Lexapro Vs Zoloft: Which Is More Effective For You?

If you are experiencing severe anxiety or depression, relief is possible with the right treatment plan. Medication is frequently used to treat anxiety disorders and depression. You may want to start by narrowing your search for a better choice of drugs. 

When it comes to prescription antidepressants, patients frequently try a variety of medications before finding the one that works best for them. Lexapro (Escitalopram) and Zoloft (Sertraline) are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) used to treat depression and other mental illnesses. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which aids in mood maintenance. Other SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and citalopram ( Celexa).

The Food and Drug Administration approved Zoloft for patient use in 1999 and Lexapro in 2002, and while the medications work similarly, they differ significantly in terms of indications and side effects. Know more in detail.

What Is Lexapro?

Lexapro is the brand name of Escitalopram. Escitalopram is a first-line antidepressant used to treat depression and anxiety. You can get Lexapro online only with a doctor's prescription, as It is an SSRI class of medicine approved for acute and maintenance treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescents and adults aged 12-17 years and the acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults.

Label Indications include:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa
• Panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

How Does Lexapro Work?

Escitalopram binds to the presynaptic neuron's sodium-dependent serotonin transporter protein (SERT). The sodium-dependent serotonin transporter (SERT) works by re-transporting serotonin from the synaptic cleft to the presynaptic neuron. 

Escitalopram inactivates this sodium-dependent serotonin transporter protein, preventing serotonin reuptake from the synaptic cleft and thus amplifying serotonin's effect in the central nervous system.

What Is Zoloft?

The brand name of Sertraline is Zoloft. It belongs to SSRI. You can buy Zoloft online to treat conditions such as Major Depressive Disorder(MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, PTSD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and social anxiety disorder. Sertraline is taken orally once a day, in the morning or evening.

Off-label indications include:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa
• Premature ejaculation
• Body dysmorphic disorder

How Does Zoloft Work?

Zoloft or Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works primarily by inhibiting presynaptic serotonin reuptake. Serotonin accumulates due to the inhibition of serotonin reuptake. Serotonin in the central nervous system regulates mood, personality, and wakefulness.

What Are The Differences Between Lexapro And Zoloft?

Lexapro and Zoloft are both FDA-approved anxiety and depression medications that belong to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The following table compares the difference between each medication:

What Are The Similarities Between Lexapro And Zoloft?

As both Lexapro and Zoloft are SSRIs, they share many similarities that include, Both medications inhibit serotonin reuptake in the body, increasing serotonin levels. Other than that, Lexapro and Zoloft have common side effects such as headache, nausea and vomiting, nervousness and anxiety, dizziness, erectile dysfunction, tremor, and weight gain or weight loss.

If you abruptly stop taking Zoloft or Lexapro, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, which is why both are prescription drugs, and neither is a controlled substance. As the medicine belongs to the same drug class, its interactions are also the same; medications like monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pimozide, tramadol, and St John's wort should not be taken when consuming any of the medicine Lexapro or Zoloft.

Lexapro Vs Zoloft: Withdrawal Symptoms

If you stop taking Zoloft or Lexapro too suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes,  withdrawal symptoms are mild and last only a week or two. In other cases, withdrawal symptoms can last for weeks or even months. These symptoms include

Lexapro Vs Zoloft: Weight Gain

Weight gain is a common side effect of antidepressant medication. While some of these medications may cause more weight gain than others, in some cases, weight gain is not directly caused by the drug.

A 2015 study published in General Hospital Psychiatry found that both Lexapro and Zoloft and other antidepressant medications could also cause weight gain. According to research, long-term use of both drugs may result in weight gain. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine discovered that people taking Zoloft gained an average of 10.5 pounds over two years.

According to a 2011 study published in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, people taking Lexapro for 12 weeks gained less than a pound. In contrast, a 2007 study in Current Medical Research and Opinion found that people taking Lexapro for eight months earned an average of 4 pounds.

Read more:

• Does Sertraline Cause Weight Gain?
• Does Lexapro Cause Weight Gain?

How Long Do Lexapro And Zoloft Take to Work?

Lexapro, like most SSRIs, can improve sleep quality, energy, and appetite within the first two weeks. However, it may take 6 to 8 weeks or longer before symptoms such as depression or decreased interest in activities begin to improve.

Zoloft (Sertraline) can take 4 to 6 weeks of regular dosing to achieve the full therapeutic effect for symptom improvement. The first effects of treatment may appear within the first 1 to 2 weeks. Some patients may require a more extended period.

How Should Lexapro And Zoloft Be Taken?

The consumption pattern of any medication differs in various aspects. When consuming medicine, having a word with your doctor is essential. They will guide you to the best possible way of taking medicine.

Recommended starting dose, whether for depression or anxiety, is typically 10 mg taken once daily. 
If necessary, your doctor or prescribing nurse may gradually increase the dosage over several weeks. 
Although the recommended dose is 20 mg, some require higher doses to relieve symptoms.
Lexapro is administered once daily, with or without food. It can be taken in the morning or evening, depending on your schedule.

