What’s the Difference? — Talkspace

Differences Between Celexa vs Zoloft

Like all drugs, there are significant differences between Celexa and Zoloft — from how they work, to what they treat, to how much you take. That’s why it’s so critical to learn as much as possible about these drugs before you decide to take either. 

Side effects

While there are potential side effects for any drug you’re considering, Celexa treatment has been shown to be effective in treating major depressive disorder with fewer side effects than some older generations of antidepressants. Understanding the possible side effects of any SSRI  with the help of a primary care provider, healthcare provider, or medical professional, is essential for effective mental health management.

Common side effects of Celexa treatment:

• Nausea or queasiness
• Drowsiness or insomnia
• Dry mouth 
• Increased sweating
• Change in sex drive or function

Common side effects of Zoloft:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sexual side effects
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Weight change

Conditions they treat

Celexa is FDA-approved to treat depression. It’s also used off-label to treat several other conditions. ‘Off-label’ means doctors have seen that a drug can be effective, but hasn’t been approved for use by the FDA for that certain use. 

Celexa off-label uses include:

Zoloft is approved for depression treatment and a few other conditions.

Zoloft is an FDA-approved drug to treat:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Panic disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
• Social anxiety disorder

In addition to these approved uses, Zoloft can also be used off-label to treat:

Dosage amount

One difference between Celexa and Zoloft is dosage. It’s important to follow each antidepressant medication’s instructions for dosing very carefully.

Celexa is available in:

• Tablets — 10, 20, or 40 mgs
• Capsule — 30 mg
• Liquid — 10 mg/5mL

Zoloft is available in:

• Tablets — 25, 50, or 100 mgs
• Capsule — 150 – 200 mg
• Liquid — 20 mg/mL

H4 Which is stronger, Celexa (citalopram) or Zoloft (sertraline)?  

It’s common to compare the strength of citalopram vs sertraline. Both drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, the effectiveness of any drug will vary from person to person based on multiple factors, including diagnosis, age and weight, overall health condition, and other medications taken concurrently.