Difference Between Zoloft and Celexa
Main difference
The main difference between Zoloft and Celexa is that Zoloft is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor that has Sertraline as its active part and Celexa is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor that has Citalopram as its active part.
Zoloft vs Celexa
Zoloft is the brand name for sertraline; on the other hand, Celexa is the brand name for citalopram. Zoloft has a chemical structure related to another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, while Celexa has a chemical structure unrelated to another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Zoloft is taken 25mg once a day while Celexa is taken 20mg once a day and then after some time 40mg once a day. Zoloft is used to treat anxiety and other social anxiety disorders, while Celexa treats depression.
Comparison chart
| zolopht | Celexa |
| Zoloft is the brand name of sertraline used to treat depression, panic attacks, and social phobias. | Celexa is the brand name of citalopram used to treat depression. |
drug class |
|
| Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. | Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. |
Mechanism of action |
|
| Zoloft causes inhibition of neuronal uptake of serotonin (5HT) in the CNS | Celexa potentiates serotonergic activity in the CNS. |
Side Effect Management |
|
| Zoloft side effects get worse over time. | Celexa side effects become manageable over time. |
Use during pregnancy |
|
| Zoloft causes poor neonatal adaptation syndrome when used late in pregnancy. | The use of Celexa in pregnancy being SSRIs is a point of controversy in pregnancy. |
therapeutic uses |
|
| Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual syndrome, social anxiety disorder | Depression, improves energy levels, improves well-being |
What is Zoloft?
Zoloft is a potent selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is the brand name for sertraline. Zoloft is a prescription drug and cannot be taken without a prescription. Zoloft inhibits the reuptake of serotonin by neurons, thus increasing the concentration of serotonin, which means a greater availability of drugs to act for antidepressant effects. Zoloft does not inhibit norepinephrine reuptake and has little anticholinergic activity. Zoloft is a weak dopamine reuptake inhibitor clinically. Zoloft is slowly absorbed when taken orally. Zoloft reaches its highest plasma concentration in 4-6 hours. Zoloft is 98.7% protein bound. Zoloft causes diarrhea, sleep disturbances, and sexual disturbances. Zoloft is associated with psychiatric disorders. Zoloft causes a higher rate of insomnia and agitation compared to other members of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Zoloft increases suicidal thoughts, so in long therapies the patient is carefully monitored. Zoloft causes weight gain after six months of therapy in some patients. Zoloft overdose causes vomiting, fatigue, ataxia, tachycardia, and seizures. Zoloft moderately inhibits some metabolizing enzymes. Zoloft is not taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, disulfiram, and antipsychotic drugs. Zoloft moderately inhibits some metabolizing enzymes. Zoloft is not taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, disulfiram, and antipsychotic drugs. Zoloft moderately inhibits some metabolizing enzymes.
Example
Zoloft tablets and oral solutions.
What is Celex?
Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is the brand name for citalopram. Celexa inhibits neuronal serotonin reuptake. Celexa shows pharmacological activity due to the S-enantiomer of citalopram. Celexa has very low activity for dopamine receptors. Celexa shows steady-state concentration within one week when administered as a single daily dose. Celexa shows a maximum concentration in blood plasma after 4 hours after a single dose. Celexa is metabolized via the liver. Celexa causes nausea, tiredness, excessive sweating, sexual problems, sleep disturbances and tremors, QT prolongation, and glaucoma. Celexa also causes suicidal thoughts. Celexa should not be used during pregnancy. Celexa should not be taken with St. John’s wort and tryptophan because it leads to serotonin syndrome. Celexa, if taken with omeprazole, increases blood levels of Celexa. Celexa, when taken with NSAIDs, increases the risk of bleeding. Celexa is not taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors because it causes serotonin syndrome. Celexa therapy, when discontinued, leads to SSRI discontinuation syndrome.
Example
Celexa Tablets
Key differences
- Zoloft is the trade name for sertraline while Celexa is the trade name for citalopram.
- Zoloft is used to treat depression and other CNS related problems, on the other hand Celexa is used for depression.
- Zoloft shows side effects that get worse over time, while Celexa shows side effects that become manageable.
Final Thought
The conclusion from the above discussion is that both Zoloft and Celexa are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that have different active moieties with their effective uses in anxiety and depression.