SHEET /vs/sertraline-vs-escitalopram · COMPARISON
Sertraline vs Escitalopram: what is the difference?
How they differ
from source
These are the two most prescribed SSRIs and both block the serotonin transporter, but escitalopram is the more selective of the two by a wide margin. Sertraline also has meaningful activity at the dopamine transporter and at sigma receptors, which escitalopram essentially lacks. Escitalopram is the isolated active half of citalopram, so it is a single-isomer molecule where sertraline is not, and it is the heavier at 324.4 against 306.2. In practice their side effect profiles overlap heavily and differ in the details. Both are prescription medicines and neither is available over the counter anywhere in the US or Europe.
Side by side
| Sertraline | Escitalopram | |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | C17H17Cl2N | C20H21FN2O |
| Molecular weight | 306.2 g/mol | 324.4 g/mol |
| Family | SSRIs | SSRIs |
| Everyday group | Prescription medicine | Prescription medicine |
| Functional groups | Amines, Aromatics, Halogenated | Aromatics, Ethers, Halogenated |
| GHS signal wordThe supplier-filed hazard label, not a statement about ordinary use. | Warning | Warning |
| CAS number | 79617-96-2 | 128196-01-0 |
| PubChem CID | 68617 | 146570 |
Common questions
- What is the difference between Sertraline and Escitalopram?
- These are the two most prescribed SSRIs and both block the serotonin transporter, but escitalopram is the more selective of the two by a wide margin. Sertraline also has meaningful activity at the dopamine transporter and at sigma receptors, which escitalopram essentially lacks. Escitalopram is the isolated active half of citalopram, so it is a single-isomer molecule where sertraline is not, and it is the heavier at 324.4 against 306.2.
- Is Sertraline bigger than Escitalopram?
- Escitalopram is the heavier molecule, 324.4 g/mol against 306.2 g/mol for Sertraline. Sertraline is C17H17Cl2N and Escitalopram is C20H21FN2O.
Read the full records: Sertraline and Escitalopram.