Side-by-side: sertraline hydrochloride compared to escitalopram oxalate
Summary: Sertraline (sertraline hydrochloride) is a SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) medication indicated for Major depressive disorder (MDD). Escitalopram (escitalopram oxalate) is a SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) medication indicated for Major depressive disorder (MDD) — adults and adolescents 12+. Both belong to the same medicine class — differences are clinical (potency, side effect profile, kinetics).
| Attribute | Sertraline | Escitalopram |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | sertraline hydrochloride | escitalopram oxalate |
| Medicine class | SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) | SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) |
| Prescription status | Rx only | Rx only |
| Pregnancy category | C | C |
| FDA approved | 1991 | 2002 |
| Half-life | 26 hours (sertraline); 62–104 hours (N-desmethylsertraline, active metabolite) | 27–32 hours; allows once-daily dosing with minimal fluctuations |
| Adult dose (typical) | Depression (MDD): 50mg once daily initially; may increase to 50–200mg/day; OCD: 50mg once daily; may increase to 50–200mg/day; Panic Disorder: 25mg once daily initially; titrate to 50–200mg/day; PTSD: 25mg once daily initially; titrate to 50–200mg/day; Social Anxiety: 25mg once daily initially; titrate to 50–200mg/day; PMDD: 50mg/day either continuously or only during luteal phase | MDD (adults): 10mg once daily; may increase to 20mg after at least 1 week; GAD (adults): 10mg once daily; may increase to 20mg; Adolescents 12–17 (MDD): 10mg once daily; may increase to 20mg after 3 weeks; Elderly (≥65 years): 10mg once daily; 20mg dose not recommended in elderly |
| Forms | Tablets, Oral concentrate (20mg/mL) | Tablets, Oral solution (1mg/mL) |
| Common side effects | [object Object], [object Object], [object Object] | [object Object], [object Object], [object Object] |
| Cost tier | — | — |