Two medicines, side by side
Fluvoxamine vs sertraline
Fluvoxamine has no indication this site maps; sertraline for depression and anxiety. Their labels share no use, so they are not alternatives to each other. Drugs@FDA records approvals of fluvoxamine since 1994 and of sertraline since 1991. Pharmacies paid $4.08 per fluvoxamine ER 100 mg capsule and $0.0507 per sertraline HCl 100 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026). How each works, in its label's words: Fluvoxamine, “The mechanism of action of fluvoxamine maleate in obsessive compulsive disorder is presumed to be linked to its specific serotonin reuptake inhibition in brain neurons.”; Sertraline, “Sertraline potentiates serotonergic activity in the central nervous system through inhibition of neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT).”
Check it at the source: the fluvoxamine FDA label on DailyMed (effective June 27, 2026); the sertraline FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 8, 2023).
Highlights of the fluvoxamine record
Fluvoxamine (Luvox) · label of June 27, 2026
WARNING: SUICIDALITY AND ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of fluvoxamine maleate extended-release capsules or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need.
Used for
From the label: indicationsFluvoxamine maleate extended-release capsules are a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) ( 1 ). Efficacy was demonstrated in: One 12-week study with fluvoxamine maleate extended-release capsules in adults ( 14.1 ). […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- December 5, 1994
- Generic labelers
- 16 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $4.08 per capsule
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Highlights of the sertraline record
Sertraline (Zoloft) · label of August 8, 2023
SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
Used for
From the label: indicationsZOLOFT is indicated for the treatment of the following [See Clinical Studies (14) ]: • Major depressive disorder (MDD) • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) • Panic disorder (PD) • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) • Social anxiety disorder (SAD) • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) ZOLOFT is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the treatment of ( 1 ): • Major depressive disorder […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- December 30, 1991
- Generic labelers
- 47 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0507 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 3
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Fluvoxamine label of June 27, 2026, Sertraline label of August 8, 2023); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do fluvoxamine and sertraline differ on the record?
How each works, in its label's words: Fluvoxamine, “The mechanism of action of fluvoxamine maleate in obsessive compulsive disorder is presumed to be linked to its specific serotonin reuptake inhibition in brain neurons.”; Sertraline, “Sertraline potentiates serotonergic activity in the central nervous system through inhibition of neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT).”
Both are in FDA's class serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Half-life, in each label's words: Fluvoxamine, “After administration of a 100 mg, single oral dose of fluvoxamine maleate extended-release capsules, the mean plasma …”; Sertraline, “The average terminal elimination half-life of plasma sertraline is about 26 hours.”
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: fluvoxamine since 2000; sertraline since 2006 (Drugs@FDA).
| Fluvoxamine | Sertraline | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | n/a | Depression, Anxiety |
| Pharmacologic class | Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor | Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor |
| How it works (label) | The mechanism of action of fluvoxamine maleate in obsessive compulsive disorder is presumed to be linked to its specific serotonin reuptake inhibition in brain neurons. | Sertraline potentiates serotonergic activity in the central nervous system through inhibition of neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT). |
| Half-life (label) | After administration of a 100 mg, single oral dose of fluvoxamine maleate extended-release capsules, the mean plasma half-life of fluvoxamine in healthy male and female volunteers was 16.3 hours. | The average terminal elimination half-life of plasma sertraline is about 26 hours. |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | December 5, 1994 | December 30, 1991 |
| First generic approved | November 29, 2000 | June 30, 2006 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 16 labelers | 47 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $4.08 per capsule (Fluvoxamine ER 100 mg capsule) | $0.0507 per tablet (Sertraline HCl 100 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -21% | -3% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 0 | 3 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 2,391 | 218,311 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Fluvoxamine label, drug interactionsAs with other serotonergic drugs, lithium may enhance the serotonergic effects of fluvoxamine and, therefore, the combination should be used with caution.
Sertraline label, warnings and precautionsIncreased risk when co-administered with other serotonergic agents, but also when taken alone.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to fluvoxamine
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions