Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: SARAFEM versus ZOLOFT.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: SARAFEM versus ZOLOFT.
SARAFEM vs ZOLOFT
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
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.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI); potentiates serotonergic activity in the CNS by blocking the reuptake of serotonin at the presynaptic neuronal membrane, resulting in increased serotonin concentrations in the synaptic cleft.
10-20 mg orally once daily initially, may increase to 40 mg/day after 3 weeks if needed; maximum 80 mg/day
50 mg orally once daily, increased by 50 mg increments at 1-week intervals up to 200 mg/day for depression, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, PMDD, social anxiety disorder.
None Documented
None Documented
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.
26 hours (terminal elimination half-life); steady state achieved in ~1 week; metabolite desmethylsertraline half-life 66 hours.
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.
Renal: <0.5% unchanged; extensive hepatic metabolism; metabolites excreted renally and fecally.
Category C
Category C
SSRI Antidepressant
SSRI Antidepressant