Difference Between Zoloft and Xanax
Table of Contents
Main Difference
The main difference between Zoloft and Xanax is that Zoloft belongs to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and Xanax belongs to the Benzodiazepines.
Zoloft vs. Xanax
Zoloft contains Sertraline, on the other hand, Xanax contains Alprazolam. Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor while Xanax is Benzodiazepine. Zoloft inhibits CNS neuronal uptake of the Serotonin on the other hand Xanax increases the neurotransmitter GABA. Zoloft salt name is Sertraline Hydrochloride on the other hand Xanax salt name is Alprazolam. Zoloft has a half-life of 26hrs, on the other hand, Xanax has a half-life of 11.2 hrs. Zoloft is antidepressant while Xanax is antianxiety. Zoloft is the best choice in pregnancy as an antidepressant, on the other hand, Xanax use in pregnancy requires particular care. Zoloft interacts with many other drugs while Xanax does not show interaction with so many drugs. Zoloft addiction does not develop on the other hand Xanax addiction develops and it is a severe addiction. Zoloft causes sleep problems leading to insomnia Xanax does not cause insomnia.
Comparison Chart
| Zoloft | Xanax |
| Zoloft is a brand of Sertraline, which is an antidepressant. | Xanax is a brand of Alprazolam, which is antianxiety. |
| Drug Category | |
| Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors | Benzodiazepines |
| Mechanism of Action | |
| Inhibits CNS neuronal uptake of the Serotonin | Increases the amount of neurotransmitter GABA |
| Route of Administration | |
| Oral | Oral |
| Salt of Drug | |
| Sertraline Hydrochloride | Alprazolam |
| Half-Life | |
| 26hrs | 11.2hrs |
| Side Effects | |
| Dizziness, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Irritability, Nightmares | Sleepiness, Headaches, Depression, Memory problems, Dry mouth, and Tiredness |
| Therapeutic Uses | |
| Major depressive disorder, Post- traumatic stress disorder, Panic disorder, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and Social anxiety disorder | Treats anxiety and panic disorders. |
What is Zoloft?
Zoloft contains Sertraline as the active ingredient, which is an antidepressant and belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as antidepressant Zoloft is used to treat different conditions, which include the major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Zoloft treats obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults, children, and adolescents of in age group of .6-17 years. Zoloft is also prescribed off label for the bulimia nervosa. Zoloft is taken by mouth. Zoloft is available as a tablet and liquid form. The strength of tablets is 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. The strength of liquid is 20mg/ml. Zoloft dose for every medical condition is decided by the physician and patients should not stop taking this drug if the patient starts feeling better because the physician determines the dose and duration of treatment according to the medical condition of the patient. If the patient misses a dose of Zoloft, then there are chances of a relapse of the symptoms of the disease. An abrupt stop of the Zoloft leads to withdrawal symptoms, which are feeling dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, irritability, nightmares, and paresthesias. Some adverse effects of the Zoloft are diarrhea, troubles with sleeping, and sexual dysfunction. Those patients who are under 25 years old have an increased risk of suicide and serotonin syndrome as serious adverse effects of the Zoloft treatment. Zoloft should not be taken with the monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Zoloft acute overdose causes ataxia, lethargy, emesis, tachycardia, and seizures. The metabolites of sertraline and non-sertraline are measured in the plasma in case of any doubt of Zoloft overdose.
What is Xanax?
Xanax contains the drug Alprazolam which belongs to the Benzodiazepines. Xanax is prescribed for anxiety. Xanax finds its use in the cure of panic disorders. Xanax is the most prescribed drug. Xanax use in chemotherapy-induced nausea is beneficial. Xanax performs its therapeutic actions by increasing the amount of neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. Xanax produces calmness and relaxed feelings. Xanax boosts the effects of Gamma aminobutyric acid in the brain. Xanax reduces the weird kind of abnormal excitement in the brain. Xanax decreases the nervous tension because it slows down the movement of the unbalanced brain chemicals. Xanax is safe and effective when it is used correctly according to the instructions of the prescriber. Xanax is absorbed completely, and metabolites of the Xanax binds to the plasma proteins. Xanax use leads to some side effects which range from sleepiness, headaches, depression, memory problems, dry mouth, and tiredness. Tiredness and some sedation can improve within some days. Xanax misuse is also common, so Xanax is not prescribed as the initial treatment. Xanax is rarely assosiated with risk of suicide. Xanax dose is decreased gradually. Xanax exposure to children requires special precautionary measures. Xanax use in pregnant women and elderly individuals requires particular care. Xanax use is strictly prohibited if the patient is allergic to alprazolam or any other benzodiazepines. Xanax should be used carefully if the patient has a liver, kidney, or lung problem. Xanax withdrawal symptoms are anxiety, blurred vision, seizures, sweating, aggression, and suicidal thoughts.
Key Differences
Conclusion
The conclusion of the above discussion is that Zoloft and Xanax belong to two different pharmacological classes and are important for their use in treating depression and anxiety disorders.
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