Elavil vs Sertraline: side-by-side comparison
Elavil (Amitriptyline) and Sertraline (Sertraline) both belong to the Antidépresseurs class. They share clinical context but use different active ingredients. The choice between them depends on mechanism nuances, side-effect profile and individual response.
| Property | Elavil | Sertraline |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Amitriptyline | Sertraline |
| Manufacturer | Various generics | Various generics |
| Class | Antidépresseurs | Antidépresseurs |
| Strengths | 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg |
| Forms | tablet | tablet |
What's the same
Elavil and Sertraline both belong to the Antidépresseurs class and are used for partially overlapping indications. The active ingredients — Amitriptyline vs Sertraline — share the same therapeutic approach, so many safety and management points carry across both.
Key differences
Meaningful differences are in active ingredient (Amitriptyline vs Sertraline), strengths (10mg, 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg vs 25mg, 50mg, 100mg), forms (tablet vs tablet), and the mechanism, half-life and side-effect nuances that distinguish members of the class.
Mechanism and action
Elavil: L'amitriptyline inhibe la recapture de la sérotonine et de la noradrénaline au niveau des synapses centrales. Sertraline: La sertraline bloque sélectivement le transporteur de la sérotonine du neurone présynaptique, empêchant la recapture de la sérotonine depuis la fente synaptique.
When Elavil is preferred
L'amitriptyline est autorisée dans la dépression caractérisée, mais son usage contemporain est dominé par les indications hors AMM à faible dose : douleurs neuropathiques, fibromyalgie, céphalées de tension chroniques, prévention de la migraine, syndrome de l'intestin irritable…
When Sertraline is preferred
La sertraline générique partage les indications du produit d'origine : dépression caractérisée, trouble panique, TOC, état de stress post-traumatique, anxiété sociale et trouble dysphorique prémenstruel, chez l'adulte.
Questions fréquentes
Is Elavil or Sertraline better? ▾
There is no single answer. Elavil and Sertraline both belong to the Antidépresseurs class but differ in mechanism nuances, half-life and side-effect profile. Preference depends on the patient, the prescriber and prior response to other therapies.
Can I switch from Elavil to Sertraline? ▾
Switching within the Antidépresseurs class is done under supervision, typically using equivalent doses and a follow-up period to confirm response and tolerance. It is not a self-directed decision.
Do Elavil and Sertraline have the same side effects? ▾
They share many of the Antidépresseurs class side effects, with differences from mechanism and dose. Each medication's prescribing information lists specifics.
More Elavil comparisons
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