What Is The Difference Between Zoloft And Celexa?

QUESTION:

Dear Dr. Heller,

What is the difference between Zoloft and Celexa?

ANSWER:

Both are SSRI antidepressants, the same class as Prozac, Paxil and Luvox.  The only significant difference is side effects.  Zoloft causes significant problems with orgasms, and some people complain of grogginess with Celexa. 

In treating the BPD, I did a small study comparing Zoloft with Prozac.  Prozac was so much better that I now rarely use Zoloft.  Except in individuals with panic disorder without the generalized anxiety disorder (I use Paxil in these patients), I mostly use Celexa for patients who are allergic to Prozac.