Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Are SSRIs?What Is Celexa?What Is Zoloft?Dosing GuidelinesSafe Use GuidanceEfficacySide EffectsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Are SSRIs?
What Is Celexa?
What Is Zoloft?
Dosing Guidelines
Safe Use Guidance
Efficacy
Side Effects
Frequently Asked Questions
Celexa (citalopram)andZoloft (sertraline)are first-line, brand-nameselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)that treat mental health conditions. They are used to treatmood disorders.
This article will highlight the differences and similarities between Celexa and Zoloft.
Bloomberg / Getty Images
Understanding Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are first-line antidepressant medicines for chronic psychiatric conditions, including MDD,panic disorder (PD), andgeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD).
How SSRIs Work
Off-Label Uses
SSRIs can be used for off-label purposes (using a drug for a purpose it was never FDA-approved for).
Such off-label uses include the treatment offibromyalgia, SAD, andsexual dysfunctionin males.
Modes of Administration
SSRIs are commonly given as immediate-release (IR) tablets, extended-release (ER) capsules, or liquid suspension/solutions.
Some commonly available SSRIs includeLexapro (escitalopram),Prozac (fluoxetine),Luvox (fluvoxamine), and Paxil (paroxetine).
Significance of Panic Disorder (PD)
PD can occur suddenly and is not typically associated with any specific fear or stressor.
An estimated 4.7% of American adults will experience PD at some time in their lives.
Significance of Depression
In general‚ one out of every six adults will experience depression at some point in their lifetime.
Throughout the United States, it affects about 16 million adults annually.
Significance of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a chronic mental disorder that occurs after exposure to traumatic events.
About six out of every 100 people in the United States will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.
In 2020, about 13 million Americans had PTSD.
Celexa is an orally administered, brand-name SSRI containing the active ingredient citalopram. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of MDD in adults 18 and older.
Celexa carries a boxed warning that concerns a potential increased risk ofsuicidal thoughtsand behavior in young adults who take it.
Forms of Administration
Brand-name Celexa and its generic versions are available for administration as a tablet, liquid solution, or film-coated tablet.
Off-label Uses
At times, Celexa may be used off-label to treat:
Zoloft is an orally administered, brand-name SSRI containing the active ingredient sertraline.
It is FDA-approved for use in adults and children 6–17 years old.
Like Celexa, Zoloft carries a boxed warning regarding an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in young adults who take it.
Zoloft is FDA-approved for the treatment of:
Brand-name Zoloft and its generic versions can administered as a film-coated tablet or liquid solution.
Zoloft is sometimes used off-label to treat:
The following will outline basic dosing guidelines for using Celexa versus Zoloft.
Celexa
Celexa tablets are available in strengths of 10-, 20-, and 40-milligrams (mg), as follows:
Zoloft
Zoloft tablets are available in 25-, 50-, and 100-mg strengths, as follows:
Uses:Adults:Adolescents:Therapeutic range:•MDD•50 mg daily•N/A50–200 mg daily•PD, PTSD, SAD•25 mg daily•N/A50–200 mg daily•OCD•50 mg daily•6–12 years old: 25 mg daily•13–17 years old: 50 mg daily50–200 mg daily•PMDD continuous dosing•50 mg daily•N/A50–150 mg daily•PMDD intermittent dosing•50 mg daily during the luteal phase only*•N/A50–100 mg daily during the luteal phase only*The luteal phase is the days of the menstrual cycle after ovulation and the start of the next period.Safe Use GuidanceThe following offers best practices when taking Celexa or Zoloft:Celexa and ZoloftTake Celexa and Zoloft daily (in the morning or the evening), with or without food.Take Celexa and Zoloft around the same time every day.Your healthcare provider will start Celexa and Zoloft on a smaller dose and gradually increase the dose once weekly as required.Do not stop taking Celexa or Zoloft without asking your healthcare provider, even if you feel well. Sudden discontinuation of these drugs can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Your healthcare provider will slowly reduce the dose before stopping it altogetherPeople under 25 years old taking Celexa or Zoloft should be continually assessed for suicidal ideation and other unusual behaviors, as per their boxed warningCelexa and Zoloft may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate the machinery unless you know how these drugs affect you.Be mindful while drinking alcohol with these drugs.Zoloft-Specific GuidanceThe following guidance applies specifically to the use of Zoloft:Dilute Zoloft concentrate immediately before taking it, using the provided dropper to measure the dose.Dilute