Anxiety
22 min read
Written by Klarity Editorial Team
Published: Nov 16, 2022
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Zoe Russell
Living with anxiety and depression is challenging – finding the right medication shouldn’t be. With so many anxiety and antidepressant treatment options available, it can be difficult to understand the differences between medications, let alone figure out which would work best for you.
Zoloft and Luvox belong to the same class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). They have a similar effect on the neurochemical called serotonin, which helps regulate important bodily functions, such as mood, sleep, and appetite, to name a few. However, there are differences you’ll need to consider when choosing the right anxiety or depression treatment, and it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
In this article, we compare Zoloft vs Luvox, two commonly prescribed antidepressant medications, so that you can be better informed when discussing treatment options with your healthcare provider.
If you would like to know more about other medications available for the treatment of anxiety, depression, or OCD, schedule an appointment on Klarity today. We will connect you with a licensed healthcare provider in your state within 48 hours.
This article discusses suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately at 800-273-8255.
Zoloft | Luvox | |
Drug Class | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) |
Brand / Generic Status | Brand name for sertraline | Brand name for fluvoxamine |
Form(s) of the Drug | • Clear, peppermint-flavored liquid suspension • Color-coded tablets | • Tablets • Extended-release capsules |
Standard Dosage | Liquid suspension • 20 mg of sertraline per dose Standard tablet dosages: • Green indicates 25 mg • Blue indicates 50 mg • Pinkish-red indicates 100 mg | Tablets: • 25 mg • 50 mg • 100 mg Extended-release capsules: • 100 mg • 150 mg |
Conditions Treated | FDA-approved uses: • Major depression • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) • Panic disorder • Post-traumatic stress (PTS) • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) • Social anxiety disorder Off-label uses: • Autism (mood stabilizing) • Alcoholism • Eating disorders • Diabetic neuropathy • Dementia • Hot flashes • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) • Fibromyalgia • Migraines • Personality disorders • Tourette syndrome • Premature ejaculation | FDA-approved uses: • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Off-label uses: • Social phobia or social anxiety disorder (SAD) • Major depressive disorder (MDD) • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) • Panic disorder • Eating disorders |
Cost | Generic form (sertraline): • $172 for 30 days’ worth Brand-name: • $466 for a 30-day supply | Generic form (fluvoxamine): • $20 to $46 for a 30-day supply Brand-name: • $400 for a 30-day supply |
Side-Effects | Common side effects: • Nausea or indigestion • Diarrhea or loose stool • Tremors or twitching • Decreased appetite and weight loss • Bruising and muscle aches • Decreased libido/trouble orgasming • Excessive sweating • Anxiety Serious side effects: • Heart arrhythmia • Bleeding and liver injury • Confusion and seizures • Suicidal thoughts • Changes in behavior • Serotonin syndrome | Common side effects: • Dry mouth • Fatigue, dizziness • GI upset, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation • Headache • Difficulty sleeping or insomnia • Increased anxiety or nervousness • Increased or excessive sweating Serious side effects: • Trouble urinating • Breathing problems • Sexual dysfunction, including lack of desire or orgasm |
Warnings For Use | Contraindicated conditions: • Pregnancy or breastfeeding • Liver problems • Epilepsy and seizure disorders • Glaucoma • Bipolar disorder • Thyroid disease Drug interactions: • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) • Blood thinners • Antipsychotic and antiseizure medications • Alcohol—recreational and alcohol-based medications | Contraindicated conditions: • Liver disease • Prior heart attack or severe heart disease • Heart arrhythmias • Bipolar disorder or prior episodes of mania • Seizure disorder Drug interactions: • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) • NSAID medications, including ibuprofen • Warfarin and other blood-thinning medications • Other SSRI medications and antidepressants • ADHD medication, like Adderall • St. John’s Wort • Most pain medications, including opioids • Thiazide diuretics • Recreational drugs, such as MDMA |
Zoloft is the brand name of sertraline, an SSRI medication that blocks the reuptake of a neurotransmitter in the brain called serotonin.
Individuals who suffer from anxiety or depression tend to have lower serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is essential for communication across the brain and signaling throughout the body. SSRIs, like Zoloft, work to increase serotonin levels and help restore this neurochemical balance.
Zoloft is one of the most commonly prescribed SSRI medications used to treat various mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. It is widely used in both pediatric and adult populations.
