· Learn the differences and similarities between Lexapro and Zoloft, two SSRIs for anxiety and depression. Find out about their side effects, indications, effectiveness, and more. 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.With all the different depression and anxiety medications on the market, it can be hard to know which drug is which. Lexapro and Zoloft are two of the more commonly prescribed medications for mood disorders such as depression. These medications are a type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by increasing levels of serotonin, a substance in your brain that helps maintain your mood. Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between Lexapro (escitalopram) and Zoloft (sertraline).See full list on healthline.comLexapro is prescribed to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Zoloft is prescribed to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and several other mental health conditions.The table below compares the conditions each drug is approved to treat.The table below compares other key aspects of Zoloft and Lexapro.*Except for treating OCDSee full list on healthline.comBoth medications are available in most pharmacies in brand-name and generic versions. Generics are generally cheaper than brand-name products. At the time this article was written, the prices for the brand-name and generic versions of Zoloft were slightly cheaper than those of Lexapro, according to GoodRx.com. Health insurance plans typically cover antidepressant medications such as Lexapro and Zoloft but may prefer you take the generic forms.See full list on healthline.comThe charts below list examples of side effects of Lexapro and Zoloft. Because Lexapro and Zoloft are both SSRIs, they share many of the same side effects.*Serotonin syndrome is a condition that can occur when the levels of serotonin, a chemical produced by your body, become too high. Serotonin syndrome can be life threatening.**Eye problems can include blurry vision, double vision, dry eyes, and pressure in the eyes.Keep reading: Managing sexual side effects from antidepressantsSee full list on healthline.comThe drug interactions of Lexapro and Zoloft are very similar. Before starting Lexapro or Zoloft, tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you take, especially if they’re listed below. This information can help your doctor prevent possible interactions.The chart below compares examples of drugs that can interact with Lexapro or Zoloft.See full list on healthline.comConditions of concernLexapro and Zoloft contain many of the same warnings for use with other medical conditions. For example, you should talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Research in animals has shown adverse effects on the fetus if you take either of these drugs. There haven’t been enough studies in humans to be certain of how Lexapro or Zoloft might affect the fetus. You should only take these drugs if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. The chart below lists other medical conditions you should discuss with your doctor before taking Lexapro or Zoloft.Risk of suicideBoth Lexapro and Zoloft raise the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. In fact, Zoloft is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment in children younger than 18 years, except for OCD treatment. Lexapro is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years. For more information, read about antidepressant use and the risk of suicide.Possible withdrawalYou should not suddenly stop treatment with an SSRI such as Lexapro or Zoloft. Stopping these medications suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, which can include: •flu-like symptoms •agitation •dizziness •confusion •headache •anxiety •sleeping troubleIf you need to stop one of these medications, talk with your doctor. They will slowly decrease your dosage to help prevent withdrawal symptoms. For more information, read about the dangers of abruptly stopping an antidepressant.See full list on healthline.comTo learn more about how Lexapro and Zoloft are alike and different, talk with your doctor. They’ll be able to tell you if one of these drugs, or a different drug, could help you with your mental health condition. Some questions that might be helpful to ask your doctor include:•How long will it take before I feel the benefits of this medication?•What is the appropriate time of day for me to take this medication?•Which side effects should I expect from this medication, and will they go away?You and your doctor can work together to find a drug that’s right for you. To learn about other medication options, check out this article on the different types of antidepressants.See full list on healthline.comFeb 6, 2025 · Zoloft and Lexapro are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. Learn about differences in the uses and side effects of Zoloft and Lexapro. · Lexapro and Zoloft are medications to treat mental health conditions. Learn what they treat, the side effects they cause, and which works better. · Key takeaways Lexapro and Zoloft are both SSRI antidepressants that increase serotonin. They differ in approved conditions but are both generally effective for treating depression. Both can cause side effects like sexual dysfunction, nausea, and sweating. Learn how Zoloft and Lexapro work, their common uses, side effects, interactions, and costs. Find out which one is more effective, tolerable, and safe for different mental health disorders. What are the side effects of Lexapro & Zoloft?Side effects, such as headache, nausea and vomiting, nervousness and anxiousness, dizziness, sexual problems (eg, erectile dysfunction), tremor, and weight gain (although this tends to be less than with other antidepressants) or weight loss are common to both Lexapro and Zoloft.What is the difference between Lexapro (escitalopram) and Zoloft (sertraline)?Both Lexapro (escitalopram) and Zoloft (sertraline) differ in the conditions they are approved to treat and their off-label uses. Off-label means the FDA has not approved the medication to treat this condition—but doctors may prescribe it based on scientific evidence and clinical research.Are Lexapro and Zoloft safe for children?Both Lexapro and Zoloft increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. Zoloft is not approved by the FDA for use in children younger than 18 years, except to treat OCD. Lexapro is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years for depression or younger than 7 years for GAD.Is Zoloft better than Lexapro?Zoloft has more FDA-approved uses than Lexapro. In addition to depression, it’s approved to treat conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder — to name a few. Lexapro is approved to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder.Lexapro (escitalopram) and Zoloft (sertraline) are two widely prescribed medications used to treat depression and anxiety. While they share similar uses and functions, we will take an in depth look at lexaprovs zoloft. · Zoloft and Lexapro are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. Learn about differences in the uses and side effects of Zoloft and Lexapro. · Lexapro and Zoloft are medications to treat mental health conditions. Learn what they treat, the side effects they cause, and which works better. · Key takeaways Lexapro and Zoloft are both SSRI antidepressants that increase serotonin. They differ in approved conditions but are both generally effective for treating depression. Both can cause side effects like sexual dysfunction, nausea, and sweating. Learn how Zoloft and Lexapro work, their common uses, side effects, interactions, and costs. Find out which one is more effective, tolerable, and safe for different mental health disorders. Lexapro (escitalopram) and Zoloft (sertraline) are two widely prescribed medications used to treat depression and anxiety. While they share similar uses and functions, we will take an in depth look at lexaprovs zoloft.
