Why choose Lexapro over Zoloft? (2024)

Why choose Lexapro over Zoloft?

There are some differences in their side effects with Lexapro being more likely to cause sleep problems and taste disturbances, and Zoloft is more likely to cause skin rash or diarrhea. There is some evidence that Lexapro may be more effective than other SSRIs, including Zoloft, in the treatment of depression.

Celexa (citalopram) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are usually well tolerated and have fewer medication interactions. But they come with a higher risk of heart rhythm problems. Prozac (fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) may have fewer sexual side effects, but there's not enough evidence yet to say for sure.

This process is called reuptake. Anxiety may be triggered there is an imbalance between the production and reuptake of serotonin. Lexapro works by preventing the reuptake of serotonin, which results in more serotonin being available to attach to other neurons.

When switching antidepressants, it's common to taper down your medications before switching, and doctors may also require you to wait days or weeks before taking a new medication. These strategies can help lower the risk of adverse drug interactions.

Some common side effects of escitalopram (Lexapro) include nausea, trouble sleeping, and drowsiness. For some people, these side effects go away or lessen over time.

There are some differences in their side effects with Lexapro being more likely to cause sleep problems and taste disturbances, and Zoloft is more likely to cause skin rash or diarrhea. There is some evidence that Lexapro may be more effective than other SSRIs, including Zoloft, in the treatment of depression.

Zoloft and Lexapro share similar side effects, and they're usually well-tolerated. But there are some differences between the medications to keep in mind. For instance, Zoloft may be more likely to cause nausea, diarrhea, and trouble sleeping than Lexapro.

Possible Lexapro side effects include nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, sweating, and more. Several factors can influence these side effects, such as age and taking other medications.

Zoloft: Which One Is Better for Me? Lexapro and Zoloft can both treat depression and other mental health conditions. Doctors also prescribe Lexapro for generalized anxiety disorder and Zoloft for other mental health conditions, including panic disorder.

Here are a few things you should look out for: Improved mood: One of the most common indications that Lexapro is working is improved mood. Increased energy levels: Another sign that your body's adjusting well to Lexapro is increased energy levels throughout the day.

How much Zoloft is equal to 10 mg of Lexapro?

Study results showed that patients receiving a dose of 10 mg per day of Lexapro experienced similar efficacy compared to patients receiving a median dose of Zoloft of 150 mg per day.

Lexapro may cause weight gain because it blocks the serotonin transporter, which increases levels of serotonin in the brain, but also increases appetite and decreases metabolism. Research has shown approximately 40% of people taking antidepressants such as Lexapro will gain 7% or more of their starting body weight.

Common side effects of taking escitalopram (affecting up to one in ten people) include: strange dreams, difficulty going to sleep. feeling very tired or sleepy.

Lexapro can be effective at reducing the symptoms of anxiety, and it may be especially helpful for multiple types of anxiety disorder, including: Specific phobias (off-label) Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (FDA-approved) Panic attacks (off-label)

Antidepressants are the first-line medications in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Anxiolytics may be used for a brief duration, but only if needed while an antidepressant is being initiated and titrated up.

Do Other Antidepressants Cause Weight Gain? Zoloft (sertraline) caused weight gain in 49.1% of cases. Prozac (fluoxetine) caused weight gain in 37.5% of cases. Lexapro (escitalopram) caused weight gain in 41% of cases.

Is escitalopram (Lexapro) a first-choice medication for treating depression and anxiety? Yes, escitalopram (Lexapro) is one of the first-choice options for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) because of how well it works and how safe it is.

Changes in behavior: Some people find an increase in aggression or agitation after beginning Lexapro. Serotonin syndrome: Serotonin syndrome can occur when too much serotonin builds up in the body — symptoms include confusion, agitation, and fever.

What is the best alternative to Lexapro?

Zoloft was one of the most effective SSRIs with the lowest risk of side effects. Prozac was also effective but had a higher risk of side effects. A review of 27 randomized controlled trials (the best type of study to check for cause and effect) found that Prozac may be the most effective SSRI at treating GAD.

In addition, people who take this medication often report feeling more energized and better able to focus on tasks throughout the day. Some people may experience negative side effects like nausea, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation, weight gain/loss, and sexual dysfunction.

Effectiveness: While 2.5 mg Lexapro may be effective for some individuals, it may not be sufficient for others. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage based on your specific condition.

It should be noted that while the medication is FDA-approved, it does come with a black box warning, which is the FDA's highest safety-related warning around the risk of suicidal ideation. The warning states that Lexapro may be associated with an increased risk of suicide.