Fluoxetine vs Sertraline: side-by-side comparison
Fluoxetine and Sertraline belong to the same class (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)). They share therapeutic approach but differ in mechanism nuances, half-life, side-effect profile and available formulations. This comparison summarises what is common and where they diverge.
| Property | Fluoxetine | Sertraline |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) |
| CAS | 54910-89-3 | 79617-96-2 |
| ATC | N06AB03 | N06AB06 |
| Molecular weight | 309.33 g/mol | 306.2 g/mol |
| Brands with this active ingredient | 1 | 2 |
What they share
Both are in the Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class, giving them a common pharmacological architecture and many shared safety and management points. Choice within the class comes down to mechanism nuances, half-life, side-effect profile and individual response.
Key differences
Differences within the Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class are what matter in practice: half-life, route of administration, equivalent doses, specific interactions, predominant side-effect profile and accumulated clinical experience. This page frames them; the prescribing information gives quantitative detail.
Mechanisms compared
Fluoxetine: Fluoxetine selectively inhibits the serotonin reuptake transporter, increasing synaptic serotonin availability. Sertraline: Sertraline selectively blocks the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) by the presynaptic neuron, increasing the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic cleft.
Indications compared
Fluoxetine: Fluoxetine is approved for major depressive disorder (adult and paediatric from age 8), obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, panic disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Sertraline: Sertraline is approved for several psychiatric indications in adults: major depressive disorder, panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), soc…
Safety profile
Fluoxetine: Common adverse effects include nausea, headache, sleep disturbance, sexual dysfunction and reduced appetite. Sertraline: Common adverse effects include nausea, diarrhoea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, dry mouth and sweating, particularly during the first weeks of treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fluoxetine better than Sertraline? ▾
Neither is universally better. Fluoxetine and Sertraline share the Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class but differ in half-life, mechanism nuances and side-effect profile. The choice depends on the patient and the prescriber.
Can Fluoxetine and Sertraline be combined? ▾
Combining two ingredients from the same Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class is uncommon and, in most cases, adds no benefit over one at an appropriate dose. The decision is always the prescriber's.
Do they have the same side-effect profile? ▾
Partly yes — they share many Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class effects, with nuances by mechanism and dose. The prescribing information lists differences.
Products with Fluoxetine
Products with Sertraline
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.