Efexor®XR and Zoloft® are not the same. Efexor®XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride) belongs to a class of medications called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI).1 This type of medication works on chemicals called serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to improve mood.2 Whereas Zoloft® (sertraline hydrochloride) belongs to a different class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).3 This works on serotonin only.3
Efexor®XR is prescribed for adults to relieve loss of pleasure, excessive worry, fear of socializing or repeated episodes of intense fear,1; while Zoloft® is prescribed for a range of conditions to relieve loss of pleasure, recurrent obsessive thoughts, psychological disorder triggered by trauma, fear of socializing or repeated episodes of intense fear.3
There are not enough clinical studies to support Efexor®XR for use in children at the moment,1 however Zoloft® is approved to treat recurrent obsessive thoughts in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years.3 Please consult your doctor for more information regarding the use of Zoloft® in children.
It is recommended to avoid alcohol when taking these medications, as alcohol may increase your risk of having side effects.1,3 Avoid consuming grapefruit juice when taking Zoloft®.3
Efexor®XR is less likely to cause weight gain;4 however, Zoloft® may cause weight gain.4,5 This is case-to-case basis, please consult your doctor if you have concerns regarding weight gain.
Both Efexor®XR and Zoloft® may start to improve symptoms within the first two weeks of treatment. It usually takes around 4 weeks or longer to see the full benefits.6