Celexa vs. Zoloft: A Comparison
Depression is a condition experienced by many people. It is a common occurrence and a normal part of life. Although there are treatments and therapy sessions that may help with this condition, the one that truly provides relief comes in the form of antidepressant drugs. For this reason, many patients who suffer depression would rather take medication. And doctors are willing to provide prescriptions too. The most popular drugs taken and prescribed for depression are Celexa vs. Zoloft.
Profiling Celexa vs. Zoloft
Both Celexa and Zoloft are under the group of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs. What these SSRIs do is that they stir some influence over the chemicals in the brain. Celexa takes effect by restoring the serotonin balance in the brain. Both Zoloft and Celexa can help in easing the symptoms which may occur involving a variety of psychological disorders.
Celexa is usually prescribed and used to treat depression. But it is also effective in treating other conditions. In the same way, Zoloft can treat several conditions aside from depression. It is sometimes prescribed for obsessive compulsive disorders. It can also be effective used to treat other disorders including the following: panic, anxiety as well as post traumatic stress disorder.
Precautionary Measures: Celexa vs. Zoloft
Taking other medications with Zoloft is not advised. Pimozide as well as the drugs under the Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor group or MAOI are prohibited. In case a patient is under any of these medications, he should duly inform his doctor about it. Most of the time, a patient will be required to get away from the medication within 14 days or more. This should be done even before Zoloft can be taken safely. In the same way, if a patient is currently taking Zoloft and is planning to go under MAOI treatment, the patient should stop taking Zoloft in the meantime and give his system at least 14 days to clean his system from Zoloft.
Zoloft is FDA approved. But even so, medication for Zoloft should still b given proper precaution. This is because Zoloft can possibly inhibit suicidal tendencies among young adults and teenagers. It is for this reason that Zoloft should be taken with the necessary precautionary measures. There are diagnostic check-ups which a Zoloft patient will have to go through and it usually takes place within the first twelve weeks of treatment.
On the other hand, Celexa should not be administered along with MAOI drugs too. In case the patient is currently taking MAOI for medication, a fourteen day restriction should be observed. In the same way that Zoloft has major side effects, Celexa can also bring about suicidal tendencies and this is why the treatment using this drug should be properly administered.
Caution for Celexa vs. Zoloft
Life is at risk. Taking either Celexa or Zoloft is something that should not be taken lightly. Patients who are under the treatment using these drugs should be very careful and precautious. Consulting with the doctor and due diligence in following the prescribed dosage is called for.
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