Lexapro vs Zoloft | Escitalopram vs Sertraline
Lexapro and Zoloft are antidepressant drugs. These drugs show their activity by the same mechanism of action. They are categorized as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter; a chemical which is responsible for neural signaling in the brain. Among the various similarities, these drugs also show various differences.
Lexapro
Lexapro is also known by the generic name Escitalopram. This drug is frequently prescribed as a medicine for anxiety, depression, OCD and panic disorder. It is effective for a variety of mental health issues by increasing activity of certain chemicals inside the brain. But there is a tendency that Lexapro may intensify the depression feeling of a person when the medicine is actually prescribed to reduce it. Careful attention should be given to a person who is under the medication because self-harming and suicidal feelings are high in the beginning of usage. The dosage of medicine should be frequently monitored by a doctor and is differed depending on the level of response. The medicine addresses special and sensitive mental health issues; therefore, these should not be shared with anybody who has no medical approval.
The drug is very strong; therefore, it is not prescribed to people over 65, people who are allergic, under electroconvulsive therapy, diabetic, epileptic, who have a history of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, who have a weak heart, liver, or kidney, and people who have or had mania. Lexapro is not given to patients under 18 years old and can affect concentration. It is advisable to stay away from operating machinery and driving while under medication. Alcohol use is not encouraged because it may increase side effects. When Lexapro is taken during pregnancy, the baby may suffer from serotogenic or withdrawal symptoms after birth. For men, the drug can cause infertility as it reduces sperm production. Some medicine like antihistamines, antimicrobials, antipsychotics, medicine affecting central nervous system, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, other antidepressants etc. should not be taken simultaneously because they can interact and cause complications.
Zoloft
Zoloft is also known by the generic name Sertraline. It is a drug that is being used to treat depression, Obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphonic disorder, and many other conditions. Number of other drugs should not be taken simultaneously with Zoloft. They are Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, pain killers, sleeping tablets, muscle relaxers, cold and allergy medicine, and other anxiety drugs. It is advisable to seek special medical advice if a person who is planning to take Zoloft has a medical history of kidney disease, epilepsy, blood clotting disorder, drug abuse, manic disorder etc. some side effects associated with Zoloft are confusion, uneven heart rate, hallucinations, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, difficulty in concentration and various others.
What is the difference between Lexapro and Zoloft?
• Among many similar side effects Zoloft causes weight loss (which, in fact, should not be taken as a plus point) but Lexapro does not affect the weight.
• Although Lexapro is sometimes prescribed to children with depression, Zoloft is not prescribed to children.