Compare Prozac vs. Zoloft

If you are living with depression, your healthcare provider may recommend an SSRI medication to help manage symptoms. SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, increase serotonin levels in the brain, which may help improve mood and feelings of well-being. Zoloft (sertraline) and Prozac (fluoxetine) are two SSRIs that can treat depression in addition to other mental health conditions. Although these antidepressants work similarly, Zoloft and Prozac have different uses and side effects.

Quick comparison: Zoloft vs. Prozac
Drug information	Zoloft	Prozac
Drug class	SSRI
Generic status	Brand and generic versions available
What is the generic name?	Sertraline	Fluoxetine
What forms does the drug come in?	Oral tablet Oral solution	Oral tablet Oral solution Oral capsule
What is the standard dosage?	50-200 mg per day	20-60 mg per day
How long is the typical treatment?	Varies
Who typically uses the medication?	Adults and children, depending on the condition being treated
Approved uses	Depression OCD Panic disorder PTSD Social anxiety PMDD	Depression OCD Panic disorder Bulimia PMDD
Insurance coverage	Generic typically covered
Cost without insurance	$555 for 30, 50 mg tablets for brand-name Zoloft	$520 for 30, 20 mg capsules for brand-name Prozac
Cost with SingleCare	$9 for 30, 50 mg tablets at Kroger or Harris Teeter	$7 for 30, 20 mg capsules at Kroger or Harris Teeter

Main difference between Zoloft and Prozac

A primary difference between Prozac and Zoloft is the conditions they are approved to treat. Both are approved to treat depression, OCD, PMDD, and panic disorder; however, each medication has several other indications and off-label uses.

Zoloft vs. Prozac uses
Indications	Zoloft	Prozac
Depression	Approved use
OCD	Approved use
Panic disorder	Approved use
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)	Approved use
Bulimia nervosa	Off-label	Approved use
Binge eating disorder	Off-label	Off-label
Body dysmorphic disorder	Off-label	Off-label
PTSD	Approved use	Off-label
Social anxiety disorder	Approved use	Off-label
Generalized anxiety disorder	Off-label	Off-label
Premature ejaculation	Off-label	Off-label
Borderline personality disorder	Off-label	Off-label
Raynaud phenomenon	Off-label	Off-label
Selective mutism	Off-label	Off-label

Note: Prozac can be used to treat bipolar depression or treatment-resistant depression when used in combination with olanzapine. However, this article focuses on Prozac alone. 

Is Zoloft better than Prozac?

As SSRIs, both drugs are considered safe and effective for treating depression and other mental health conditions. SSRIs are often used as a first choice for treatment because they are safe and effective. 

Because individuals may have different symptoms and respond to medications differently, one SSRI may be more suitable than another. Consult a healthcare professional to determine which SSRI will give you the best results. Sometimes, it is a matter of trial and error. Always consult your healthcare provider before switching from Zoloft to Prozac or another antidepressant.

SingleCare prescription fill data shows slightly more prescription fills for generic Prozac (fluoxetine) than generic Zoloft (sertraline) in 2025, but that does not mean that Prozac is better than Zoloft.

Insurance coverage and cost comparison

Insurance plans and Medicare prescription plans typically cover generic versions of Zoloft (sertraline) and Prozac (fluoxetine). The brand-name versions may not be covered, or, if they are, will often have a higher copay. 

If you are paying without insurance or discounts, a typical prescription of brand-name Zoloft would cost about $555 for 30, 50 mg tablets. You can pay as low as $9 for generic sertraline by using a SingleCare coupon.

Without insurance or discounts, a typical brand-name Prozac prescription would cost about $520 for 30, 20 mg capsules. But if you fill your Rx with generic fluoxetine and apply a SingleCare discount, you can pay as low as $7. 

To find out more about your specific insurance plan’s coverage for Zoloft or Prozac, you can contact your plan directly by calling the member services phone number on your ID card. You can also check the most recent formulary for your plan. 

RELATED: Learn more about generic Zoloft and generic Prozac

Zoloft vs. Prozac prices
Cost & coverage details	Zoloft	Prozac
Typically covered by insurance?	Yes (generic)	Yes (generic)
Typically covered by Medicare?	Yes (generic)	Yes (generic)
Standard dosage	30, 50 mg tablets	30, 20 mg capsules
Typical insurance/Medicare copay	Varies by plan & coverage stage	Varies by plan & coverage stage
SingleCare cost	$9 at Kroger or Harris Teeter	$7 at Kroger or Harris Teeter

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Jan. 17, 2026. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.

