Zoloft vs. Sertraline
See how Zoloft and Sertraline compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Zoloft and sertraline are the same medication: sertraline is the generic name for the active drug sold as brand-name Zoloft.
Because they are chemically identical, FDA-approved uses, dosing schedules, and side effect rates are the same for both.
The real difference is price: generic sertraline typically costs a small fraction of what brand-name Zoloft costs without insurance.
Zoloft vs. Sertraline Drug Summary
Zoloft
Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is the original brand-name version of sertraline hydrochloride. It is FDA-approved for major depression, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, social anxiety disorder, and PMDD. It is taken as a once-daily pill, usually starting at a low dose that is raised over time.
Sertraline
Sertraline is the generic form of Zoloft and contains the identical active ingredient. It is FDA-approved for the same conditions: major depression, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, social anxiety disorder, and PMDD. It is also taken once daily, following the same dosing schedule as brand-name Zoloft.
Zoloft vs. Sertraline Side Effects
Zoloft
Sertraline
Zoloft vs. Sertraline Dosage
Zoloft
Sertraline
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25-50 mg/day | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 200 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25-50 mg/day | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 200 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Zoloft
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25-50 mg/day | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 200 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Sertraline
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25-50 mg/day | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 200 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Zoloft vs. Sertraline Indications
Zoloft
Zoloft treats major depression and several anxiety-related conditions in adults, plus OCD in children ages 6 and up. It works by increasing serotonin availability in the brain to help regulate mood and reduce anxious or compulsive thinking. Doctors sometimes prescribe it off-label for other conditions, such as premature ejaculation.
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), including ages 6-17
Panic disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Social anxiety disorder and PMDD
Sertraline
Sertraline treats major depression and several anxiety-related conditions in adults, plus OCD in children ages 6 and up. It works the same way as Zoloft, increasing serotonin availability to help regulate mood and reduce anxious or compulsive thinking. Doctors sometimes prescribe it off-label for other conditions, such as premature ejaculation.
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), including ages 6-17
Panic disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Social anxiety disorder and PMDD
Zoloft vs. Sertraline Pros and Cons
Zoloft
Zoloft and generic sertraline are clinically identical, so the choice usually comes down to cost and consistency of pill appearance. Some patients or prescribers prefer the brand for its fixed formulation, but insurance plans often push toward the generic. Zoloft is far more expensive out of pocket, which is its main practical drawback.
Pros
Consistent tablet appearance and inactive ingredients every refill
May be preferred if a patient reacted to a specific generic manufacturer's fillers or dyes
Long, well-established manufacturing track record from the original maker
Cons
Costs roughly $400 to $570 per month without insurance
Many insurance plans require the generic unless medically justified
No clinical advantage over generic sertraline despite the higher price
Sertraline
Sertraline works identically to Zoloft but at a much lower price, which is why pharmacies dispense it by default. The tradeoff is that inactive ingredients, and sometimes pill color or shape, can vary between generic manufacturers. For most people this has no clinical effect at all.
Pros
Costs roughly $10 to $75 per month without insurance, far less than the brand
Widely stocked at virtually every retail pharmacy
Backed by FDA bioequivalence standards guaranteeing the same clinical effect
Cons
Pill color, shape, or inactive ingredients can change if the pharmacy switches suppliers
Rare sensitivity to a specific generic manufacturer's dyes or fillers is possible
Some patients report needing time to adjust after switching manufacturers
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