Zoloft oral solution onlywith water, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice.Consume Zoloft immediately after mixing.Wellbutrin vs. Zoloft: Similarities & DifferencesEfficacyAlthough minor differences may exist between them, both Celexa and Zoloft are equally effective SSRIs.One study established that drugs within this class when taken at higher doses, can lead to symptom improvement of mood disorders.In comparison, an earlier study comparing the efficacy of Celexa versus Zoloft found Celexa to have a significantly higher onset than Zoloft during the early weeks of treatment and a better efficacy in overall treatment.Both drugs were considered adequate and well-tolerated.Side Effects and PrecautionsLike all drugs, Celexa and Zoloft have the potential for side effects of varying severity.SSRIs like Celexa and Zoloft both carry a boxed warning alerting users and their parents of the risk of increased suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (typically those under 25 years old).When taking Celexa or Zoloft, monitor yourself or a loved one closely for the emergence of side effects that worsen or fail to dissipate over time.If this occurs, your healthcare provider may reevaluate your prescription.Side effects associated with the use of Celexa and Zoloft are listed below.Common Side EffectsShared, typical side effects associated with the use of Celexa and Zoloft include:ConstipationDiarrheaDizzinessHeadacheDry mouthLethargyHeartburnLoss of appetiteNauseaSexual dysfunction in malesTremorsVomitingSevere Side EffectsRarer, though more severe side effects associated with the use of Celexa and Zoloft include:SeizuresAbnormal bleeding orbruisingSymptoms of withdrawal, such ashallucinations,fever,sweating,tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), shivering,severe muscle stiffness, nausea, vomiting, or diarrheaConfusionRashUrticaria (hives)Shortness of breathSummaryCelexa and Zoloft are effective SSRIs and are used as first-line therapies in the treatment of depression and related disorders.However, while generally viewed as similar, they differ in their active ingredients and FDA-approved uses, among other differences.Celexa is approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults, while Zoloft is used for the treatment of MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, SAD, and the symptoms of PMDD.Celexa is approved for adults, while Zoloft is approved for use in adults and children 6 years and older.SSRIs like Celexa and Zoloft carry a boxed warning regarding the risk of increased suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults.Do not take these drugs more often or at higher doses than prescribed.Continue taking even if you feel better, and don’t discontinue without asking your healthcare provider—sudden discontinuation may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.Frequently Asked QuestionsStore all forms of Celexa and Zoloft in a dry, secure place (away from children and pets) and at room temperature (68–77 degrees F).Keep these drugs away from areas of high moisture and direct light.Celexa and Zoloft usually take a few weeks to show benefits and improve symptoms after taking the initial dose.
*The luteal phase is the days of the menstrual cycle after ovulation and the start of the next period.
The following offers best practices when taking Celexa or Zoloft:
Celexa and Zoloft
Zoloft-Specific Guidance
The following guidance applies specifically to the use of Zoloft:
Wellbutrin vs. Zoloft: Similarities & Differences
Although minor differences may exist between them, both Celexa and Zoloft are equally effective SSRIs.
One study established that drugs within this class when taken at higher doses, can lead to symptom improvement of mood disorders.
In comparison, an earlier study comparing the efficacy of Celexa versus Zoloft found Celexa to have a significantly higher onset than Zoloft during the early weeks of treatment and a better efficacy in overall treatment.
Both drugs were considered adequate and well-tolerated.
Side Effects and Precautions
Like all drugs, Celexa and Zoloft have the potential for side effects of varying severity.
SSRIs like Celexa and Zoloft both carry a boxed warning alerting users and their parents of the risk of increased suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (typically those under 25 years old).
When taking Celexa or Zoloft, monitor yourself or a loved one closely for the emergence of side effects that worsen or fail to dissipate over time.
If this occurs, your healthcare provider may reevaluate your prescription.
Side effects associated with the use of Celexa and Zoloft are listed below.
Common Side Effects
Shared, typical side effects associated with the use of Celexa and Zoloft include:
Severe Side Effects
Rarer, though more severe side effects associated with the use of Celexa and Zoloft include:
Summary
Celexa and Zoloft are effective SSRIs and are used as first-line therapies in the treatment of depression and related disorders.