Side effects

Common side effects of both Zoloft and Prozac include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Sexual problems
  • Men may experience decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and problems with ejaculation
  • Women may experience decreased libido and problems with orgasm
• Increased sweating
• Tremors or shaking
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Feeling nervous or anxious
• Change in sleep habits, such as sleepiness or trouble sleeping

Side effects of both Zoloft and Prozac that have been reported in children and teenagers include:

• Abnormal increase in muscle movement or agitation
• Nosebleeds
• Possible slowed growth and weight change (healthcare providers will monitor height and weight in children who take an SSRI)

Additional side effects of Prozac include:

• Unusual dreams
• Weakness
• Dry mouth
• Yawning
• Flu symptoms
• Sinus infection 
• Sore throat
• Hot flashes
• Rash 
• Increased thirst (in children and adolescents)
• Urinating more often (in children and adolescents)
• Heavy periods (in children and adolescents)

Additional side effects of Zoloft include:

• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Urinary incontinence (in children and adolescents)
• Aggressive reaction (in children and adolescents)

Warnings

Before taking an SSRI medication like Prozac or Zoloft, tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Liver, heart, or kidney problems
• Bipolar disorder or mania
• Seizures
• Low sodium levels
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Bleeding problems
• History of a stroke
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Interactions

Serotonin syndrome is a rare but serious condition that can happen when serotonin levels are too high. The risk is higher when you take an SSRI like Zoloft or Prozac with other drugs that increase serotonin levels. 

Many drugs can interact with Zoloft or Prozac. Some require avoidance while others require caution and careful monitoring. Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements. Some examples of drug interactions include:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Pimozide
• Blood thinners such as warfarin
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Triptans for migraine, such as sumatriptan or rizatriptan
• Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline
• Lithium
• Tramadol
• Amphetamines such as Adderall
• St. John’s Wort

Antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in children, adolescents, and young adults. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as well as any changes in mood or behavior, should be monitored in all patients who take an antidepressant. 

SSRI antidepressant drugs are usually prescribed for long-term use. Abruptly stopping these medications may cause withdrawal symptoms, such as rebound anxiety, headaches, and insomnia. The dosage should be tapered slowly with proper medical guidance when discontinuing these medications.

Zoloft and Prozac should only be used in pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Consult a healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking an SSRI like Zoloft or Prozac. 

Frequently asked questions about Zoloft vs. Prozac

Are Zoloft vs. Prozac the same?

Zoloft (sertraline) and Prozac (fluoxetine) are both SSRI antidepressants. They are similar, but they are not exactly the same. They treat some of the same conditions, such as depression, OCD, PMDD, and panic disorder, and have similar side effects, drug interactions, and costs. However, they differ in some ways, such as the dosage and other conditions they treat.

Which is better for OCD?

Zoloft and Prozac are both approved by the FDA to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In a double-blind, six-month study, both medications were effective in treating people with moderate to severe OCD. However, Zoloft showed quicker improvements in some efficacy measures and a greater likelihood of remission than Prozac. That being said, individual experiences vary, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider for medical advice.

Which is better for anxiety?

Neither Zoloft nor Prozac is approved by the FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder, although they do treat some types of anxiety conditions. Both drugs treat panic disorder, and Zoloft treats social anxiety disorder.

Healthcare providers often prescribe Zoloft or Prozac off-label for generalized anxiety disorder. In general, SSRIs are considered a first choice of treatment for anxiety conditions. 

In one double-blind study of Zoloft versus Prozac for depression, there was a higher incidence of anxiety as an adverse effect of Prozac than of Zoloft. 

Is Prozac stronger than Zoloft?

Prozac and Zoloft are both SSRIs, and they work in a similar way to treat depression and other mental health conditions. One is not stronger than the other, but one may be more effective or better tolerated than the other, depending on the person. 

Which works faster?

SSRIs like Zoloft and Prozac tend to work on a similar timetable. You may see some benefits in the first two weeks, such as improvements in appetite, energy, and sleep. It can take up to about eight weeks, or even longer, to see the full benefits of either medicine. 

How long do I need to take Prozac or Zoloft?

It can take a few months to see the full benefit of the medication, although some symptoms may start to improve within a few weeks. Many people take antidepressants long-term. Your healthcare provider can work with you to determine how long you need to take Prozac or Zoloft. 

Can I use Zoloft or Prozac while pregnant?

Healthcare providers will weigh the risks versus benefits when deciding whether to prescribe Zoloft or Prozac during pregnancy. Some research suggests that the use of SSRIs during late pregnancy may increase the risk of high blood pressure in the lungs in an infant. Consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before starting or continuing an SSRI.

RELATED: Learn more about taking Zoloft or Prozac during pregnancy

Can I use Zoloft or Prozac with alcohol?

It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Zoloft or Prozac. Drinking alcohol with these prescription medications may increase the risk of certain side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. 

Are Prozac and Zoloft energizing or sedating?

It depends on the person. Some people may feel more energized, especially if depression has caused fatigue. Others may feel tired or sleepy as a side effect of the medicine. Your healthcare provider can help determine the best medicine and dosing for you. 

Do they cause weight gain?

SSRIs are generally considered “weight-neutral” and may even cause mild weight loss at first, but some people may notice weight gain with long-term use. Individual responses vary, so it’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider if weight gain is a concern. 

How do I switch from Zoloft to Prozac or vice versa?

It is possible to switch from one SSRI to the other, but you should only do so under the guidance of a healthcare provider. In some cases, you may simply switch from one SSRI to the other. Others may need to gradually taper off one medication before starting the other. Your healthcare provider can recommend the best method for you. 

Expert takeaway 

“Zoloft and Prozac are commonly prescribed antidepressants and are considered safe and effective. Your healthcare provider can help determine which one may be best for you,” says Karen Berger, Pharm.D., a member of the SingleCare Medical Review Board