Zoloft is available in capsules, tablets, and liquid forms. Tablets and capsules are most commonly prescribed. The initial starting dose is typically 50 mg daily, which can then be increased in 25 mg increments based on your healthcare provider’s recommendation. The typical maximum dose is 200 mg a day.
Zoloft tablets are available in the following dosage forms:
Zoloft is available in capsule form in the following doses:
Zoloft oral solution is available at 20 milligrams /milliliter and is mostly reserved for the pediatric population.
There are a number of different anxiety and depressive disorders that are commonly treated with Zoloft.
Zoloft is FDA-approved to treat the following disorders:
Zoloft is used to treat anxiety symptoms that impact everyday life, including racing or intrusive thoughts. This medication works to decrease fear or panic that’s often out of proportion to the given situation. For those with panic disorders, Zoloft can reduce the number and severity of panic episodes.
Zoloft can improve a number of depressive symptoms and overall increase quality of life by improving and regulating mood, increasing interest in pleasurable activities, and improving sleep quality. Zoloft also boosts energy levels and helps to restore appetite.
Those who suffer from OCD can benefit from taking Zoloft because of its calming effect on the thought process. Zoloft reduces the uncontrollable urges associated with performing repetitive tasks or compulsions in OCD.
Medications that are not FDA-approved to treat certain conditions but have had a beneficial effect on symptoms can be prescribed off-label. Some off-label uses for Zoloft include:
Zoloft or sertraline is available in both generic and name-brand formulations and is a relatively affordable medication. The average retail price of a 30-day prescription of brand-name Zoloft is $466 while the generic sertaline run about $172. Most insurance plans cover zoloft, and coupon codes are available at most large pharmacies.
As with any medication, there are associated risks and benefits that should be considered. Of note, all SSRIs, including Zoloft, should be avoided or used with caution in elderly patients. This is due to the potential for an increased side effect profile, including electrolyte imbalances and changes in blood pressure.
Common side effects associated with Zoloft include:
If you experience side effects that persist or worsen over time, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
There are some important warnings for use associated with taking Zoloft. Below we have mentioned the rare but serious conditions that may occur when taking the medication, including:
An increase in suicidal ideation or self-harm is a rare but serious adverse effect that can occur when initially starting Zoloft. This is most commonly seen in adolescents and young adults under the age of 24.
If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek out medical care at your nearest emergency department. The national suicide hotline can be reached by dialing 988 and is available 24×7.
Serotonin Syndrome is another rare but potentially fatal drug reaction that occurs when there is too much serotonin built up in the body. This most commonly occurs when the individual is taking multiple medications that increase serotonin.
Contact your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention if you begin to experience any of the signs or symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
Common signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:
Withdrawal or discontinuation syndrome is commonly experienced when abruptly discontinuing an SSRI medication or even when lowering the dose. It’s important to talk with your healthcare provider if you are considering stopping or decreasing the dose of your SSRI medication, as you may experience side effects.
Your healthcare provider will be able to help you gradually taper off the dose you are currently taking. Common withdrawal syndrome symptoms include:
You shouldn’t take Zoloft if you are elderly. The majority of SSRIs can cause changes in blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia. With natural aging, the body becomes sensitive to such changes and can result in dangerous outcomes.
When you are starting any new medication, it is important to disclose all medications you are currently taking with your healthcare provider, including all over-the-counter medications and supplements.
Some common drug interactions associated with Zoloft include:
Luvox is the brand name of the medication fluvoxamine, and it is FDA-approved to treat mood and anxiety disorders. Like Zoloft, Luvox is an SSRI medication and works in a similar way to increase levels of serotonin in the brain.
Luvox is available in two forms, an oral capsule and tablet. The typical starting dose is 25 mg by mouth daily and is then gradually titrated up on a weekly basis based on your healthcare provider’s recommendation until the desired effect is reached. The maximum dosage should not exceed 300 mg per day.
Luvox tablets are available in the following doses:
Luvox capsules are considered extended release 24 hours and available as:
Luvox is known to effectively treat a wide range of psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depressive conditions. Ironically enough, Luvox is the only SSRI that is not FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder, but it can effectively treat depression symptoms.
Of note, Luvox is only FDA-approved to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but is known to be effective in the treatment of many additional conditions in an off-label capacity.
Luvox is beneficial for those who have anxiety by calming racing, intrusive or unwanted thoughts. It can lessen anxiety in social situations and anxiety that is out of proportion to the given situation.
Luvox is known to be effective in treating depressive symptoms by improving mood, increasing interest in pleasurable activities, and improving sleep quality.
