We take many medications without consulting doctors, which leads to side effects. Zoloft and Lexapro are two different drugs prescribed for mood swings or depression. But without a prescription, you can not buy these medicines.
Key Takeaways
- Zoloft (sertraline) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) prescribed for depression and anxiety disorders.
- Zoloft is also approved for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, while Lexapro is not.
- Both medications effectively treat mental health conditions, but the choice between them depends on the specific diagnosis and individual response to the drug.
Zoloft vs Lexapro
Zoloft is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Lexapro is used to treat depression and anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder.
The generic name of Zoloft is Sertraline which is also the brand name of Zoloft. Zoloft acts as an antidepressant. The side effects caused by Zoloft will make it different from other drugs.
It works effectively for depression with confined side effects. In order to the older drugs called tricyclic antidepressants, Zoloft has better performance.
Compared to fluoxetine, Zoloft works with subtypes of depression. For treating panic disorders and social anxiety disorders, Zoloft can be used. For cognitive-behavioural therapy, the treatment includes the drug Zoloft.
The generic name of the Lexapro is Escitalopram, and the brand name of the Lexapro is Cipralex. It also acts as an antidepressant drug. Lexapro can be used to treat anxiety disorders and depressive disorders.
It is consumed only by mouth. Nausea, sexual problems, and tired feeling are common side effects of Lexapro. Severe side effects like suicidal thoughts and depression may occur.
In 2002, Lexapro got its medical approval and was introduced into the medical field. Often Lexapro can be replaced by citalopram by taking two doses.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of comparison | Zoloft | Lexapro |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | The generic name of Zoloft is sertraline | The generic name of Lexapro is escitalopram |
| Tablet strength | The tablet strength of Zoloft is 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg | The tablet strength of Lexapro is 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg |
| Age consideration | People above 18 years older can take Zoloft | People above 12 years old can take Lexapro |
| Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) | For post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Zoloft is not prescribed | For post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Lexapro can be prescribed |
What is Zoloft?
The generic name of Zoloft is Sertraline which is also the brand name of Zoloft. Zoloft acts as an antidepressant. The side effects caused by Zoloft will make it different from other drugs.
It works effectively for depression with confined side effects. In order to the older drugs called tricyclic antidepressants, Zoloft has better performance. Compared to fluoxetine, Zoloft works with subtypes of depression.
For treating panic disorders and social anxiety disorders, Zoloft can be used. For cognitive-behavioural therapy, the treatment includes the drug Zoloft.
Zoloft can be used for many mental illnesses. For post-traumatic disorder, Zoloft creates great impact and improvement. It can be used in sub-therapeutic doses.
Side effects like nausea, constipation, insomnia, and weight gain are may caused. For cognitive disability, Zoloft performs mildly.
The continuous usage of Zoloft will cause suicidal thoughts and behavioural changes in the human body. People aged under 25 may affect severely by high usage, which causes hundreds of side effects.
The usage of Zoloft has many restrictions. The wrong combinations may also cause death. Along with MAO inhibitors, Zoloft can not be used. If it is used like this, then serotonin syndrome will occur.
There is a chance of an increase in heart disorders for women who consume Zoloft during their pregnancy. It severely affects those newborn babies.
In 1991, Zoloft was invented and introduced into the medical field. It is listed in the essential medicines of the World Health Organization.
What is Lexapro?
The generic name of the Lexapro is Escitalopram, and the brand name of the Lexapro is Cipralex. It also acts as an antidepressant drug.
Lexapro can be used to treat anxiety disorders and depressive disorders. It is consumed only by mouth. Nausea, sexual problems, and tired feeling are common side effects of Lexapro.
Severe side effects like suicidal thoughts and depression may occur. In 2002, Lexapro got its medical approval and was introduced into the medical field. Often Lexapro can be replaced by citalopram by taking two doses.
In 2019, Lexapro became the most essential drug in the World Health Organization. Over 27 million prescriptions will be done by the year 2020.
Lexapro has 80%bioavailability. Desmethylcitalopram and di desmethyl citalopram are the two metabolites secreted by Lexapro.
Diseases like tachycardia, dyskinesia, and clonus may cause due to high doses. The blood levels get increased above 20-80 g/L.
Lexapro is a prescribed drug in the form of a tablet and solution. It can be consumed only by the mouth. People above 12 years are approved or allowed to take the Lexapro drug. Lexapro will come under serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
It is not a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Continuous usage may cause various side effects and result in high risk.
Main Differences Between Zoloft and Lexapro
- Zoloft can interact with the drug called disulfiram, whereas Lexapro interacts with Metropol.
- The continuous usage of Zoloft causes kidney problems, but Lexapro can not cause any serious illness.
- People above 18 years older can take Zoloft, whereas people above 12 years old can take Lexapro.
- The strength of the Zoloft solution is 20 mg/mL, whereas the strength of the Lexapro solution is 1 mg/ml.
- The generic name of Zoloft is sertraline, and the generic name of Lexapro is escitalopram.
- https://www.jse.ac.cn/EN/10.3724/SP.J.1002.2008.08038
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352340919301891
Last Updated : 14 June, 2023
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The risks and benefits associated with Zoloft and Lexapro are clearly delineated in this article. It serves as a reminder of the necessity of adhering to professional medical advice and not self-medicating to avoid any adverse consequences.
The detailed information provided here helps in understanding the potential side effects and risks associated with Zoloft and Lexapro. It emphasizes the importance of approaching medications with caution and under the guidance of licensed healthcare professionals.
Absolutely, Vkelly. The comprehensive overview of Zoloft and Lexapro in this article is extremely valuable. It underscores the complexities of managing mental health conditions and the need for personalized medical advice in such cases.
This article effectively highlights the differences between Zoloft and Lexapro, shedding light on the specific conditions they are prescribed for and the potential risks involved. It’s a meticulous examination of these medications, providing readers with essential knowledge for informed decision-making.
This comparison between Zoloft and Lexapro is well-structured and easy to understand. It clearly outlines the essential differences and highlights the specific uses of each medication. Great resource for anyone looking to understand the distinctions between these two common antidepressants.
Very informative article. It’s important to highlight the risks and benefits of taking medications without the proper medical guidance. It must be noted that any potential medications or changes to one’s current routine should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Exactly, Sonia49! It’s crucial for the general public to be informed about the severe risks associated with self-prescribing medications like Zoloft and Lexapro. Your comment is a refreshing reminder of the importance of consulting a professional health provider.
The article presents a thorough and enlightening comparison of Zoloft and Lexapro. It offers valuable insights into the distinct uses and potential side effects of these medications, serving as an educational resource for readers seeking this information.