Compare Effexor vs Zoloft

Compare Effexor

vs Zoloft

Compare Effexor to Zoloft. To make a decision about Effexor vs Zoloft, click here for a Medication Risk Map to help you select Effexor or Zoloft

Click here for Drug Interactions and Side Effects of Effexor.
Click here for Drug Interactions and Side Effects of Zoloft.
Click here to see the effects of combining Effexor and Zoloft.

Uses of Effexor

Effexor is also known by the generic name Venlafaxine

USES:
Venlafaxine is used to treat depression. It may improve your mood and energy level, and may help restore your interest in daily living. Venlafaxine is known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain.

Uses of Zoloft

Zoloft is also known by the generic name Sertraline

USES:
Sertraline is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder).

This medication may improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. It may decrease fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the number of panic attacks. It may also reduce the urge to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as hand-washing, counting, and checking) that interfere with daily living. Sertraline is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain.

Effexor and Zoloft Have 11 Life Threatening (Major) Side Effects in Common

Critical Seriousness - Sexual Problems - Abnormal Sexual Function is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Itching - Pruritus of Skin is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Mild Degree of Mania - Hypomania is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - A Feeling of Restlessness with Inability to Sit Still - Akathisia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Behaving with Excessive Cheerfulness and Activity - Manic Disorder is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction - Serotonin Syndrome is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood - Hyponatremia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Having Thoughts of Suicide - Suicidal Ideation is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Bleeding of the Stomach or Intestines - Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Rash - Skin Rash is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Life Threatening Side Effects associated with Effexor and Zoloft.

Effexor Has 40 Life Threatening (Major) Side Effects Not Found in Zoloft

Critical Seriousness - Low Blood Counts due to Bone Marrow Failure - Aplastic Anemia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Head Pain - Headache Disorder is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Trouble Breathing - Dyspnea is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Cannot Empty Bladder - Urinary Retention is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Life Threatening Allergic Reaction - Anaphylaxis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Increased Risk of Bleeding is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Confused - Impaired Cognition is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Depression is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Disturbance in the Ability of the Eye to Focus - Accommodation Disorder is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Blurred Vision is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Prolonged Q-T Interval on EKG - Prolonged QT Interval is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Interstitial Pneumonitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Erythema Multiforme is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Feeling Restless - Feeling Agitated is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Fluid Retention in the Legs, Feet, Arms or Hands - Peripheral Edema is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Loss of One's Own Sense of Reality or Identity - Depersonalization is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Blood Pressure Drop Upon Standing - Orthostatic Hypotension is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Hemorrhage of Blood Under the Skin - Ecchymosis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Enlarged Prostate - Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Seizures - Seizure Disorder is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Difficult or Painful Urination - Dysuria is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - High Cholesterol - Hypercholesterolemia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Deficiency of Granulocytes a Type of White Blood Cell - Agranulocytosis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Problems with Eyesight - Visual Changes is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Ringing in the Ears - Tinnitus is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - High Blood Pressure - Hypertension is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Very Rapid Heartbeat - Torsades de Pointes - Torsades de Pointes is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Giant Hives - Angioedema is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Mood Changes is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Pneumonia with High Amount of Eosinophil White Blood Cells - Eosinophilic Pneumonia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Low Blood Sugar - Hypoglycemic Disorder is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Mental Impairment is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Fast Heartbeat - Tachyarrhythmia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Chest Pain is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Abnormal Heart Electrical Signals - Abnormal ECG is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Sinus Irritation and Congestion - Sinusitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Lockjaw - Trismus is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Frequent Urination - Increased Urinary Frequency is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Life Threatening Side Effects associated with Effexor and Zoloft.

Zoloft Has 14 Life Threatening (Major) Side Effects Not Found in Effexor

Critical Seriousness - Nosebleed - Epistaxis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Abnormal Liver Function Tests - Abnormal Hepatic Function Tests is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Heart Throbbing or Pounding - Palpitations is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Extrapyramidal Reaction - Extrapyramidal Disease is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Hemorrhage is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Inflammation of Skin caused by an Allergy - Allergic Dermatitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Fever is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Discharge of Milk in Men or Women when Not Breastfeeding - Galactorrhea not associated with Childbirth is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Hives - Urticaria is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Altered Interest in Having Sexual Intercourse - Libido Changes is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Hepatitis caused by Drugs - Drug-Induced Hepatitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Inability to have an Erection - Erectile Dysfunction is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Reaction due to an Allergy - Allergic Reactions is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Critical Seriousness - Breast Tenderness - Mastalgia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Life Threatening Side Effects associated with Effexor and Zoloft.

Effexor and Zoloft Have 11 Most Frequently Occurring Side Effects in Common

Sexual Problems - Abnormal Sexual Function is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Dizzy - Dizziness is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Feel Like Throwing Up - Nausea is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Drowsiness - Drowsy is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Loss of Appetite - Anorexia is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Feeling Weak - General Weakness is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Chronic Trouble Sleeping - Insomnia is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Involuntary Quivering - Tremors is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Dry Mouth - Xerostomia is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Excessive Sweating - Hyperhidrosis is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Stomach Cramps - Abdominal Pain with Cramps is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Effexor and Zoloft.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Side Effects associated with Effexor and Zoloft.

