What is the difference between Lexapro and Zoloft?

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.

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, and several other mental health conditions.

Is Zoloft or Lexapro better?

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 have less side effects than 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.

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.

Are Zoloft and Lexapro in the same class?

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Both Lexapro and Zoloft belong to the class of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and are both FDA approved to treat anxiety and depression. Both are available in tablet and liquid forms.

What Are The Differences Between SSRIs (Sertraline, Escitalopram, and Citalopram)

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.

Does Zoloft or Lexapro cause more weight gain?

While head-to-head comparisons for Zoloft vs Lexapro are not available, studies suggest that both can cause weight gain when taken long-term. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2016, for example, found that people taking Zoloft over a two-year period gained an average of 10.5 pounds.

Will I gain weight on Lexapro?

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.

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.

Will I gain weight on Zoloft?

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Zoloft (sertraline) may lead to a small weight gain ranging from 1% to 1.6% of initial body weight when used over 6 months to 1 year. For example, in a 150 lb (68 kg) person, this would equal an added 1.5 to 2.4 lbs (0.7 to 1.1 kg) of weight.

What does Lexapro do for anxiety?

Lexapro is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. SSRIs increase levels of serotonin in the brain, which can improve mood and emotional regulation. This benefits people with clinical depression and anxiety. Lexapro is extremely popular in the United States.

Which is 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).

Is Lexapro the Best antidepressant?

Based on their analysis, the review authors concluded sertraline and escitalopram were the best antidepressants overall in terms of efficacy and patient acceptability.

Is Lexapro a mood stabilizer?

Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs work by slowing the reabsorption of serotonin back into nerve cells, to maintain higher serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a hormone that helps stabilize mood, happiness, and a sense of well-being.

Is Lexapro a strong drug?

Lexapro is a powerful drug used to treat depression and anxiety. While it can be very effective, it may also cause side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor about other health conditions you have and medications you take before starting Lexapro.

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

What is the best time of day to take Lexapro for anxiety? While Lexapro can be taken in the morning or the evening, because it may cause trouble sleeping, some people find it better to take it in the morning.

Does Lexapro make you feel happy?

Serotonin is at the root of this. SSRIs like Lexapro work by increasing levels of this chemical, which is involved in feeling happier, calmer, and more focused. Serotonin is also involved in appetite.

What is the success rate of Lexapro?

The overall response and remission rates after escitalopram monotherapy were 68.4% and 46.4%, respectively. The response rate was 76.9%, 63.7%, and 63.0%, in mild, moderate, and moderate–severe subgroups, respectively, showing significant difference among them (P < .

Can you lose weight while 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.

Can Zoloft help weight loss?

Weight loss is a common side effect of Zoloft, affecting children and adolescents more frequently than adults, who need close monitoring when taking this drug. According to eMedTV, 7 percent of children taking Zoloft experienced weight loss of greater than 7 percent of their body weight.

Does Lexapro change your personality?

Fact: When taken correctly, antidepressants will not change your personality. They will help you feel like yourself again and return to your previous level of functioning.

What is a good alternative to Lexapro?

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

What is the best antidepressant for weight loss?

Of these three medications, bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most consistently associated with weight loss. Several studies, including a 2019 meta-analysis of 27 studies, found that bupropion (Wellbutrin) was the only commonly used antidepressant associated with weight loss.

How can I avoid gaining weight on Zoloft?