What is the Difference Between Lexapro and Zoloft?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Lexapro and Zoloft are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used to treat mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. They work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps maintain mood. However, there are some differences between the two medications:
- Conditions treated: Zoloft is approved to treat a wider range of conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD), while Lexapro is primarily prescribed for depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
- Side effects: Both medications share many common side effects, such as nausea. However, there are some differences in side effects, with Lexapro being more likely to cause sleep disturbances and Zoloft being more likely to cause skin rash or diarrhea.
- Effectiveness: There is some evidence suggesting that Lexapro may be more effective than other SSRIs, including Zoloft, in the treatment of depression.
- FDA approval: Lexapro was FDA approved in 2002, while Zoloft was FDA approved in 1991.
- Branded versions: Lexapro is the branded version of escitalopram, and Zoloft is the branded version of sertraline.
Both medications are available in most pharmacies in both brand-name and generic versions, with generics generally being cheaper than brand-name products. Health insurance plans typically cover antidepressant medications such as Lexapro and Zoloft. The drug interactions of Lexapro and Zoloft are very similar, and both medications are prescription drugs that are not considered controlled substances.
Comparative Table: Lexapro vs Zoloft
Lexapro and Zoloft are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used to treat mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Here is a table comparing the key differences and similarities between the two medications:
| Attribute | Lexapro | Zoloft |
|---|---|---|
| Brand name | Lexapro | Zoloft |
| Generic name | Escitalopram | Sertraline |
| FDA approval year | 2002 | 1999 |
| Forms | Oral tablet, oral solution | Oral tablet, oral solution, capsule |
| Strengths | Tablet: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg; Solution: 1 mg/mL | Tablet: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg; Solution: 20 mg/mL |
| Age limitations | 12 years and older | 18 years and older |
| Conditions treated | Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) | Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) |
Both medications are available in most pharmacies in brand-name and generic versions, with generics generally being cheaper than brand-name products. Health insurance plans typically cover antidepressant medications such as Lexapro and Zoloft, but they may prefer you to use the generic versions. The most common side effects and drug interactions for both medications are also similar, as they are both SSRIs.
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