However, while generally viewed as similar, they differ in their active ingredients and FDA-approved uses, among other differences.
Celexa is approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults, while Zoloft is used for the treatment of MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, SAD, and the symptoms of PMDD.
Celexa is approved for adults, while Zoloft is approved for use in adults and children 6 years and older.
SSRIs like Celexa and Zoloft carry a boxed warning regarding the risk of increased suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Do not take these drugs more often or at higher doses than prescribed.
Continue taking even if you feel better, and don’t discontinue without asking your healthcare provider—sudden discontinuation may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Frequently Asked QuestionsStore all forms of Celexa and Zoloft in a dry, secure place (away from children and pets) and at room temperature (68–77 degrees F).Keep these drugs away from areas of high moisture and direct light.Celexa and Zoloft usually take a few weeks to show benefits and improve symptoms after taking the initial dose.
Store all forms of Celexa and Zoloft in a dry, secure place (away from children and pets) and at room temperature (68–77 degrees F).Keep these drugs away from areas of high moisture and direct light.
Store all forms of Celexa and Zoloft in a dry, secure place (away from children and pets) and at room temperature (68–77 degrees F).
Keep these drugs away from areas of high moisture and direct light.
Celexa and Zoloft usually take a few weeks to show benefits and improve symptoms after taking the initial dose.
17 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Label: Celexa-citalopram tablets-film coated.DailyMed.Label: Zoloft-sertraline hydrochloride tablet, film coated.MedlinePlus.Citalopram.MedlinePlus.Sertraline.Thom RP, Alexander JL, Baron D, et al.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: how long is long enough?.JPsychiatr Pract.2021;27(5):361-371. doi:10.1097/PRA.0000000000000578Food and Drug Administration.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) information.Edinoff AN, Akuly HA, Hanna TA, et al.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and adverse effects: a narrative review.Neurol Int.2021;13(3):387-401. doi:10.3390/neurolint13030038National Institute of Mental Health.Panic disorder.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mental health conditions: depression and anxiety.Miao XR, Chen QB, Wei K, Tao KM, Lu ZJ.Posttraumatic stress disorder: from diagnosis to prevention.Mil Med Res. 2018;5:32. doi:10.1186/s40779-018-0179-0U.S Department of Veterans Affairs.PTSD: National center for PTSD.DailMed.Label: Celexa-citalopram hydrobromide tablet.DailyMed.Label: citalopram solution.DailyMed.Label: sertraline hydrochloride solution, concentrate.Stone KJ, Viera AJ, Parman CL.Off-label applications for SSRIs.Am Fam Physician. 2003;68(3):498-504.Edinoff AN, Akuly HA, Hanna TA, et al.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and adverse effects: a narrative review.Neurol Int.2021;13(3):387-401. doi:10.3390/neurolint13030038Hsu JW, Su TP, Huang CY, Chen YS, Chou YH.Faster onset of antidepressant effects of citalopram compared with sertraline in drug-naïve first-episode major depressive disorder in a Chinese population: a 6-week double-blind, randomized comparative study.J Clin Psychopharmacol.2011;31(5):577-581. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0b013e31822c091a.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Label: Celexa-citalopram tablets-film coated.DailyMed.Label: Zoloft-sertraline hydrochloride tablet, film coated.MedlinePlus.Citalopram.MedlinePlus.Sertraline.Thom RP, Alexander JL, Baron D, et al.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: how long is long enough?.JPsychiatr Pract.2021;27(5):361-371. doi:10.1097/PRA.0000000000000578Food and Drug Administration.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) information.Edinoff AN, Akuly HA, Hanna TA, et al.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and adverse effects: a narrative review.Neurol Int.2021;13(3):387-401. doi:10.3390/neurolint13030038National Institute of Mental Health.Panic disorder.