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Compare Zoloft vs. Anafranil

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

Key takeaways

Zoloft (sertraline) and Anafranil (clomipramine) are both medications that treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. It's typically taken once daily and is also approved to treat depression and other mental-health conditions. Common Zoloft side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth. Anafranil is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that works by raising serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. It's only approved to treat OCD, although it's sometimes prescribed off-label for other conditions. Anafranil side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, and weight gain. Due to the risks and side effects of Anafranil, Zoloft is generally preferred as a first-choice treatment option.

  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
    Clomipramine (Anafranil)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
    Clomipramine (Anafranil)

  • Summary of Zoloft vs. Anafranil

    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).

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Clomipramine (Anafranil) is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can be used by children as young as 10 years old. The medication is taken by mouth and your dosage might increase over several weeks. Clomipramine (Anafranil) isn't a first-choice medication because of the high risk for side effects such as dry mouth, sleepiness, weight gain, and headaches.

  • Indications of Zoloft vs. Anafranil

    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)
    Indications for
    •Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

  • Pros and Cons of Zoloft vs. Anafranil

    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
    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Can help lessen unwanted thoughts and compulsions for people with OCD
    •Can be used in children as young as 10 years old
    •Dose can be adjusted by your provider based on your response
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •More likely to cause bothersome side effects compared with other medications for OCD
    •Can affect sex drive or sexual performance for men
    •Unknown if long-term use (more than 10 weeks) is safe
    •Careful use in people with certain medical conditions (e.g., overactive thyroid or glaucoma)

  • Common Side Effects of Zoloft vs. Anafranil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (26%)
    •Diarrhea (20%)
    •Difficulty sleeping (20%)
    •Dry mouth (14%)
    •Sleepiness (12%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (63-84%)
    •Sleepiness (46-54%)
    •Dizziness (41-54%)
    •Tremor (33-54%)
    •Headache (28-52%)
    •Constipation (22-47%)
    •Sexual problems in males (6-42%)
    •Tiredness (35-39%)
    •Nausea (9-33%)
    •Sweating more (9-29%)
    •Trouble sleeping (11-25%)

  • Warnings of Zoloft vs. Anafranil

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Mania
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Seizures
    •Dizziness and falls
    •Eye problems (Angle-closure glaucoma)
    •Low sodium levels
    •Serious skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Zoloft vs. Anafranil

    Learn more about Sertraline
    Learn more about Clomipramine

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