Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsZoloftLexaproHow Do They Work?Side EffectsInteractions and WarningsDifferencesTalking to a ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Zoloft
Lexapro
How Do They Work?
Side Effects
Interactions and Warnings
Differences
Talking to a Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Lexapro (escitalopram) and Zoloft (sertraline) are two prescription medications that treat mood disorders. They are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase the serotonin levels in the brain. While these two medications are similar, some differences are important to note.
This article will cover how Zoloft and Lexapro work and their side effects. It will also discuss conditions that these medications treat.
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Zoloft is used to treat several mental health conditions. It is in theSSRIclass and blocks serotonin reuptake, causing an accumulation ofserotoninin the brain.
Serotonin regulates mood, personality, and wakefulness in the central nervous system (CNS), made up of the brain and spinal cord. By blocking its reuptake and allowing for more serotonin in the brain, Zoloft can benefit certain conditions like depression.
Conditions
Zoloft is approved to treat multiple conditions, including:
Dosage
Zoloft commonly causes insomnia, so it is typically recommended to take it in the morning. Drowsiness occurs less commonly.
For major depressive disorder, the dose starts at 50 milligrams (mg) and can be increased to 200 mg. Other conditions start at 25 mg or 50 mg and can be as high as 200 mg.
Lexapro is aprescriptionmedication that is used to treatanxietyand depression. It is an SSRI and increases serotonin levels in the brain. The conditions, dosage, and effectiveness are discussed below.
Lexapro is indicated to treat the following conditions:
Lexaprois typically taken once per day in the morning or evening.
Effectiveness
A 2017 study found that after 24 weeks on Lexapro, there was an improvement in participants’depression,anxiety, and quality of life.
Lexapro is effective in treating depression in both adolescents and adults.
Taking Lexapro? Here’s What to Expect in the First Week
Do Lexapro and Zoloft Work the Same?
Lexapro and Zoloft work in very similar ways. They are both in theSSRI class of drugsand increase serotonin in the brain.Serotoninis a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger carrying signals between brain nerve cells (neurons). SSRIs like Lexapro and Zoloft block the serotonin from reabsorbing, allowing more serotonin to be available in the brain.
Lexapro and Zoloft Use in Adolescents
Since Lexapro and Zoloft are both SSRIs, they have similar side effects. Gastrointestinal (GI, involving the stomach and intestines) side effects are the most common. Below is a list of the common side effects:
It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider when side effects occur. They may change the medication and its dose or suggest ways to improve the side effects.
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Drug Interactions and Warnings
SSRIs like Zoloft and Lexapro may decrease the body’s ability to form clots and increase bleeding risk.
People need to be aware of this, especially if they are also on anticoagulants or blood thinners that increase bleeding risk, likeJantoven (warfarin), oraspirinand other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
People on Zoloft and Lexapro should not stop the medication abruptly. People on these medications need to be gradually weaned off. Stopping abruptly can lead to side effects such as:
Some medications—when taken with Zoloft or Lexapro—can increase the risk of certain conditions. Always have a current list of medications available so a healthcare provider can cross-reference when starting something new.
These medications also have a risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults.
How Does Lexapro Differ from Zoloft?
Two major differences between Lexapro and Zoloft are their uses for anxiety and the ages they’re approved for.
In addition to treating anxiety and depression, only Zoloft is also approved to treat:
Another key difference is that Zoloft is not approved to treat depression in adolescents, and Lexapro is approved to treat depression in people ages 12 years old and older. Zoloft is approved to treat OCD in children 6 years and older.
Similarities and Differences Between Zoloft and Prozac
Talking to Your Healthcare Provider
Lexapro and Zoloft are two medications that are effective attreatingcertain mental health conditions. However, medication is not the only method fortreating mental health conditions. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to manage symptoms.
Summary
Zoloft and Lexapro are prescription medications from the class of SSRIs. These medications are approved to treat several mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
As with most medications, people must be aware of potential side effects and drug interactions. Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting a new medication to ensure it is safe for your situation.
Frequently Asked QuestionsZoloft and Lexapro both have similar side effects, and the amount of side effects will vary from person to person based on their diagnosis and dosage.Zoloft is approved to be used for more mental health conditions. However, that does not mean it is better than Lexapro. Only a healthcare provider can decide which one is right for you.Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns. There may be reasons to switch from one medication to another, but they need to be evaluated first. Always make sure you slowly wean off Lexapro or Zoloft. Do not abruptly stop.
Zoloft and Lexapro both have similar side effects, and the amount of side effects will vary from person to person based on their diagnosis and dosage.
Zoloft is approved to be used for more mental health conditions. However, that does not mean it is better than Lexapro. Only a healthcare provider can decide which one is right for you.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns. There may be reasons to switch from one medication to another, but they need to be evaluated first. Always make sure you slowly wean off Lexapro or Zoloft. Do not abruptly stop.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) label.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) label.Jiang K, Li L, Wang X, et al.Efficacy and tolerability of escitalopram in treatment of major depressive disorder with anxiety symptoms: a 24-week, open-label, prospective study in Chinese population.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2017;13:515-526. doi:10.2147/NDT.S120190MedlinePlus.Antidepressants.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) label.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) label.Jiang K, Li L, Wang X, et al.Efficacy and tolerability of escitalopram in treatment of major depressive disorder with anxiety symptoms: a 24-week, open-label, prospective study in Chinese population.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2017;13:515-526. doi:10.2147/NDT.S120190MedlinePlus.Antidepressants.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) label.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) label.Jiang K, Li L, Wang X, et al.Efficacy and tolerability of escitalopram in treatment of major depressive disorder with anxiety symptoms: a 24-week, open-label, prospective study in Chinese population.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2017;13:515-526. doi:10.2147/NDT.S120190MedlinePlus.Antidepressants.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) label.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) label.
Jiang K, Li L, Wang X, et al.Efficacy and tolerability of escitalopram in treatment of major depressive disorder with anxiety symptoms: a 24-week, open-label, prospective study in Chinese population.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2017;13:515-526. doi:10.2147/NDT.S120190
MedlinePlus.Antidepressants.
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