Prozac Vs. Zoloft Explained

Prozac and Zoloft are antidepressants that are used to treat a number of psychological disorders. They contain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs that act to rebalance the chemicals in the brain. Their effect on serotonin, a neurotransmitter that creates a feeling of happiness and well-being, is particularly profound. These two drugs are often compared because of their similarities but they have significant differences as well.

Similarities

Both are 2nd generation anti-depressants that are safer than those that came before them. They are unlikely to cause weight gain and do not have a sedating effect. These SSRIs are often prescribed for depression as they have been found to relieve symptoms in up to 70% of the cases. Their levels of effectiveness are fairly even with no study conclusively favoring one over the other for major depression. Doctors can prescribe either depending on the exact diagnosis. It is difficult to know which one is best for an individual so they generally recommend what they think is a better fit, start with a low dosage, and observe for side effects.

Applications

Prozac is used to treat bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and major depressive disorder in adults. It is also approved for treating children with depression ages 8 and up, as well as children with OCD ages 7 and up. Meanwhile, Zoloft is used for the treatment of social anxiety disorder, severe premenstrual syndrome, post traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, and major depression in adults. It is also suitable for children with OCD with ages 6 and up. Note that these drugs take time to work. Expect to take them religiously for up to four weeks before feeling the changes.

Differences

Prozac and Zoloft are available in low doses that are suitable for daily intake. However, only Prozac can be prescribed for a strong weekly dose. Their other differences lie in their side effects. Using Zoloft increases the chances of experiencing diarrhea more so than Prozac does. This might become an issue for people who are prone to stomach distress like those with IBS. On the other hand, Prozac has a higher tendency to cause sleep disturbances and dry mouth.

What Is Ibogaine Treatment For Addiction?

Of the many treatment methods that are currently used to treat heroin addiction, none has substantial effect on a psychological level. They majorly serve to treat the addiction or help victims manage it, but never really treat the addiction with the intention of reducing or completely curing the disease. However, among the many unconventional and experimental treatments that have been tried, Ibogaine has indicated some promising results.

What is Ibogaine?

Ibogaine is a psychoactive substance derived from certain trees and shrubs found in native African rainforests. The natural psychedelic is cited to have been used by African pygmy tribes (and other tribes) for ritual and medicinal purposes.  

Ibogaine Treatment for Addiction

Several separate researches that have been carried on Ibogaine (since 1960s) have indicated that the substance can effectively treat various forms of addictions: heroin, cocaine, alcohol, methadone, methamphetamine, steroids, and other drugs. When used as type of interruption therapy, the psychedic induces dream-like visions to the patients (while they are awake) followed by feelings of instructive replays of the various pivotal life effects that may have contributed to their addictions. Some are also confronted by negative emotions and fear that in a way drive the addiction disease.  If used for addiction treatment, it's recommended that supplemental treatments such as intensive counseling, therapy, and aftercare are applied to achieve maximum results from the Ibogaine treatment.

Side Effects

Although Ibogaine has been implicated as treatment for various forms of addiction in unprecedented number of studies, it's been associated with a number of negative side effects, including loss of motor coordination (making it difficult for patients to walk or stand without assistance), vomiting, nausea, and dry mouth. Ibogaine can also agitate certain types of heart conditions and can cause fatal reactions with certain foods (such as foods that contain citrus and bergamot oil). What's more, the psychedelic can have detrimental effects when administered alongside other psychotropic medications and is therefore not recommended for dual-diagnosis (simultaneous treatment for addiction alongside mental or emotional disorders).

Bottom Line

For Ibogaine treatments to be universally accepted in the healthcare fraternity, there must be enough evidence that its benefits surpasses its potential to cause harm, which currently necessitates continued research and clinical experiments. Nonetheless, preliminary results regarding the development of the Ibogaine into clinical, therapeutic, and medicinal treatments are quite promising.