\n\tDrug Class<\/strong><\/td>| Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)<\/td> | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n\tBrand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td>| Brand name for escitalopram<\/td> | Brand name fluoxetine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n\tForm(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td>\u2022 Immediate-release tablets
\n\u2022 Clear, peppermint-flavored liquid suspension<\/td> | \u2022 Clear, peppermint-flavored liquid suspension
\n\u2022 Half-green, half-white capsules
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n\tStandard Dosage<\/strong><\/td>Liquid suspension:
\n\u2022 10mg per dose
\n
\nImmediate-release tablets:
\n\u2022 10mg per dose
\n\u2022 20mg per dose<\/td> | Liquid suspension:
\n\u2022 10mg per dose
\n
\nCapsules:
\n\u2022 10mg per dose
\n\u2022 20mg per dose<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n\tConditions Treated<\/strong><\/td>FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 Major depressive disorder
\n\u2022 Generalized anxiety disorder
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
\n\u2022 Binge-eating disorder
\n\u2022 Bulimia nervosa
\n\u2022 Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
\n\u2022 Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
\n\u2022 Panic disorder
\n\u2022 Insomnia
\n<\/td> | FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 Anxiety and stress
\n\u2022 Major depression
\n\u2022 Bulimia nervosa
\n\u2022 Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
\n\u2022 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
\n\u2022 Panic disorder
\n\u2022 Postpartum depression
\n\u2022 Schizoaffective disorder
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Anorexia nervosa
\n\u2022 Premature ejaculation
\n\u2022 Various anxiety disorders
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n\tCost<\/strong><\/td>Generic form (escitalopram):
\n\u2022 $15.00 and $120.00 for a 30-day supply*
\n
\nBrand-name:
\n\u2022 $250.22 for a 30-day supply*
\n
\n*Without insurance
\n<\/td> | Generic form (fluoxetine):
\n\u2022 $3 to $4 for 30-days\u2019 worth of capsules*
\n\u2022 $12 for 30 days\u2019 worth of liquid suspension
\n
\n*May cost up to $100 for high dosages
\n
\nBrand-name:
\n\u2022 $460 to $1000 for 30 days\u2019 worth of capsules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n\tSide-Effects<\/strong><\/td>Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Dizziness and drowsiness
\n\u2022 Weakness, shakiness, or sweating
\n\u2022 Insomnia
\n\u2022 Loss of appetite or nausea
\n\u2022 Dry mouth
\n\u2022 Constipation
\n\u2022 Unexplained weight changes
\n\u2022 Decreased sex drive or impotence
\n\u2022 Difficulty having an orgasm
\n
\nSerious side effects:
\n\u2022 Abdominal pain or bleeding
\n\u2022 Allergic reaction
\n\u2022 Blurred or tunnel vision
\n\u2022 Abnormal dreams or decreased focus
\n\u2022 Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
\n\u2022 Eye pain, swelling, or halos around lights
\n\u2022 Euphoria, depression, or unusual behavior
\n\u2022 Headache, confusion, or slurred speech
\n\u2022 Heartburn or vomiting
\n\u2022 Hot flashes
\n\u2022 Severe weakness or dizziness
\n\u2022 Feeling unsteady or uncoordinated
\n\u2022 Sweating and tremors
\n\u2022 Rigid muscles
\n<\/td> | Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Nausea
\n\u2022 Diarrhea or constipation
\n\u2022 Changes in appetite
\n\u2022 Headache and fatigue
\n\u2022 Increased sweating
\n\u2022 Trouble sleeping
\n\u2022 Impotence\/sexual dysfunction
\n
\nSerious side effects include:
\n\u2022 Fever
\n\u2022 High blood pressure
\n\u2022 Rigid muscles
\n\u2022 Seizures
\n\u2022 Kidney or respiratory failure
\n\u2022 Disorientation or delirium
\n\u2022 Serotonin syndrome
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n\tWarnings For Use<\/strong><\/td>Contraindicated conditions:
\n\u2022 Liver or kidney problems
\n\u2022 Heart problems
\n\u2022 Seizures or convulsions
\n\u2022 Bipolar disorder
\n\u2022 Low sodium levels in the blood
\n\u2022 High blood pressure
\n\u2022 History of stroke
\n\u2022 Bleeding problems
\n
\nDrug interactions:
\n\u2022 MAOIs
\n\u2022 NSAIDs
\n\u2022 Aspirin
\n\u2022 St. John\u2019s Wort
\n\u2022 Tryptophan
\n\u2022 Opioid-based painkillers
\n\u2022 Anti-psychotics
\n\u2022 Alcohol
\n<\/td> | Contraindicated conditions:
\n\u2022 Diabetes
\n\u2022 Liver disease
\n\u2022 Alcohol use disorder
\n\u2022 History of bipolar disorder
\n\u2022 History of suicide attempts
\n\u2022 Low blood sodium or dehydration
\n\u2022 Seizures
\n\u2022 Gastrointestinal ulcers
\n\u2022 Glaucoma
\n
\nDrug Interactions:
\n\u2022 Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
\n\u2022 Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
\n\u2022 Aspirin and other blood thinners
\n\u2022 Antihistamines
\n\u2022 Opioid pain relievers
\n\u2022 St. John\u2019s wort
\n\u2022 Cannabis and MDMA
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\nWhat is Lexapro?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nLexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) often prescribed to treat anxiety and depression symptoms. Like other SSRIs, Lexapro alters how the brain uses the neurotransmitter serotonin, a chemical central to mood regulation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain and slowing down its reabsorption, Lexapro balances your mood and restores a sense of calm. Without a consistent level of serotonin in the brain, you can experience various symptoms of depression and anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lexapro Forms and Doses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLexapro is available as an oral solution or tablet in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg dosages. The typical daily dose is 10 mg, and higher quantities are often prescribed to individuals with severe symptoms or minimal reaction to the lower doses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you speak with a healthcare provider on Klarity, they\u2019ll help determine which form and dosage are best for treating your specific symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conditions Lexapro Treats<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLexapro is primarily prescribed to treat depression. Because low serotonin levels impact several mental health conditions, some SSRIs can also treat other conditions like anxiety. If you experience both anxiety and depression, Lexapro could be an ideal choice for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like many medications, there are also off-label uses for Lexapro. Any off-label treatment should only be done with the guidance of a healthcare professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms of Anxiety Lexapro Can Treat<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nLexapro effectively treats many anxiety symptoms. By stabilizing your serotonin levels, this medication helps you feel at ease in the present, greatly reducing apprehension toward current and future events. This process can affect other symptoms, reducing the severity of panic attacks and irregular thought patterns and helping people relax in their daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms of Depression Lexapro Can Treat<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nLexapro treats a host of depression symptoms. By boosting your serotonin, this SSRI can reduce feelings of nervousness and increase your overall sense of well-being and general contentment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Off-Label Uses For Lexapro<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThere are several off-label uses for Lexapro (escitalopram), including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): While Lexapro is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, it may be prescribed off-label for the treatment of GAD.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD): Lexapro effectively reduces symptoms of SAD, characterized by intense fear or anxiety in social situations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Lexapro is sometimes prescribed off-label for the treatment of PTSD, which is a mental health condition that can occur after a traumatic event.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Lexapro is effective in reducing the symptoms of OCD, although it is not specifically FDA-approved for this use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): Lexapro is sometimes used off-label for treating PMDD, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that affects some women.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Lexapro Costs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe cost of Lexapro can vary based on whether you\u2019re prescribed the name brand or its generic form, escitalopram. For 30 tablets of the 10mg dose, generic escitalopram can cost between $13 and $129, depending on the pharmacy you use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Name brand Lexapro is much more expensive, with the same amount and dosage costing as much as $534. If you can get your prescription covered by insurance, it can be much more affordable, whether you get the name-brand or generic form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lexapro Side Effects<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLike other antidepressant medications, Lexapro has side effects you should know before taking it. Some of these side effects can become less severe as you acclimate to the drug, but if they persist or worsen over time, notify your provider immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most common side effects include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n- Insomnia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tiredness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Nausea<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dry mouth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dizziness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sweating<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Diarrhea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Lexapro Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen taking Lexapro, there is a chance you may experience serious health issues. Most of these can be prevented with careful guidance from your healthcare provider, while others can be more unpredictable. The medical professionals on Klarity can review your health history to determine if Lexapro is right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning signs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n- Serotonin syndrome: <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition where the brain has too much serotonin. If you\u2019re taking multiple serotonin-boosting medications, side effects can include sweating, rapid heart rate, muscle spasms or stiffness, fever, and confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n- Suicidal thoughts and behavior:<\/strong> In individuals 24 years or younger, Lexapro can cause new or worsening depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviors, primarily during the first few months of treatment. If you experience suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm, seek help immediately and notify your healthcare provider.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Withdrawal: <\/strong>SSRIs have a low risk of dependency, but it\u2019s still possible to experience withdrawal if you suddenly stop taking them. Symptoms can include anxiety, agitation, nausea, trouble sleeping, and flu-like symptoms, beginning within three days of stopping Lexapro. Speak with your healthcare provider to safely avoid withdrawal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Lexapro Drug Interactions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLexapro can have adverse interactions with other medications or supplements, potentially causing health issues or making one or both substances ineffective. Your healthcare provider may choose not to prescribe you Lexapro because of its possible drug interactions or suggest an alternative medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s vital to avoid certain medications, supplements, and substances that can interact with Lexapro (escitalopram) and cause potentially serious side effects. Here are some examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Lexapro should not be taken with MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping MAOIs. Taking MAOIs with Lexapro can lead to a potentially deadly condition known as serotonin syndrome, which causes symptoms such as confusion, fever, muscle rigidity, and seizures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Other antidepressants: When you combine Lexapro with other antidepressants, like other SSRIs, or tricyclic antidepressants, you can increase the risk of developing serotonin syndrome.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin. Taking Lexapro with NSAIDs can increase the risk of bleeding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blood thinners: People who take blood thinners and Lexapro also experience an increased risk of bleeding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- St. John’s wort: St. John’s wort is sometimes used to treat symptoms of major depressive disorder, but taking it with Lexapro or other antidepressants increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while on Lexapro increases the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired judgment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What is Prozac?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nProzac is another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that treats symptoms of major depressive disorder. Similar to Lexapro, Prozac increases serotonin levels in the brain to create a chemical balance that regulates your mood and emotions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Prozac Forms and Doses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nProzac has more forms than Lexapro, with an oral solution, capsule, and tablet available for prescription. If you are prescribed the oral solution, it is available in a 120ml bottle, with a dosage of 20mg for every 5ml. The capsule form is then available in 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg doses, while the tablet only comes in 10mg and 20mg doses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The exact dosing for Prozac depends on your age and specific health concerns. That said, the usual dosage ranges from 10mg to 60mg by mouth once daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conditions Prozac Treats<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThough primarily prescribed to treat depression and anxiety symptoms, Prozac also has off-label uses. If your Klarity healthcare provider believes your specific condition can be treated using Prozac, they may recommend it even if you don\u2019t explicitly have anxiety or depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms of Anxiety Prozac Can Treat<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nProzac treats key anxiety symptoms, including constant nervousness that can interfere with daily activities. As your treatment progresses, these symptoms will likely decrease, allowing you to experience greater calm and positive thought patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms of Depression Prozac Can Treat<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nProzac is often prescribed to treat major depressive disorder, which has many symptoms, including hopelessness and general emotional instability. Compared to other medications, Prozac is especially effective at contributing to greater energy levels, making it useful for individuals who struggle with low energy as a symptom of depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Off-Label Uses For Prozac<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nProzac (fluoxetine) has several off-label uses, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n | | | | | | | | |