Fluoxetine vs Amitriptyline: side-by-side comparison
Fluoxetine (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)) and Amitriptyline (Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely substitutes for each other. The comparison is useful when a single patient is weighing both options for adjacent or overlapping needs.
| Property | Fluoxetine | Amitriptyline |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) | Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) |
| CAS | 54910-89-3 | 50-48-6 |
| ATC | N06AB03 | N06AA09 |
| Molecular weight | 309.33 g/mol | 277.40 g/mol |
| Brands with this active ingredient | 1 | 1 |
What they share
Fluoxetine and Amitriptyline share the common regulatory framework for prescription active ingredients, bioequivalence standards for generics, and pharmacist oversight. Beyond that, points in common are limited.
Key differences
Fluoxetine acts by a different mechanism than Amitriptyline, with indications that barely overlap. Comparing the two is useful when a clinician has mentioned both in the same context or the patient wants to understand why one was prescribed instead of the other.
Mechanisms compared
Fluoxetine: La fluoxétine inhibe sélectivement le transporteur de recapture de la sérotonine, augmentant la disponibilité synaptique de la sérotonine. Amitriptyline: L'amitriptyline inhibe la recapture de la sérotonine et de la noradrénaline au niveau des synapses centrales, augmentant les concentrations synaptiques de ces deux neurotransmetteurs.
Indications compared
Fluoxetine: La fluoxétine est autorisée dans la dépression caractérisée (adulte et enfant à partir de 8 ans), le trouble obsessionnel compulsif, la boulimie nerveuse, le trouble panique et le trouble dysphorique prémenstruel. Amitriptyline: 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, p…
Safety profile
Fluoxetine: Les effets indésirables fréquents comprennent nausées, céphalées, troubles du sommeil, troubles de la fonction sexuelle et diminution de l'appétit. Amitriptyline: Les effets indésirables fréquents reflètent les activités anticholinergique, antihistaminique et α1-bloquante : sécheresse buccale, constipation, dysurie, vision floue, sédation, prise de poids et hypotension orthostatiq…
Questions fréquentes
Is Fluoxetine better than Amitriptyline? ▾
Fluoxetine and Amitriptyline are not "better or worse" — they treat different things. The sensible question is which fits your specific need.
Can Fluoxetine and Amitriptyline be combined? ▾
Whether they can be combined depends on the indications and the interaction profile of each. If both are in a single prescription, the prescriber has weighed it; in self-medication they should never be combined.
Do they have the same side-effect profile? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each has its own prescribing information.
Products with Fluoxetine
Products with Amitriptyline
Les informations publiées sur ce site sont fournies à titre documentaire et pédagogique. Elles ne remplacent pas l'avis d'un professionnel de santé qualifié.