Compare Effexor vs. Zoloft
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Improves mood and helps you relax.
Effexor (venlafaxine) is good for treating depression and anxiety, but it can cause more withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly compared to other antidepressants.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 577 reviewsforEffexor
Improves mood and helps you relax.
Zoloft (sertraline) is good for treating depression and anxiety, but it can interact with many medicines.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 1472 reviewsforZoloft
Upsides
- Effexor (venlafaxine) effectively treats depression, anxiety, and panic disorder.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) causes more sleepiness than other antidepressants, so it's beneficial for people who have trouble sleeping.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) might work when other antidepressants haven't worked since it affects two chemicals in the brain that impact your mood.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) has several uses, which may be good for people with multiple conditions.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) is available in generic, which is cheaper.
- One of the more effective and better tolerated antidepressants in its class.
- Causes less sleepiness than other antidepressants.
- Available as a generic, which is cheaper.
- Best choice among antidepressants if you are pregnant.
Downsides
- Effexor (venlafaxine) can cause side effects such as decreased libido and increased blood pressure.
- Like most antidepressants, it can cause a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people aged 24 years or younger.
- Compared to other antidepressants, it's more likely to cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it and can causes more sleepiness.
- Takes at least 1 to 2 weeks to kick in and can take up to 12 weeks for maximum effect.
- Can cause low sex drive, an inability to orgasm or ejaculate, and minor weight gain (1 to 5 pounds).
- Is more likely to cause diarrhea compared to other antidepressants.
- Interacts with lots of other medicines.
- You may need to try out several different antidepressants before you find the one that works for you.
Used for
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Anxiety
- Bulimia nervosa
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$12.87
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$8.63
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Reviews
577 reviews so far
62%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
23%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Effexor (venlafaxine)?
Leave a review1472 reviews so far
59%
saidit'sworth it
41%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Zoloft (sertraline)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
39possible side effects
- Nausea37%
- Headache25%
- Drowsiness23%
- Dry mouth22%
- Dizziness19%
- Difficulty sleeping18%
- Constipation15%
- Nervousness13%
- Weakness12%
- Sweating12%
- Abnormal ejaculation/orgasm12%
- Loss of appetite11%
- Diarrhea8%
- Infection6%
- Vomiting6%
- Anxiety6%
- Blurred vision6%
- Impotence6%
- Indigestion5%
- Tremor5%
- Abnormal dreams4%
- Chills3%
- Rash3%
- Gas3%
- Stiff muscles3%
- Prickling/burning sensation3%
- Yawn3%
- Increased urination3%
- Chest pain2%
- Trauma2%
- Increased blood pressure2%
- Increased heart rate2%
- Decreased libido2%
- Agitation2%
- Confusion2%
- Thinking abnormal2%
- Changes in taste2%
- Ringing in the ears2%
- Dilation of pupils2%
15possible side effects
- Nausea26%
- Diarrhea18%
- Dry mouth16%
- Difficulty sleeping16%
- Drowsiness13%
- Dizziness12%
- Tremor11%
- Fatigue11%
- More sweating8%
- Constipation8%
- Ejaculation failure7%
- Upset stomach6%
- Agitation6%
- Loss of appetite3%
- Stomach pain2%
Risks and risk factors
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Serotonin syndrome
- Taking tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, tramadol, fentanyl, amphetamines, certain headache medications (triptans), St. John's Wort
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Effexor (venlafaxine) suddenly
- Increased bleeding
- Taking other blood-thinning drugs (including aspirin, NSAIDs such as Advil, warfarin)
- Increased blood pressure
- Bipolar disorder
- History of bipolar disorder
- At risk for bipolar disorder
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Serotonin syndrome
- Taking other medicines that affect serotonin levels
- Mania
- Personal history of bipolar disorder
- Family history for bipolar disorder
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Zoloft (sertraline) suddenly
- Increased bleeding
- Taking blood thinners
- Low sodium levels in the blood
- Older people
- Taking diuretic medicines