Zoloft vs Luvox: which one should I take?

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.

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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 Health 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.

What is Zoloft?

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.

Forms and doses of Zoloft 

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:

• 25 milligrams 
• 50 milligrams  
• 100 milligrams 

Zoloft is available in capsule form in the following doses: 

• 150 milligrams 
• 200 milligrams  

Zoloft oral solution is available at 20 milligrams /milliliter and is mostly reserved for the pediatric population.

Conditions Zoloft treats

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: 

• Major depressive disorder 
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety disorder 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder 
• Panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Symptoms of anxiety Zoloft can treat

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.

Symptoms of depression Zoloft can treat

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.  

Symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) Zoloft can treat

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. 

Off-label uses for Zoloft

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: 

• Binge eating disorder 
• Body dysmorphic disorder 
• Bulimia nervosa 
• Premature ejaculation 
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder 
• Neuropathic pain 

Zoloft costs

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.

Side effects of Zoloft 

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:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, GI upset  
• Drowsiness or dizziness 
• Dry mouth 
• Loss of appetite 
• Increased sweating 
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Decreased libido, sexual dysfunction
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Tremor 

If you experience side effects that persist or worsen over time, contact your healthcare provider immediately. 

Zoloft warnings

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:

• Rapid heart rate and high blood pressure 
• High fever 
• Irregular heartbeat
• Agitation or restlessness
• Loss of muscle coordination or uncontrollable muscle twitching 
• Muscle rigidity 
• Increased sweating, shivering, or goosebumps
• Diarrhea 
• Headache 
• Dilated pupils 
• Confusion or altered consciousness

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: 

• Dizziness or light-headedness 
• Vertigo 
• Fatigue
• Headache 
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea 
• Tremors or visual disturbances 
• Irregular sensations, including an “electric-shock” sensation throughout your body
• Increased anxiety or agitation 
• Confusion or irritability 
• Insomnia 

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. 

Zoloft drug interactions

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: 

• Medications that are known to increase serotonin levels:
  • Recreational drugs like MDMA or ecstasy 
  • ADHD medications, such as Adderall, increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
  • Antipsychotic medications 
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Buspar 
  • Some migraine medications, including sumatriptan, rizatriptan, tramadol 
  • Lithium 
  • St. John’s Wort
• MAO inhibitors, including linezolid or methylene blue. These medications must be stopped 14 days before starting an SSRI for a “wash-out” period 
• Antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications: increase the risk of bleeding 
• Specific antibiotics and antifungal medications
• Opioids, including methadone 
• Some anti-nausea medications, such as ondansetron or Zofran 
• Thiazide diuretics: increase risk of hyponatremia 

What is Luvox?

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. 

Forms and doses of Luvox 

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: 

• 25 milligrams 
• 50 milligrams
• 100 milligrams

Luvox capsules are considered extended release 24 hours* and available as: 

• 100 milligrams 
• 150 milligrams 

Conditions Luvox treats

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.  

Symptoms of anxiety Luvox can treat

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. 

Symptoms of depression Luvox can treat

Luvox is known to be effective in treating depressive symptoms by improving mood, increasing interest in pleasurable activities, and improving sleep quality.  

Symptoms of OCD Luvox can treat

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. 

Off-label uses for Luvox

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: 

• Social phobia or social anxiety disorder (SAD) 
• Major depressive disorder (MDD) 
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
• Panic disorder 
• Eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder 

Luvox costs

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. 

Side effects of Luvox 

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: 

• 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 
• Sexual dysfunction, including lack of desire or orgasm

Luvox warnings

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: 

• Increased suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm 
• Serotonin syndrome 
• Withdrawal or discontinuation syndrome
• Caution with use in elderly due to blood pressure changes and electrolyte abnormalities

Additional conditions that are contraindicated for use of Luvox include: 

• Liver disease 
• Prior heart attack or severe heart disease
• Heart arrhythmias 
• Bipolar disorder or prior episodes of mania 
• Seizure disorder 

Luvox drug interactions

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: 

• 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 or ecstasy

Decide between Zoloft vs Luvox with a provider on Klarity Health

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 Health help. 

At Klarity Health, 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).