Initially, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of Zoloft, such as 25 or 50 mg per day. 
If necessary, they may gradually increase your dosage over several weeks. 
The maximum recommended daily dose is typically 200 mg, though some people require higher doses for symptom relief.
Zoloft is usually taken once a day (in the morning or evening), with or without food.

Which Is Effective: Lexapro Vs Zoloft?

In clinical trials, Zoloft was significantly more effective than a placebo in treating Major Depressive Disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, OCD, SAD, and PMDD. 

For Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Lexapro was significantly more effective than a placebo in clinical studies.

According to a 2014 study published in International Clinical Psychopharmacology, Lexapro may be more effective and well-tolerated than Zoloft. Lexapro has various binding site interactions that may improve efficacy and tolerability. In another study, however, patients taking Zoloft had outcomes better than those of patients taking Lexapro in terms of adherence, drug costs, and healthcare costs.

However, the most effective medication should be determined by your doctor after considering your medical condition(s), medical history, and other medications you are taking.

Possible Side Effects

Every person reacts differently to medication. Some patients may experience side effects when taking Zoloft or Lexapro. Some side effects of Lexapro and Zoloft may be severe and require immediate medical attention.

Lexapro

Zoloft

Lexapro vs Zoloft: Precautions

Medication can be an essential part of your overall health. When people use drugs, they should take special precautions, which may include seeking medical advice.

Lexapro

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have a personal or family history of bipolar/manic-depressive disorder, suicide attempts, liver disease, seizures, bleeding problems, low sodium in the blood, or angle-closure glaucoma.
• Take Lexapro as directed by your doctor.
  Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to Zoloft or other drugs.
• Store Zoloft at room temperature in a tightly sealed container away from heat, moisture, and direct light. 
• Do not stop taking this medication abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this may result in withdrawal symptoms.
• The Lexapro Black Box warning states that children, adolescents, and young adults who take antidepressants may be more likely to have suicidal thoughts or behaviors. FDA did not approve the use of Lexapro in children under the age of 12. It has no upper age limit for use.
• Taking Escitalopram in the final month of pregnancy may slightly increase your risk of postpartum bleeding.
• Escitalopram enters breast milk. It has been linked to side effects such as unusual irritability, restlessness, and sickness in a few breastfed babies.

Zoloft

• Before beginning Zoloft, talk to your doctor about your medications and medical history.
• Take Zoloft as directed.
• Instruct patients and caregivers to watch for the emergence of suicidality when the dose is
• increased or decreased and to report any such symptoms.
• Before using Zoloft oral solution, dilute it. Make sure you don't prepare the mixture ahead of time.
• Sudden discontinuation of Zoloft may cause withdrawal symptoms.
• Taking Zoloft with serotonergic drugs such as triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, and tramadol may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Inform pregnant women that Zoloft may cause withdrawal symptoms or persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborn babies.

Lexapro vs Zoloft: Pros And Cons

As every medication has different ways of consuming medicine, There are pros and cons too. There is no guarantee that any medication would work the best for you. There are cons to the drug too. Find out the pros and cons.

Lexapro

Zoloft

Lexapro vs Zoloft: Drug Interactions

An interaction between two medications does not always necessitate the discontinuation of one of them. Discuss with your doctor how to manage any drug interactions.

Lexapro

• The use of Lexapro with pimozide can cause serious heart problems.
• Lexapro, combined with a triptan, may cause serotonin syndrome.
• Avoid using Lexapro within 14 days of taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as
• Selegiline and Phenelzine as it increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of antidepressant medications while also increasing their side effects, such as sedation.
• Concomitant use of Lexapro with Pimozide, antiplatelet drugs, NSAIDs, blood thinners, and aspirin increases the risk of bleeding.
• Macrolide antibiotics such as Zithromax may also interact with Lexapro.

Zoloft

• Suppose you start taking Zoloft within 14 days of stopping an MAO inhibitor. In that case, you may experience confusion, agitation, restlessness, stomach or intestinal symptoms, sudden high body temperature, extremely high blood pressure, or severe convulsions.
• Avoid the use of Alcohol with Zoloft because it can cause sedation.
• When combined with the following drugs, Zoloft increases the risk of bleeding: pimozide, antiplatelet drugs, NSAIDs, blood thinners, and aspirin.
• Taking Linezolid, intravenous methylene blue, and Sertraline together increases your risk of developing serotonin syndrome.
• Pimozide combined with Zoloft can result in serious heart problems.

Bottom Line From Practical Anxiety Solutions

Patients often try different prescription antidepressants before finding one that works for them. Lexapro and Zoloft treat depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health issues.

They are both considered effective, safe, and tolerable first-line medications for the mental health conditions they are approved to treat. In addition to rebalancing your emotions, they can help restore your quality of life and improve your ability to function daily.

Mild side effects may occur as a person's body adjusts to either medication. Some patients may have long-term side effects. If side effects worsen, it is best to seek immediate medical attention. Talk about the benefits and risks of Lexapro and Zoloft with your doctor.