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Compare Zoloft vs. Xanax

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

Key takeaways

Sertraline (Zoloft) and alprazolam (Xanax) are both used to treat anxiety, but they belong to different medication classes and work in different ways. Sertraline (Zoloft) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases serotonin levels in the brain to help regulate mood and anxiety. It's taken once daily and is also used for depression, OCD, PTSD, PMDD, and social anxiety disorder. Alprazolam (Xanax), on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine that works quickly to relax your mood by affecting certain brain chemicals. It's typically taken three times a day and is meant for short-term use due to its risk of dependence and addiction. While sertraline (Zoloft) can take up to two months to show full benefits, alprazolam (Xanax) starts working within 30 minutes. Both medications can cause drowsiness and should not be mixed with alcohol, but alprazolam (Xanax) has a higher risk of causing memory problems and withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Additionally, sertraline (Zoloft) is available in both tablet and liquid forms, while alprazolam (Xanax) comes in immediate-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and oral solution.

  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
    Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
    Alprazolam (Xanax)

  • Summary of Zoloft vs. Xanax

    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 Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Alprazolam (Xanax) is a benzodiazepine. It's approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic attacks in adults. It's taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day or as directed by your healthcare team. To avoid the risk of dependence, alprazolam (Xanax) is meant for short-term treatment only. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include drowsiness and memory problems. You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking alprazolam (Xanax) because this can lead to serious interactions.

  • Indications of Zoloft vs. Xanax

    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
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
    •Panic disorder

  • Pros and Cons of Zoloft vs. Xanax

    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 Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can start to work in 30 minutes
    •Available as quick-dissolving tablets or liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can cause memory problems, drowsiness, and confusion
    •Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms
    •Not preferred during pregnancy

  • Common Side Effects of Zoloft vs. Xanax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (26%)
    •Diarrhea (20%)
    •Difficulty sleeping (20%)
    •Dry mouth (14%)
    •Sleepiness (12%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Generalized anxiety disorder:

    •Drowsiness (41%)
    •Lightheadedness (21%)
    •Dry mouth (15%)

    Panic disorder:

    •Drowsiness (77%)
    •Fatigue (49%)
    •Poor coordination (40%)
    •Memory issues (33%)
    •Irritability (33%)
    •Appetite changes (28-33%)
    •Thinking problems (29%)
    •Constipation (26%)

    Side effects listed are for the immediate-release forms. Side effects for extended-release form might differ.

  • Warnings of Zoloft vs. Xanax

    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
    •Sedation and difficulty breathing
    •Potential for misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Harm to babies
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Use with caution in people with depression

  • Prices with our coupons for Zoloft vs. Xanax

    Learn more about Sertraline
    Learn more about Alprazolam

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