Difference between Zoloft and Celexa
Depression is a normal part of life for many people, and for them, it is only the controlled and monitored use of antidepressant medications that provides some relief. Among the most commonly prescribed medications are Zoloft and Celexa, both of which are the subjects of this comparison article.
Profile
Zoloft is an antidepressant that belongs to the category of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. This medication affects brain chemicals that may developed an imbalance, resulting in depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Celexa is an antidepressant that belongs to the category of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as well. Celexa works to restore the balance of serotonin in the brain, helping ease the symptoms of various psychological disorders.
Purpose
Zoloft is commonly prescribed in the treatment of conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic and anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, among others,
Celexa is most commonly prescribed as a treatment for depression, although it may be prescribed for other conditions as well.
Precautions
Zoloft should not be taken with medications such as pimozide, or drugs belonging to the monoamine oxidase inhibitor or MAOI, such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine. If you are currently taking such medications, you would have to go off them for 14 days or more before you could begin taking Zoloft safely. Conversely, you would have to stop taking Zoloft for at least 14 days if you are planning to go on an MAOI treatment.
It is important to note that Zoloft may cause suicidal tendencies in young adults and teens. It is for this reason that while Zoloft is an FDA approved treatment medication for children diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, it is not recommended for use in children suffering from depression. Users of Zoloft would have to undergo diagnostic checkups during the first 12 weeks of Zoloft treatment.
Celexa should not be taken with MAOIs such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine. Just as with Zoloft, the same 14-day restrictions apply with regard to using MAOIs along with Celexa.
Since Celexa is an antidepressant just like Zoloft, it too has been shown to possibly cause suicidal thoughts in younger patients. Patients who take Celexa will have to be checked by a doctor periodically during the first 12 weeks of Celexa treatment as well.
Similarities and Differences
Zoloft
- An antidepressant that belongs to the category of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs
- Affects brain chemicals that may develop an imbalance, resulting in depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Commonly prescribed in the treatment of conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic and anxiety disorder
Celexa
- An antidepressant that belongs to the category of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Works to restore the balance of serotonin in the brain, helping ease the symptoms of various psychological disorders
- Most commonly prescribed as a treatment for depression
