Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: PROZAC versus SARAFEM.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: PROZAC versus SARAFEM.
PROZAC vs SARAFEM
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI); potentiates serotonergic activity in the CNS by blocking the reuptake of serotonin into presynaptic neurons.
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.
20 mg orally once daily, initially; may increase to 40 mg once daily after several weeks; maximum 80 mg once daily.
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
Fluoxetine: 4-6 days; norfluoxetine: 4-16 days; extensive accumulation with chronic dosing, steady-state in 4-5 weeks
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.
Renal: ~80% (primarily as metabolites, <10% unchanged); fecal: ~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