Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LEXAPRO versus SARAFEM.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: LEXAPRO versus SARAFEM.
LEXAPRO vs SARAFEM
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI); inhibits serotonin reuptake at the presynaptic neuron, potentiating serotonergic activity.
SARAFEM (fluoxetine) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It potentiates serotonergic activity in the CNS by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at the presynaptic neuronal membrane, enhancing serotonin effects in the synaptic cleft.
10 mg orally once daily; may increase to 20 mg once daily after at least 1 week.
10-20 mg orally once daily initially, may increase to 40 mg/day after 3 weeks if needed; maximum 80 mg/day
None Documented
None Documented
27-32 hours (mean ~30 h); steady state reached in ~1 week; linear kinetics at therapeutic doses.
Fluoxetine: 4-6 days after single dose, 4-16 days after chronic dosing; norfluoxetine: 4-16 days after single dose, up to 16-20 days after chronic dosing. The long half-life minimizes withdrawal symptoms and allows for once-weekly dosing.
Primarily renal (approx. 80% as metabolites, 8% as unchanged drug); biliary/fecal elimination accounts for ~15%.
Primarily renal excretion of fluoxetine (10%) and its active metabolite norfluoxetine (7.5%) as unchanged drug; the remainder is excreted as conjugates and other metabolites. Approximately 2.5% is excreted in feces.
Category C
Category C
SSRI Antidepressant
SSRI Antidepressant