If you suffer from anxiety or depression, there are several medications prescribed to treat symptoms of these conditions, two of the most common being Lexapro and Zoloft. But what exactly are they, how do they work, and which might be best for you? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether it\u2019s Zoloft, Lexapro, or another medication, you\u2019ll need to work with a healthcare provider to find the best drug to relieve your symptoms. In this article, we\u2019ll discuss the similarities and differences between the two medications so that you can have an informed discussion with your healthcare provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking for a medical provider for anxiety<\/a> or depression treatment<\/a>, Klarity is here for you. Schedule an appointment<\/a> today, and within 48 hours, you\u2019ll be seen by a licensed healthcare provider who can help you determine if either medication is best for your anxiety and depression symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This article discusses suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately at 800-273-8255.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Both Lexapro and Zoloft are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, increasing the amount of it in your brain. Serotonin is a chemical messenger associated with improved mood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While Lexapro and Zoloft share similarities, they also have several differences that can help determine which one is best for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lexapro is an SSRI commonly prescribed to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. As an SSRI, Lexapro is a relatively safe medication, and most users experience few side effects. By balancing the serotonin levels in the brain, Lexapro is able to regulate mood and increase energy levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lexapro comes in its name-brand form, and it can also be prescribed as the generic escitalopram. The generic form still has all of the same properties, typically with the added benefit of being less expensive. They are both taken orally in the form of a tablet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lexapro comes in three different dosages, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. It is often taken once daily, but the exact dosage and frequency of administration may vary depending on your specific needs and your instructions from your healthcare provider. Lexapro can also be prescribed in a variety of quantities\u201430, 45, 60, 90, or 135 tablets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lexapro is effective in treating symptoms of depression and anxiety, but it can also have some off-label uses. Off-label use is when a medication is prescribed for a condition it is not FDA-approved to treat. FDA approval takes time and resources that make approving every medication\u2019s use difficult. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your healthcare provider can ethically and safely prescribe off-label prescriptions that have been proven to alleviate symptoms. To understand the full range of Lexapro\u2019s effectiveness, it\u2019s worth evaluating how it can affect both anxiety and depression, as well as insomnia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most SSRIs are not meant to treat anxiety; however, Lexapro has proven particularly effective at reducing the severity of anxiety symptoms. While anxiety can be caused by various other neurotransmitter deficiencies, it is often a result of lowered serotonin levels, so an SSRI like Lexapro can help decrease a person\u2019s persistent nervousness and tendency toward panic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lexapro\u2019s serotonin-restoring ability is especially effective at treating depression, as the neurotransmitter is essential to regulating a person\u2019s mood. Depression is marked by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, so altering how the brain uses serotonin with Lexapro can help contribute to a greater sense of well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lexapro can be prescribed off-label to treat insomnia. Perimenopausal and menopausal women have demonstrated improvements in the quality of their sleep after taking Lexapro, and although these effects are largely limited to this group, it can nevertheless be a valuable resource for women looking for insomnia relief during this time in their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generic escitalopram is a relatively inexpensive medication, much like other SSRIs, often costing as little as $13 for 30 tablets of the 10 mg dosage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Brand name Lexapro can be much more expensive, costing as much as $533 for the same dosage and quantity of medication. This makes it much more financially viable to opt for the generic form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most insurance plans are far more likely to cover escitalopram than Lexapro. Contact your insurance company to see which they more thoroughly cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like most depression and anxiety medications, Lexapro has some side effects, which often resolve after the first few weeks of taking it. If, however, you experience persistent or worsening side effects, contact your medical provider to discuss adjusting your dose or changing medications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the most common side effects include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following side effects are less common but more serious. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately: <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you choose to stop taking Lexapro, consult with your healthcare provider beforehand in order to avoid any negative withdrawal symptoms. They’ll be able to help you taper off the medication safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Individuals with certain conditions or the potential for specific conditions should use extreme caution when taking Lexapro. The most common contraindicated conditions include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another serious side effect of taking Lexapro can be an increased risk of serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal if left untreated. Serotonin syndrome occurs when there\u2019s too much serotonin in your system due to taking serotonin-enhancing medications. If you have any of the following symptoms of serotonin syndrome, contact your healthcare provider immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, if you notice an increase in thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or observe changes in behavior, contact your healthcare provider or call the suicide helpline at 988. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, those who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant should not take Lexapro. Discuss your medical history in detail with your healthcare provider so they can determine whether Lexapro, Zoloft or another medication is right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When taking Lexapro, it\u2019s imperative to exercise caution if you are currently taking or plan to take any other medications. Many drugs should not be taken with Lexapro for a variety of reasons, so be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before taking any additional medications alongside Lexapro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the drugs you should avoid taking while on Lexapro include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n\t \n<\/th> Lexapro<\/th> Zoloft<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n\t Drug Class<\/strong><\/td> Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)<\/td> Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td> Brand name for escitalopram<\/td> Brand name for sertraline<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Form(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 Color-coded immediate-release tablets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Standard Dosage<\/strong><\/td> Immediate-release tablets:
\n\u2022 10mg per dose
\n
\nLiquid suspension:
\n\u2022 10mg per dose
\n<\/td>Liquid suspension:
\n\u2022 20 mg of sertraline per dose
\n
\nColor-coded immediate-release tablets:
\n\u2022 25 mg green
\n\u2022 50mg blue
\n\u2022 100mg pinkish-red <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Conditions 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 Major depression
\n\u2022 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
\n\u2022 Panic disorder
\n\u2022 Post-traumatic stress (PTS)
\n\u2022 Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
\n\u2022 Social anxiety disorder
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Autism (mood stabilizing)
\n\u2022 Alcoholism
\n\u2022 Eating disorders
\n\u2022 Diabetic neuropathy
\n\u2022 Dementia
\n\u2022 Hot flashes
\n\u2022 Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
\n\u2022 Fibromyalgia
\n\u2022 Migraines
\n\u2022 Personality disorders
\n\u2022 Tourette syndrome
\n\u2022 Premature ejaculation
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Cost<\/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 (sertraline):
\n\u2022 $4 to $25 for a 30-day supply
\n
\nBrand-name:
\n\u2022 $215 to $315 for a 30-day supply*
\n
\n*Without insurance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Side-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 or indigestion
\n\u2022 Diarrhea or loose stool
\n\u2022 Tremors or twitching
\n\u2022 Decreased appetite and weight loss
\n\u2022 Bruising and muscle aches
\n\u2022 Decreased libido\/trouble orgasming
\n\u2022 Excessive sweating
\n\u2022Anxiety
\n
\nSerious side effects:
\n\u2022 Heart arrhythmia
\n\u2022 Bleeding and liver injury
\n\u2022 Confusion and seizures
\n\u2022 Suicidal thoughts
\n\u2022 Changes in behavior
\n\u2022 Serotonin syndrome
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Warnings 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 Pregnancy or breastfeeding
\n\u2022 Liver problems
\n\u2022 Epilepsy and seizure disorders
\n\u2022 Glaucoma
\n\u2022 Bipolar disorder
\n\u2022 Thyroid disease
\n
\nDrug interactions:
\n\u2022 Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
\n\u2022 Blood thinners
\n\u2022 Antipsychotic and antiseizure medications
\n\u2022 Alcohol\u2014recreational and alcohol-based medications<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\nMore About Lexapro and Zoloft<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Is Lexapro?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lexapro Forms and Doses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conditions Lexapro Treats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Anxiety<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Depression<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Insomnia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Lexapro Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lexapro Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Lexapro Warnings for Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Lexapro Interactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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