Sertraline vs Elavil: side-by-side comparison
Sertraline (Sertraline) and Elavil (Amitriptyline) 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 | Sertraline | Elavil |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Sertraline | Amitriptyline |
| Manufacturer | Various generics | Various generics |
| Class | Antidépresseurs | Antidépresseurs |
| Strengths | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg | 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg |
| Forms | tablet | tablet |
What's the same
Sertraline and Elavil both belong to the Antidépresseurs class and are used for partially overlapping indications. The active ingredients — Sertraline vs Amitriptyline — share the same therapeutic approach, so many safety and management points carry across both.
Key differences
Meaningful differences are in active ingredient (Sertraline vs Amitriptyline), strengths (25mg, 50mg, 100mg vs 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg), forms (tablet vs tablet), and the mechanism, half-life and side-effect nuances that distinguish members of the class.
Mechanism and action
Sertraline: La sertraline bloque sélectivement le transporteur de la sérotonine du neurone présynaptique, empêchant la recapture de la sérotonine depuis la fente synaptique. Elavil: L'amitriptyline inhibe la recapture de la sérotonine et de la noradrénaline au niveau des synapses centrales.
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.
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…
Questions fréquentes
Is Sertraline or Elavil better? ▾
There is no single answer. Sertraline and Elavil 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 Sertraline to Elavil? ▾
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 Sertraline and Elavil 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 Sertraline comparisons
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.