How are Lexapro and Zoloft different?

Drug features

Lexapro is prescribed to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Zoloft is prescribed to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder

obsessive compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition that is characterized by a cycle of recurring and intrusive thoughts and behaviors. These thoughts, or obsessions, can lead to uncontrollable behaviors, or compulsions.

https://www.healthline.com › health › anxiety › real-event-ocd

Real Event OCD: Symptoms, Treatments, and More - Healthline

, and several other mental health conditions.

What is better for anxiety Zoloft or Lexapro?

While both medications are similarly effective in treating both MDD and anxiety, one study found that slightly more people stopped using Zoloft because of side effects compared to Lexapro (4% compared to 2%).

Which has more side effects Lexapro or Zoloft?

Zoloft is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat more conditions than Lexapro, but both may be prescribed for off-label uses. Lexapro causes fewer side effects than Zoloft, except at higher doses.

What's better Lexapro or Zoloft?

A 2014 study published in International Clinical Psychopharmacology suggested that Lexapro may be more effective and better tolerated than Zoloft or Paxil. Lexapro has different binding site interactions which may lead to better efficacy and tolerability.

Does Lexapro give you energy?

When treating depression, Lexapro (escitalopram) can improve energy levels, help maintain focus, and improve the feeling of lack of concentration, guilt, or worthlessness. Lexapro can also be used to treat general anxiety disorder by easing symptoms of restlessness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Success Story - Depression and Anxiety - Lexapro vs. Zoloft

Will I gain weight on Zoloft?

Experts say that for up to 25% of people, most antidepressant medications -- including the popular SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) drugs like Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft -- can cause a weight gain of 10 pounds or more.

Is Lexapro best for anxiety?

Lexapro (escitalopram) is good for treating depression and anxiety. It's generally well-tolerated and has fewer drug interactions than other antidepressants.

What is the best SSRI for anxiety?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to treat social anxiety disorder. The only SSRIs that are currently FDA-approved for this condition are sertraline (Zoloft) and immediate- and extended-release paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR).

What is the best alternative to Lexapro?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro).

Will Lexapro make me gain weight?

Lexapro is the brand name for a drug called escitalopram, which is a treatment for anxiety and depression. Taking Lexapro may cause a person to gain a small amount of weight. Less commonly, it can cause weight loss. A healthful diet and regular exercise can help to prevent unwanted changes in weight.

Is Zoloft activating or sedating?

But may need a temporary dosage reduction or a more gradual increase of the dosage. Of the SSRIs, Prozac (fluoxetine) is the most likely to cause activation. The latter is due to the effects Zoloft has on dopamine receptors. Although activation can be troublesome, it can be helpful for those with severe fatigue.

What is the strongest antidepressant?

The most effective antidepressant compared to placebo was the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline, which increased the chances of treatment response more than two-fold (odds ratio [OR] 2.13, 95% credible interval [CrI] 1.89 to 2.41).

What is the #1 antidepressant?

Zoloft is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant; nearly 17% of those surveyed in the 2017 antidepressant use study reported that they had taken this medication.

What is the weakest antidepressant?

Those that made the least-effective list of antidepressant drugs sold in the United States included: Luvox (fluvoxamine) Oleptro (trazodone) Prozac (fluoxetine)

What are the top 3 antidepressants?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most prescribed type of antidepressant and include: Fluoxetine. Citalopram. Sertraline.

What is the drug of choice for anxiety?

Benzodiazepines (also known as tranquilizers) are the most widely prescribed type of medication for anxiety. Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour.

What is the 3 3 3 rule for anxiety?

Follow the 3-3-3 rule.

Look around you and name three things you see. Then, name three sounds you hear. Finally, move three parts of your body — your ankle, fingers, or arm.

What are the top 5 medications for anxiety?

SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft, and common SNRI brands are Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Effexor XR. Pros: They are effective for a lot of people and they have a solid safety profile.

What does Lexapro feel like when it starts to work?

Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve.

Is 10mg Lexapro enough for anxiety?

Conclusion: On the whole, numerous clinical data indicate that escitalopram, 10-20 mg/d, is an effective and well-tolerated first-line treatment option for the management of panic disorder, GAD, social anxiety and OCD.

Is it better to take Lexapro in the morning or at night?

You can take escitalopram at any time of day, as long as you stick to the same time every day. If you have trouble sleeping, it's best to take it in the morning.

Can you lose weight on Lexapro?

There are some reports that people begin to lose weight when first taking Lexapro, but this finding is not well supported by research studies. Another study found that Lexapro didn't reduce the obsessive-compulsive symptoms linked to binge-eating disorder, but it did reduce weight and body mass index.

Will Zoloft give me energy?

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, some of the earliest signs that Zoloft is working are improvements in sleep, energy, or appetite. These improvements could happen as soon as one to two weeks into taking the medication.

How can I lose weight on Zoloft?

Sertraline may affect your appetite, causing you to feel less satisfied by food than normal. To minimize weight gain, try to maintain your previous eating habits, such as food choices, portion sizes and meal timing.

What is the best antidepressant for energy and motivation?

Prozac/Fluoxetine

It gives people more energy than other antidepressants which may not work well for someone with insomnia as well as depression. That being said, for those with low energy, it can be helpful. Fluoxetine treats many mental health issues which includes depression, OCD, and panic disorders.