Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Celexa vs. Zoloft

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Citalopram (Celexa)
    Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Citalopram (Celexa)
    Sertraline (Zoloft)

  • Summary of Celexa vs. Zoloft

    Summary for SSRI
    Prescription only

    Citalopram (Celexa) is a first-choice medication for treating depression in adults. This antidepressant belongs to the drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Citalopram (Celexa) is typically taken by mouth once daily. It typically takes a few weeks or longer of consistent treatment to notice an improvement to your mood. Common side effects include nausea and dry mouth. There's a low risk for weight gain, but suddenly stopping the medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms (e.g., upset stomach, trouble sleeping, anxiety).

    Summary for SSRI
    Prescription only

    Sertraline (Zoloft) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's used to treat different mental health conditions, including depression and certain types of anxiety disorder, such as panic disorder. It's typically taken by mouth once per day. This medication is available as both a tablet and liquid. Common side effects of sertraline (Zoloft) include nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth. It's best to avoid alcohol while taking sertraline (Zoloft) because this combination can worsen side effects of sertraline (Zoloft).

  • Indications of Celexa vs. Zoloft

    Indications for
    •Depression
    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD)
    •Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
    •Panic disorder (PD)
    •Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
    •Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
    •Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

  • Pros and Cons of Celexa vs. Zoloft

    Pros and Const for SSRI
    Pros
    •A first-choice option for treating depression
    •One of the safest antidepressants for older adults
    •Available as a tablet, capsule, and a mint-flavored liquid
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    Cons
    •Can take a couple months before you feel the full effects of this medication
    •Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels or heart rhythm
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it
    •Not FDA-approved for children
    Pros and Const for SSRI
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •A possible option during pregnancy and breastfeeding
    •Fewer interactions compared to other SSRIs
    •Less likely to cause weight gain compared to paroxetine (Paxil)
    •Available as a generic
    Cons
    •Can take up to 2 months before you feel the full benefits
    •More likely to cause diarrhea compared to other SSRIs
    •Might make it more difficult for you to fall asleep
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it
    •The liquid form contains alcohol

  • Common Side Effects of Celexa vs. Zoloft

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (21%)
    •Dry mouth (20%)
    •Sleepiness (18%)
    •Trouble sleeping (15%)
    •Sweating (11%)
    •Tremor (8%)
    •Diarrhea (8%)
    •Ejaculation problems (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (26%)
    •Diarrhea (20%)
    •Difficulty sleeping (20%)
    •Dry mouth (14%)
    •Sleepiness (12%)

  • Warnings of Celexa vs. Zoloft

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Withdrawal
    •Risk factors: Stopping citalopram (Celexa) suddenly
    •Higher risk of bleeding
    •Not for use in bipolar disorder by itself
    •Glaucoma
    •Low sodium levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Glaucoma
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Low blood sodium levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Celexa vs. Zoloft

    Learn more about Citalopram
    Learn more about Sertraline

Compare other Depression drugs

Buspar vs CelexaCelexa vs LexaproCymbalta vs CelexaPaxil vs CelexaPristiq vs CelexaProzac vs CelexaTrintellix vs CelexaViibryd vs CelexaWellbutrin vs CelexaZoloft vs CelexaAbilify vs LexaproAnafranil vs LexaproBupropion vs LexaproBuspar vs AtivanBuspar vs EffexorBuspar vs KlonopinBuspar vs LexaproBuspar vs ProzacCitalopram vs LexaproClonazepam vs LexaproHydroxyzine vs LexaproLexapro vs AdderallLexapro vs BusparLexapro vs CymbaltaLexapro vs EffexorLexapro vs LyricaLexapro vs NefazodonePaxil vs BusparVistaril vs BusparXanax vs Buspar
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.