What is the difference between sertraline and fluoxetine? Which drug is better?

Sertraline and Fluoxetine are two widely used drugs that are used to treat depression and other mental health problems.. These drugs reduce anxiety and fear and improve the quality of life of people with severe depression.. But they are different from each other in many ways.

Difference between sertraline and fluoxetine tablets in terms of use
- Who can use sertraline and fluoxetine?
Difference between sertraline and fluoxetine tablets in terms of dosage and how to take sertraline tablets
Difference in sertraline tablets and Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine in terms of side effects
Difference between Sertraline and Fluoxetine tablets in terms of drug interactions
- Can Fluoxetine and Sertraline be taken at the same time?
Final words
Questions common

The difference between sertraline and fluoxetine tablets in terms of use

Sertraline and fluoxetine are both classified as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin is a natural chemical that helps regulate emotions and create feelings of happiness and contentment.

SSRI drugs work by affecting serotonin levels in the brain.. These drugs improve mood and appetite by balancing chemicals in the brain.. They can also increase your body's energy levels and help you sleep better.

Part of the difference between sertraline and fluoxetine tablets is related to their uses.. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of both drugs to treat the following conditions:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Premenstrual discomfort disorder

Learn more:What is fluoxetine?

Learn more: What is Duloxetine tablets for?

In addition, fluoxetine has received FDA approval for the treatment of:

Bulimia (Bulimia)
binge eating disorder
Bipolar depression

Doctors may use sertraline to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety disorder. Some doctors also prescribe fluoxetine for social anxiety disorder in adults, borderline personality disorder, Raynaud's phenomenon, and muteness (selective muteness). But the FDA has not approved these.

Learn more: What is buspirone 5 tablets for?

Who can use sertraline and fluoxetine?

Fluoxetine is the only drug approved by the FDA to treat depression in people over the age of eight. It can also be used to treat OCD in people over the age of seven.

Learn more:What is the difference between Fluoxetine and Asentra?

Sertraline is approved for the treatment of OCD in adults and children over the age of 6. In other cases, this drug is only suitable for treating adults.

The difference between sertraline and fluoxetine tablets in terms of dosage and method of administration

Sertraline tablets and fluoxetine tablets are both available in different dosages.. Sertraline is usually produced in doses of 50 and 100 mg and fluoxetine in doses of 10, 20, 40 and 90 mg.

When a patient first starts taking antidepressants, the doctor will probably prescribe the drug at a low dose and gradually increase the amount over time... This helps the doctor check the effectiveness of the drug and control its side effects.. Because the effectiveness and side effects of antidepressants are different for different people.... For this reason, it may take some time to find the correct dose and the best medicine for each patient.

Some people may see signs of improvement in the first one to two weeks..while others notice a change in mood after 2 to 4 weeks, some studies have shown that all antidepressants need at least 4 to 6 weeks to reach their peak effectiveness.

Learn more: Venlafaxine tablets

If the patient does not respond satisfactorily to the drug, the doctor may increase the dose of the drug... However, a higher dose may cause more side effects... Therefore, the doctor should always consider the risks and benefits of increasing the dose.

Another strategy to increase the effectiveness of the treatment is for the doctor to add another drug to the previous drug.. For example, the doctor may ask the patient to combine sertraline or fluoxetine with other antidepressants..

The difference between sertraline and fluoxetine tablets in terms of side effects

Since both drugs are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, they have relatively similar side effects. Common side effects include:

Nausea and vomiting
diarrhea
Nervousness and anxiety
dizziness
Sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction
Insomnia
Weight gain or loss
Headache

Learn more:Fluoxetine tablets for children

A comparison of sertraline tablets with fluoxetine shows that the possibility of diarrhea after taking sertraline is more than fluoxetine.... Fluoxetine often causes dry mouth, sleep problems, headaches and nervousness.... None of these drugs cause drowsiness.... Also, their effect on weight gain is less than old antidepressants.

Sometimes antidepressants cause serious side effects..Both sertraline and fluoxetine may cause suicidal thoughts in children, teens, and adults....If this is a problem for you or your child, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

The difference between sertraline and fluoxetine tablets in terms of drug interactions

Both sertraline and fluoxetine can interact with other medications, so you should always list all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking with your doctor. This is especially important for the following medications:

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
methylene blue
ask
Linezolid

During pregnancy or breastfeeding, the use of antidepressants may cause problems.. In general, pregnant or lactating women can use sertraline or fluoxetine only when the benefits of the drug outweigh its possible side effects.

Read more: The best time to take imipramine tablets

Can fluoxetine and sertraline be taken at the same time?

You should not use sertraline and fluoxetine together.... because they are in the same drug group and have the same functions.... Taking these 2 drugs at the same time not only improves the symptoms of the disease... but can cause more side effects.

When you do not feel the desired effects of sertraline or fluoxetine, your doctor may increase the dose or prescribe another drug that has different effects on the brain.

Learn more:What is Chlordiazepoxide Tablets?

Endword

In this article we talked about the difference between sertraline and fluoxetine.... Now you know that they are classified as antidepressants, but they may have different effects on the body.

If you need more guidance on the use, how to take and side effects of these 2 drugs, consult a psychiatrist.... For this, enter the website of GCORP LLC and make an appointment with your desired specialist for a face-to-face visit or online consultation with a psychiatrist

Frequently Asked Questions

Sertraline or fluoxetine, which is better?

Choosing the best drug depends on the severity of your symptoms and your health condition... Therefore, the drug that is right for you may not work for someone else.

What is the difference between sertraline and fluoxetine? Produced in different doses.... Some of the uses and side effects of these 2 drugs are also different from each other.

Are these two drugs effective?.. Are fluvoxamine and sertraline the same?

No.... Different drugs cannot have the same effect on all people.. Therefore, the doctor should choose the best medicine according to your body's response.

Sources: healthline, medicalnewstoday

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