Effexor Has 11 Most Frequently Occurring Side Effects Not Found in Zoloft

Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements - Constipation is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Head Pain - Headache Disorder is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Disturbance in the Ability of the Eye to Focus - Accommodation Disorder is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Blurred Vision is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Taste Problems - Dysgeusia is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Problem with Ejaculation - Disorder of Ejaculation is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Throwing Up - Vomiting is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Anxious - Anxiety is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Problems with Eyesight - Visual Changes is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Numbness and Tingling - Paresthesia is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Nervous - Nervousness is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Effexor but not Zoloft.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Side Effects associated with Effexor and Zoloft.

Zoloft Has 7 Most Frequently Occurring Side Effects Not Found in Zoloft

Head Pain - Headache Disorder is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Zoloft but not Effexor.

Gas - Flatulence is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Zoloft but not Effexor.

Diarrhea is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Zoloft but not Effexor.

Altered Interest in Having Sexual Intercourse - Libido Changes is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Zoloft but not Effexor.

Inability to have an Erection - Erectile Dysfunction is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Zoloft but not Effexor.

Weight Loss is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Zoloft but not Effexor.

Low Energy - Fatigue is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Zoloft but not Effexor.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Side Effects associated with Effexor and Zoloft.

Effexor and Zoloft Treat 3 Conditions in Common

Extreme Apprehension or Fear of Social Interaction - Social Phobia is treated by both Effexor and Zoloft. Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is treated by both Effexor and Zoloft.

Effexor has 28 Condition Contraindications

If you have any of these Conditions then you should carefully evaluate the risks of taking Effexor.

Effexor Oral Contraindications
(grouped by decreasing seriousness level)

Relative Contraindications

Congenital Long QT Syndrome - Abnormal EKG with QT changes from Birth is a contraindication of Effexor.

Hepatic Cirrhosis - Hardening of the Liver is a contraindication of Effexor.

Narrow Angle Glaucoma - Closed Angle Glaucoma is a contraindication of Effexor.

Ocular Hypertension - Increased Pressure in the Eye is a contraindication of Effexor.

Prolonged QT Interval - Prolonged Q-T Interval on EKG is a contraindication of Effexor.

Recovery Phase Following Myocardial Infarct - Recent Heart Attack is a contraindication of Effexor.

Renal Disease with Mild to Moderate Renal Function Impairment - Mild to Moderate Kidney Impairment is a contraindication of Effexor.

Renal Disease with Moderate to Severe Function Impairment - Moderate to Severe Kidney Impairment is a contraindication of Effexor.

Severe Hepatic Disease - Severe Liver Disease is a contraindication of Effexor.

Severe Uncontrolled Hypertension - Severe Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure is a contraindication of Effexor.

Suicidal Ideation - Having Thoughts of Suicide is a contraindication of Effexor.

Upper GI Bleed - Bleeding from Stomach, Esophagus or Duodenum is a contraindication of Effexor.

Contraindication Warnings

Blood Coagulation Disorder - Blood Clotting Disorder is a contraindication of Effexor.

Chronic Heart Failure is a contraindication of Effexor.

Drug Dependence - Taking Habit Forming Drugs is a contraindication of Effexor.

Hypercholesterolemia - High Cholesterol is a contraindication of Effexor.

Hypertension - High Blood Pressure is a contraindication of Effexor.

Hyperthyroidism - Overactive Thyroid Gland is a contraindication of Effexor.

Hypomania - Mild Degree of Mania is a contraindication of Effexor.

Hyponatremia - Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood is a contraindication of Effexor.

Increased Risk of Bleeding is a contraindication of Effexor.

Manic Disorder - Behaving with Excessive Cheerfulness and Activity is a contraindication of Effexor.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a contraindication of Effexor.

SIADH Syndrome - Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion is a contraindication of Effexor.

Seizure Disorder - Seizures is a contraindication of Effexor.

Serotonin Syndrome - Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction is a contraindication of Effexor.

Substance Abuse - Misuse or Excessive Use of Drugs is a contraindication of Effexor.

Weight Loss is a contraindication of Effexor.

Zoloft has 13 Condition Contraindications

If you have any of these Conditions then you should carefully evaluate the risks of taking Zoloft.

Zoloft Oral Contraindications
(grouped by decreasing seriouosness level)

Relative Contraindications

Bipolar Disorder - Manic-Depression is a contraindication of Zoloft.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a contraindication of Zoloft.

Serotonin Syndrome - Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction is a contraindication of Zoloft.

Suicidal Ideation - Having Thoughts of Suicide is a contraindication of Zoloft.

Upper GI Bleed - Bleeding from Stomach, Esophagus or Duodenum is a contraindication of Zoloft.

Contraindication Warnings

Disease of Liver - Liver Problems is a contraindication of Zoloft.

Hypomania - Mild Degree of Mania is a contraindication of Zoloft.

Hyponatremia - Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood is a contraindication of Zoloft.

Increased Risk of Bleeding is a contraindication of Zoloft.

Manic Disorder - Behaving with Excessive Cheerfulness and Activity is a contraindication of Zoloft.

SIADH Syndrome - Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion is a contraindication of Zoloft.

Seizure Disorder - Seizures is a contraindication of Zoloft.

Weight Loss is a contraindication of Zoloft.

Effexor - Symptoms of overdose may include
severe drowsiness, seizures, fast/irregular heartbeat.

Zoloft - Symptoms of overdose may include
severe dizziness, fainting.

Contact poison control
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.