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mental health conditions: depression and anxiety.Miao XR, Chen QB, Wei K, Tao KM, Lu ZJ.Posttraumatic stress disorder: from diagnosis to prevention.Mil Med Res. 2018;5:32. doi:10.1186/s40779-018-0179-0U.S Department of Veterans Affairs.PTSD: National center for PTSD.DailMed.Label: Celexa-citalopram hydrobromide tablet.DailyMed.Label: citalopram solution.DailyMed.Label: sertraline hydrochloride solution, concentrate.Stone KJ, Viera AJ, Parman CL.Off-label applications for SSRIs.Am Fam Physician. 2003;68(3):498-504.Edinoff AN, Akuly HA, Hanna TA, et al.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and adverse effects: a narrative review.Neurol Int.2021;13(3):387-401. doi:10.3390/neurolint13030038Hsu JW, Su TP, Huang CY, Chen YS, Chou YH.Faster onset of antidepressant effects of citalopram compared with sertraline in drug-naïve first-episode major depressive disorder in a Chinese population: a 6-week double-blind, randomized comparative study.J Clin Psychopharmacol.2011;31(5):577-581. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0b013e31822c091a.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
DailyMed.Label: Celexa-citalopram tablets-film coated.DailyMed.Label: Zoloft-sertraline hydrochloride tablet, film coated.MedlinePlus.Citalopram.MedlinePlus.Sertraline.Thom RP, Alexander JL, Baron D, et al.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: how long is long enough?.JPsychiatr Pract.2021;27(5):361-371. doi:10.1097/PRA.0000000000000578Food and Drug Administration.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) information.Edinoff AN, Akuly HA, Hanna TA, et al.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and adverse effects: a narrative review.Neurol Int.2021;13(3):387-401. doi:10.3390/neurolint13030038National Institute of Mental Health.Panic disorder.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mental health conditions: depression and anxiety.Miao XR, Chen QB, Wei K, Tao KM, Lu ZJ.Posttraumatic stress disorder: from diagnosis to prevention.Mil Med Res. 2018;5:32. doi:10.1186/s40779-018-0179-0U.S Department of Veterans Affairs.PTSD: National center for PTSD.DailMed.Label: Celexa-citalopram hydrobromide tablet.DailyMed.Label: citalopram solution.DailyMed.Label: sertraline hydrochloride solution, concentrate.Stone KJ, Viera AJ, Parman CL.Off-label applications for SSRIs.Am Fam Physician. 2003;68(3):498-504.Edinoff AN, Akuly HA, Hanna TA, et al.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and adverse effects: a narrative review.Neurol Int.2021;13(3):387-401. doi:10.3390/neurolint13030038Hsu JW, Su TP, Huang CY, Chen YS, Chou YH.Faster onset of antidepressant effects of citalopram compared with sertraline in drug-naïve first-episode major depressive disorder in a Chinese population: a 6-week double-blind, randomized comparative study.J Clin Psychopharmacol.2011;31(5):577-581. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0b013e31822c091a.
DailyMed.Label: Celexa-citalopram tablets-film coated.
DailyMed.Label: Zoloft-sertraline hydrochloride tablet, film coated.
MedlinePlus.Citalopram.
MedlinePlus.Sertraline.
Thom RP, Alexander JL, Baron D, et al.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: how long is long enough?.JPsychiatr Pract.2021;27(5):361-371. doi:10.1097/PRA.0000000000000578
Food and Drug Administration.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) information.
Edinoff AN, Akuly HA, Hanna TA, et al.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and adverse effects: a narrative review.Neurol Int.2021;13(3):387-401. doi:10.3390/neurolint13030038
National Institute of Mental Health.Panic disorder.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mental health conditions: depression and anxiety.
Miao XR, Chen QB, Wei K, Tao KM, Lu ZJ.Posttraumatic stress disorder: from diagnosis to prevention.Mil Med Res. 2018;5:32. doi:10.1186/s40779-018-0179-0
U.S Department of Veterans Affairs.PTSD: National center for PTSD.
DailMed.Label: Celexa-citalopram hydrobromide tablet.
DailyMed.Label: citalopram solution.
DailyMed.Label: sertraline hydrochloride solution, concentrate.
Stone KJ, Viera AJ, Parman CL.Off-label applications for SSRIs.Am Fam Physician. 2003;68(3):498-504.
Hsu JW, Su TP, Huang CY, Chen YS, Chou YH.Faster onset of antidepressant effects of citalopram compared with sertraline in drug-naïve first-episode major depressive disorder in a Chinese population: a 6-week double-blind, randomized comparative study.J Clin Psychopharmacol.2011;31(5):577-581. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0b013e31822c091a.
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