Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Trintellix (vortioxetine) and sertraline (Zoloft) are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different drug classes. Trintellix is an atypical antidepressant, while Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Trintellix is only approved for treating depression in adults, whereas Zoloft is approved for a wider range of conditions, including major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Trintellix is taken once a day and is not available as a generic, while Zoloft is also taken once a day and is available in both tablet and liquid forms, including a generic version. Common side effects for both include nausea and diarrhea, but Zoloft is more likely to cause difficulty sleeping and dry mouth. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly and have risks of serious side effects like suicidal thoughts and serotonin syndrome.
Trintellix (vortioxetine)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Trintellix (vortioxetine)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Summary of Trintellix vs. Zoloft
Summary for Atypical antidepressant
Prescription only
Trintellix (vortioxetine) belongs to a drug class known as atypical antidepressants. It's used to treat depression in adults. This medication is taken by mouth once a day. Some common side effects of Trintellix (vortioxetine) include nausea and diarrhea. It can also cause sexual problems, but not as much as some other antidepressants.
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).