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Compare Tofranil vs. Zoloft

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

Key takeaways

Imipramine (Tofranil) and sertraline (Zoloft) are both used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes of medications. Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that also helps with bedwetting in children, while sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that treats various mental health conditions, including depression, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Imipramine is available only in generic form, whereas sertraline is available as both a brand name (Zoloft) and a generic. Imipramine can cause side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth, and it may take 1 to 2 months to feel its full benefits. Sertraline, on the other hand, can cause nausea, diarrhea, and difficulty sleeping, and it may also take up to 2 months to feel its full effects. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly and have a risk of worsening depression and suicidal thoughts, especially in younger individuals. However, sertraline is less likely to cause weight gain compared to imipramine.

  • Imipramine
    Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Imipramine
    Sertraline (Zoloft)

  • Summary of Tofranil vs. Zoloft

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Imipramine is a medication that's used to treat depression. It can also temporarily help with bedwetting in children at night. Imipramine belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). There are two different forms of the medication: imipramine hydrochloride and imipramine pamoate. They used to be available under the brand name Tofranil but are now only sold as generic versions. The dosage generally depends on why you need imipramine, how severe your symptoms are, and your age. It's generally not a first-choice option because it can cause a lot of side effects, like sleepiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and changes in weight.

    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 Tofranil vs. Zoloft

    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Bedwetting in children (imipramine hydrochloride only)
    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 Tofranil vs. Zoloft

    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can take with or without food
    •Dose can be adjusted by your provider based on how well the medication is working for you
    •For bedwetting, only needs to be taken right before bedtime
    Cons
    •Can cause a lot of side effects, including blurry vision, dry mouth, and eye pain
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it too suddenly after long-term use
    •Has a risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Not a good option for people with a history of heart problems
    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 Tofranil vs. Zoloft

    Common Side Effects for

    In adults (with depression)

    •Dry mouth
    •Blurry vision
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Confusion
    •Anxiety
    •Restlessness

    In children (with bedwetting problems)

    •Nervousness
    •Sleep problems
    •Tiredness
    •Stomach upset
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (26%)
    •Diarrhea (20%)
    •Difficulty sleeping (20%)
    •Dry mouth (14%)
    •Sleepiness (12%)

  • Warnings of Tofranil vs. Zoloft

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
    •Glaucoma
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Seizures
    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 Tofranil vs. Zoloft

    Learn more about Imipramine
    Learn more about Sertraline

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