Although Effexor and Zoloft are both prescribed to treat depression, there are some major differences between the two drugs.
In this article, we will explore the ways that Effexor and Zoloft are similar and when they may be prescribed.
We’ll also go over how they are different, common dosages, and precautions to know when taking either medication.
Plus, we’ll discuss how you should know when you should see a doctor for symptoms of depression.
What is Effexor?
Effexor (venlafaxine hydrochloride) is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), a class of antidepressant drugs.
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Effexor uses
Effexor is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of the following:
How Effexor works
Effexor is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
It works by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, increasing their levels in the brain.
Both of these neurotransmitters are important in providing feelings of balance and energy in the brain and tend to be too low in people who experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, low mood, or fatigue.
What is Zoloft?
Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and other mood disorders.
Zoloft uses
Zoloft is FDA-approved as a treatment for the following conditions:
Major depressive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Panic disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Social anxiety disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
How Zoloft works
Zoloft prevents the reuptake of serotonin, which leaves more of this calming, balancing neurotransmitter in the brain.
It does not impact the other neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine.
How Are They Similar?
Effexor and Zoloft have some similarities.
They are both antidepressants that are taken once per day.
They are both FDA-approved for treating depression, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
Effectiveness at treating depression
In clinical trials, Effexor was found to be superior to a placebo at treating symptoms of depression, including cognitive disturbance and anxiety.
It also led to fewer relapses.
No differences were found between sexes.
Zoloft has also been shown to be effective for treating many types of depression and mood disorders, including postpartum depression.
Both Effexor and Zoloft are effective, FDA-approved pharmaceutical options for treating depression.
Clinical trials have validated their ability to address symptoms in major depressive disorder.
Since they are in different drug classes, they work differently and one drug may be less effective for an individual than the other.
Responses to antidepressants and other pharmaceuticals depend on a person’s genetic makeup, age, weight, overall health, and other medications they may take.
How Are They Different?
Effexor and Zoloft have quite a few differences.
Drug class
Effexor is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), whereas Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
These medications both work to improve the brain’s access to neurotransmitters, but Effexor works on more than one (serotonin and norepinephrine), while Zoloft only affects serotonin.
However, this does not mean that one is better than the other.
You and your healthcare provider will decide together which medication, if any, will be best suited for you, taking into account your medical history, side effects, and risks and benefits of the medication.
Conditions treated
Effexor and Zoloft are both approved by the FDA for the treatment of the following:
Major depressive disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Effexor is also FDA-approved to treat cataplexy.
Zoloft is also an approved treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and for the treatment of OCD in children.
Both drugs may be used for off-label purposes at the discretion of healthcare providers.
Effexor’s off-label use may include:
Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
Diabetic neuropathy
Complex pain syndromes
Hot flashes
Migraine prevention
PTSD
OCD
PMDD
Off-label uses of Zoloft may include:
Binge eating disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder
Bulimia nervosa
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Premature ejaculation
Standard dosage
Effexor and Zoloft are dosed differently.
Effexor is available as a tablet, an extended-release tablet, and an extended-release capsule.
It may be taken with or without food.
Standard dosages are 75 mg for extended-release formulations and 150 mg for the tablet.
Zoloft is available in oral tablets, capsules, and liquid solution.
It is best absorbed when taken with food. Standard dosages may range from 25-200 mg.
Potential side effects
Common side effects of Effexor include:
Flatulence
Abnormal sexual function for people with penises
Decreased libido
Yawning
Common side effects of Zoloft may include:
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Diarrhea
Sweating
Dry mouth
Confusion or hallucinations
Tremor
Disorder of ejaculation
Fatigue
Effexor Precautions
As an antidepressant, Effexor comes with a serious warning that includes the potential risk for increased thoughts of self-harm or suicidality.
This is called a black box warning.
This risk is greater in children, adolescents and young adults, but can happen to anyone.
If you or someone you love is taking Effexor, monitor closely for the following warning signs that require immediate medical attention:
Unusual changes in behavior
Worsening symptoms
Thoughts or talk of self-harm
Effexor may not be safe to take for some people.
Contraindications for Effexor include:
Taking MAOIs (or discontinuing MAOIs within 14 days)
Allergies to any ingredients in Effexor formulations
Abrupt withdrawal
Caution is advised in the following concurrent medical problems:
Seizure disorder
Hyponatremia or low sodium, or SIADH
Liver or kidney impairment
Bipolar disorder
Hypertension
Chronic use of NSAIDs, aspirin, or other anti-clotting medications, or bleeding disorder
Interstitial lung disease
Glaucoma
Zoloft Precautions
Zoloft also carries the serious black box warning.
Let a healthcare provider know immediately if any of the following signs develop in someone taking Zoloft:
Agitation, aggression, or hostility
Increased or worsening anxiety
Irritability
Insomnia
Impulsiveness
Unusual changes in behavior
Suicidal thoughts or discussion (this risk can be increased in children, adolescents, and young adults, but can happen to anyone)
Restlessness
Manic behavior
Zoloft is contraindicated for the following reasons:
Taking MAOIs (or discontinuing MAOIs within the past 14 days)
Taking pimozide
Sensitivity to any ingredients in Zoloft
Taking disulfiram (for liquid Zoloft only)
Liver disease or cirrhosis (Child-Pugh classes A, B, or C impairment)
Always let healthcare providers know anything else that you take—even OTC drugs, herbs, or supplements.
This will help to avoid potentially serious interactions, like gastrointestinal bleeding, heart arrhythmias, serotonin syndrome, all of which can be life-threatening.
Caution is advised in the following medical conditions:
Medications that can increase the risk for Long QT interval
Family or personal history of torsades de pointes or QT prolongation
Arrhythmias, heart disease, or history of heart attack
Seizure disorder
Bipolar disorder
Glaucoma
Eating disorders which can cause electrolyte abnormalities
Increased risk of bleeding – hereditary or medication-induced (NSAIDs, aspirin, anticoagulants)
Hyponatremia or SIADH
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When to See a Doctor for Depression
If you are experiencing signs of depression, low mood, or do not feel like yourself, speak with your doctor.
Some signs of depression do not always make you feel sad.
You may lose interest in things you previously enjoyed, feel agitated or easily angered more often, have changes in sleep patterns or eating habits, or engage in behaviors that are not consistent with your usual activity.
There are many treatment options available for depression, both prescription and non-medication.
You are not alone in your struggle.
Your doctor can help you understand what requires treatment and will help you find treatment options that support your mood, well-being, and quality of life.
Always keep your doctor updated with how you feel, even if you already take antidepressants.
If your mood or symptoms change at any point, you may need a higher dose or a different medication.
Never stop taking antidepressants without speaking to your doctor.
They require tapering to avoid serious reactions and symptom relapse.
How K Health Can Help
Think you might need a prescription for Effexor (Venlafaxine) or a prescription for Zoloft (Sertraline)?
K Health has clinicians standing by 24/7 to evaluate your symptoms and determine which prescription is right for you.
Get started with our free assessment, which will tell you in minutes if treatment could be a good fit. If yes, we’ll connect you right to a clinician who can prescribe medication and have it shipped right to your door.
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