Sertraline vs Fluoxetine

[nobodygirl2023]

I've been on both in the past and have found both have worked well for me however I'm sure that I felt a more marked difference with fluoxetine. I'd be keen to go back on flux for that reason.

Has anyone else who has been on both found a real difference between these meds or was it my imagination?

I should note that I ask because my GP advises they should have exactly same effect. I'm breastfeeding and sertraline is advised for that reason.

I think if you've tried both and fluoxetine has worked best for you, then that seems like a good reason to try that again. Sertraline has a shorter half life, so theoretically will be less likely to accumulate in baby/ pass into your milk. They are both SSRIs, but they do suit people differently as you have well experienced.
Here's some good information about the medications to help you decide:
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/antidepressants/

I've had both, both worked very well after a few horrible weeks of adjustment. I feel about the same on both.

Hi everyone 👋
Sertraline V Fluoxetine ( Prozac)

20 years on Paroxetine ( Seroxat) for Health Anxiety, which until Jan 2023 was working, then as GP thought, became ineffective, due to sudden obsessive health worries again, anxiety through the roof and panic attacks.

Rather than up my 30mg dose of Paroxetine, she persuaded me to cross taper with Sertraline.

Personally for me - Worst 3 months of my life 😪 Whether withdrawl from one, starting Sert or combination of both, my anxieties and panic attacks heightened and I was barely functioning.

Then came gripping chest pains, vicious heartburn and dizziness, which sent me to A&E.

ECG fine, bloods fine , Dr diagnosed severe acid reflux as side effect of Sertraline and put me on Lansoprazole along side it, which calmed it down.

4 weeks later, off Paroxetine and upped to 100mg Sertraline with everything crossed for a brighter future.

Suddenly developed more chest pains accompanied by manic palpitations_dizziness and sweats and back to A&E.

This time ECG showed ectopic heart beats which now need cardiac investigation and bloods show increase in white cell count.

Dr now thinks Sertraline possible cause of irregular heart beats and told to stop it immediately and switch straight over 2 Fluoxetine ( Prozac 20mg)
Also to stop caffeine, alcohol and give up my 6 a day smoking habit .

Hoping upon hoping that Fluoxetine will be the answer ( as I believe it's Paroxetine's "sister" and I don't get any extra side effects, as clearly my brain and body is so mixed up and confused by the changes in meds in a short space of time 😢

9 days in - very tearful and very anxious ( but think that's worrying around heart issues now and a long NHS waiting list to be referred to a cardiologist )

You couldn't force another tablet of Sertraline down my throat ever again, although 3 of my friends on 100mg swear by it and have had minimal side effects.

We are all different genetically eh? So suppose what is a life saver for one, is sadly the devil for another.

Good luck everyone on your Fluoxetine journeys - I'm just at the start of mine 🤞🤞😔