prozac or Zoloft:

• Is it safe to take Prozac or Zoloft with my other medications?
• Will my insurance cover Prozac or Zoloft?
• Which one will better treat my depression?
• Does my medical history increase my risk of side effects for either?
• How long can I expect side effects to last?
• Which one will better treat my anxiety?
• How often should I see you for checkups while taking Prozac vs. Zoloft?
• What are the best online psychiatry options to get a prescription?
• Can I mix alcohol with either Prozac or Zoloft?
• I have been taking Zoloft or Prozac for a while with no desirable results. Should I increase or lower my dosage, or consider an alternative?
• How effective is sertraline for premature ejaculation?

Final Thoughts

Prozac and Zoloft are antidepressants used to treat medical conditions. How these substances work and interact with the body depends on the individual. These antidepressants have side effects that pose a great health danger. Before you start your Zoloft or Prozac medication, consult with your medical provider to understand any risks.