Luvox is FDA-approved for the treatment of OCD and is known to help calm the overall thought process in these patients, as well as decrease the impulsivity of urges associated with compulsions of this disorder.
Although Luvox is only FDA-approved for the treatment of OCD, it can be beneficial in treating a number of psychiatric conditions. The FDA approval process requires a significant amount of time, research, and funding, which is a huge barrier for a medication to be approved for a specific diagnosis.
The term “off-label” is used to describe any uses of the medication that are not FDA-approved. So although a medication may be considered “off-label” for a certain diagnosis, this does not mean that it is not effective in the treatment process.
Additional off-label uses for Luvox include:
Without insurance, an average 30-day supply of Luvox is around $400 but can be significantly lowered with the use of coupon codes to around $30 to 50. Luvox is typically covered by most commercial health insurance plans and coupon codes are available at most large pharmacies.
As with any medication, there are some associated side effects to look out for, which are most common when first taking the medication. These adverse effects tend to lessen over time, but if you do experience these side effects and they are bothersome, discuss this with your healthcare provider.
Some of the most common side effects with Luvox include:
Luvox shares the same warnings for use as Zoloft, which is common among all SSRI medications. As always, you should discuss all medical conditions and current medications you are taking with your healthcare provider to ensure that you are prescribed the safest and most effective medication for you.
Some shared warnings for both Luvox and Zoloft include:
Additional conditions that are contraindicated for use of Luvox include:
As with any medication, there are a number of medications that are known to interact with one another. When starting any new medication, it is important to disclose all current medications you are taking, including all over-the-counter medications and supplements.
Some of the most common medications to avoid while taking Luvox include:
Managing your anxiety and depression can be challenging, and searching for the best medication for you can seem nearly impossible to do alone. Let a provider on Klarity help.
At Klarity, we offer access to affordable and convenient mental health care providers. We will connect you with a licensed and experienced healthcare provider in your area who will help you navigate the process to find the right, individualized treatment plan for you. The best part? You can receive treatment from the comfort of your own home.
Schedule an appointment and get treatment for your symptoms today (if applicable).
Throughout the article, we went through a lot of information comparing Luvox and Zoloft, and we know it can be confusing. We have listed the most commonly asked questions below, and if you want to learn more about which medications may be best for you, schedule an appointment today.
Weight gain is a common side effect of most SSRI antidepressants. The average weight gain is roughly 1 to 10 pounds when first starting the medication, but not everyone reacts to medications the same or experiences weight gain. When comparing Luvox and Zoloft, Zoloft is more likely to cause weight gain than Luvox.
While both medications are known to effectively treat anxiety symptoms, Zoloft is typically a better choice for generalized anxiety. If you suffer from OCD anxiety, Luvox may be a better choice for treating your anxiety symptoms.
Since both medications are SSRIs, technically, they can replace one another. Although, this should be done under the close supervision of your healthcare provider, as the dosing is different with each medication and should be tapered from one medication to another.
Zoloft and Luvox are known to be more energizing SSRI medications. With this effect, it is important to monitor your sleeping and anxiety levels, as when starting to take either medication, you may experience difficulty falling asleep or have increased anxiety or agitation.
Zoloft and Luvox are actually known to treat brain fog, which is a common symptom of depression. Although, it is important to remember that everyone reacts to medications differently, and you may experience an increase of brain fog when taking either medication.
It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking any SSRI medication due to the potential increase in side effects of the medication. It can also increase the effects of alcohol on the body.
While it is generally considered safe to drink caffeine while taking either medication, it is important to remember that caffeine is a drug itself and can have adverse effects if taken in excess.
Zoloft is considered to be a better choice for the treatment of most depressive psychiatric conditions when compared to Luvox.
When comparing the two medications, Luvox is known to be the better choice when treating OCD alone.
Sources
“Compare fluoxamine vs Zoloft.” Iodine. https://www.iodine.com/compare/fluvoxamine-vs-zoloft
John P. Cunha. “Luvox vs. Zoloft.” RxList. https://www.rxlist.com/luvox_vs_zoloft/drugs-condition.htm
“Fluvoxamine: Drug information.” UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fluvoxamine-drug-information?search=luvox&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~92&usage_type=panel&kp_tab=drug_general&display_rank=1#F173604
“Sertraline: Drug information.” UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/sertraline-drug-information?search=zoloft&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~148&usage_type=panel&kp_tab=drug_general&display_rank=1
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