Zoloft vs. Luvox

See how Zoloft and Luvox compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Zoloft is FDA-approved for six conditions including depression, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, social anxiety, and PMDD, while Luvox is approved only for OCD.

  • Both drugs share nausea, insomnia, and diarrhea as common side effects, with Luvox generally showing higher rates for these.

  • Zoloft uses simple once-daily dosing, while Luvox often requires splitting doses into two at higher amounts for OCD.

Zoloft vs. Luvox Drug Summary

Zoloft

Zoloft (sertraline) is an SSRI antidepressant approved by the FDA for depression, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, social anxiety disorder, and PMDD. It's taken as a tablet or oral solution once a day, usually starting at 25-50 mg and adjusted weekly.

Luvox

Luvox (fluvoxamine) is an SSRI approved by the FDA only for obsessive-compulsive disorder, in adults and children age 8 and up. It's taken as a tablet once or twice a day, starting low and split into two doses at higher amounts.

Zoloft vs. Luvox Side Effects

Zoloft

Most common
Nausea (up to 26%)
Insomnia (up to 20%)
Diarrhea (up to 20%)
Dry mouth (up to 14%)

Luvox

Most common
Nausea (up to 40%)
Insomnia (up to 35%)
Diarrhea (up to 18%)
Headache (up to 35%)

Zoloft vs. Luvox Dosage

Zoloft

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 25 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 200 mg once daily If needed
Dose changes 4 increases As tolerated

Luvox

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 25 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 50 mg once daily Days 1-7
Dose changes 1 increase As tolerated

Zoloft vs. Luvox Indications

Zoloft

Zoloft is FDA-approved for six mental health conditions, more than most SSRIs. It treats depression, OCD in adults and children, panic disorder, PTSD, social anxiety, and PMDD.

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD)

  • OCD in adults and children 6 and up

  • Panic disorder

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Luvox

Luvox is FDA-approved only for obsessive-compulsive disorder, in adults and children as young as 8. It is often prescribed off-label for depression, social anxiety, and panic disorder.

  • OCD in adults

  • OCD in children ages 8 to 17

  • Off-label: major depressive disorder

  • Off-label: panic disorder

  • Off-label: social anxiety disorder

Zoloft vs. Luvox Pros and Cons

Zoloft

Zoloft has the broadest FDA-approved indication list of any SSRI, covering depression, OCD, and several anxiety disorders. As a decades-old generic, it is stocked at nearly every pharmacy and accepted by nearly all insurance plans.

Pros

  • FDA-approved for six conditions: depression, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, social anxiety, and PMDD

  • Approved for OCD in children as young as 6, a broader pediatric range than Luvox

  • Simple once-daily dosing that doesn't need to be split into multiple doses

Cons

  • Sexual side effects like ejaculation failure and decreased libido are common and can persist

  • GI upset such as nausea and diarrhea is frequent, especially in the first few weeks

  • Not FDA-approved for generalized anxiety disorder, a common off-label use

Luvox

Luvox is FDA-approved only for OCD, though prescribers commonly use it off-label for depression and anxiety. Its potent effect on the CYP1A2 liver enzyme means it interacts with more medications than many other SSRIs.

Pros

  • FDA-approved specifically for OCD in both adults and children as young as 8

  • Maintenance dosing can be split and pushed to 300 mg/day for severe OCD symptoms

  • Long track record for OCD specifically, approved since 1994

Cons

  • FDA-approved only for OCD; use for depression or anxiety is off-label

  • Strong CYP1A2 inhibition causes significant interactions with caffeine, theophylline, and clozapine

  • Higher reported rates of nausea, somnolence, and asthenia than many other SSRIs

Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore

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