Lexapro vs Zoloft – Lexapro and Zoloft are both antidepressants belonging to the class of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which help increase the availability of serotonin in the brain. They are commonly prescribed to treat depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Lexapro or Zoloft, which is better?
Zoloft is marketed under the names Aremis and Besitran. Meanwhile, Lexapro is sold in pharmacies under the names Esertia and Cipralex. In many other countries worldwide, Lexapro is sold under the trade name Escitalopram.
Similarities between Lexapro and Zoloft
The main similarity between Lexapro and Zoloft is that they belong to the same family of antidepressants. The group of antidepressants to which they belong is called SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
These are two antidepressants with similar efficacy and tolerability in depression. Both are considered activating antidepressants, so they are preferably prescribed in the morning. In general, they are two very well-tolerated antidepressants with slight differences, which we will now see in their side effect profile. Even in pregnant and lactating women, they have very high safety.
“Lexapro and Zoloft are two very safe and effective antidepressants in depression, anxiety, and OCD.” To choose between Lexapro or Zoloft, we must look at their differences rather than their similarities. Let’s see the most significant differences below, and which may be a better antidepressant: Lexapro or Zoloft?
Drug Information
| Feature | Zoloft | Lexapro |
| Generic Name | Sertraline | Escitalopram |
| Forms | Oral tablet, solution | Oral tablet, solution |
| Strengths | Tablet: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg; Solution: 20 mg/mL | Tablet: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg; Solution: 1 mg/mL |
| Age for Use | 18 years and older* | 12 years and older |
| Dosage | Determined by doctor | Determined by doctor |
| Length of Treatment | Long-term | Long-term |
| Storage | Room temperature away from heat/moisture | Room temperature away from heat/moisture |
| Risk of Withdrawal | Yes† | Yes† |
Benefits of Lexapro (Escitalopram):
- Effective for Depression
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Fewer Drug Interactions
- Well-tolerated
- Long-Term Treatment
- Adolescent Use
- Benefits of Zoloft (Sertraline):
- Effective for Depression
- OCD Treatment
- Panic Disorder
- PTSD Treatment
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- PMDD Management
- Variety of Forms
- Safe for Long-Term Use
- Adolescent OCD
Comparison of Lexapro VS Zoloft
| Benefit | Lexapro | Zoloft |
| Depression Treatment | Yes | Yes |
| Generalized Anxiety Disorder | Yes | No |
| Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) | No | Yes |
| Panic Disorder | No | Yes |
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | No | Yes |
| Social Anxiety Disorder | No | Yes |
| Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) | No | Yes |
| Forms Available | Oral tablet, oral solution | Oral tablet, oral solution |
| Long-Term Treatment | Yes | Yes |
| Adolescent Use | Yes (12 years and older) | Yes (OCD treatment in children) |
| Side Effect Profile | Favorable | Varies, but adequate for multiple conditions |
| Drug Interactions | Fewer compared to some others | Typical for SSRIs |
Common Side Effects of Lexapro VS Zoloft
| Side Effect | Lexapro | Zoloft |
| Nausea | Yes | Yes |
| Sleepiness | Yes | Yes |
| Weakness | Yes | Yes |
| Dizziness | Yes | Yes |
| Anxiety | Yes | Yes |
| Trouble Sleeping | Yes | Yes |
| Sexual Problems | Yes | Yes |
| Sweating | Yes | Yes |
| Shaking | Yes | Yes |
| Loss of Appetite | Yes | Yes |
| Dry Mouth | Yes | Yes |
| Constipation | Yes | |
| Respiratory Infections | Yes | Yes |
| Yawning | Yes | Yes |
| Diarrhea | Yes | Yes |
| Indigestion | Yes | Yes |
Serious Side Effects of Lexapro VS Zoloft
| Side Effect | Lexapro | Zoloft |
| Suicidal Actions or Thoughts | Yes | Yes |
| Serotonin Syndrome* | Yes | Yes |
| Severe Allergic Reactions | Yes | Yes |
| Abnormal Bleeding | Yes | Yes |
| Seizures or Convulsions | Yes | Yes |
| Manic Episodes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight Gain or Loss | Yes | Yes |
| Low Sodium Levels | Yes | Yes |
| Eye Problems** | Yes | Yes |
Drug Interactions
| Interacting Drugs | Lexapro | Zoloft |
| MAOIs (e.g., selegiline, phenelzine) | Yes | Yes |
| Pimozide | Yes | Yes |
| Blood Thinners (e.g., warfarin, aspirin) | Yes | Yes |
| NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) | Yes | Yes |
| Lithium | Yes | Yes |
| Other Antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, venlafaxine) | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-anxiety Drugs (e.g., buspirone, duloxetine) | Yes | Yes |
| Antiseizure Drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine) | Yes | Yes |
| Migraine Medications (e.g., sumatriptan, ergotamine) | Yes | Yes |
| Sleeping Medications (e.g., zolpidem) | Yes | Yes |
| Metoprolol | Yes | Yes |
| Disulfiram | Yes* | |
| Irregular Heartbeat Medications (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion
Lexapro Vs Zoloft helps with depression and anxiety, but it can also cause side effects. Tell your doctor about any other health problems and medicines you take before starting Lexapro. This helps the doctor keep you safe from side effects. If you do get side effects, tell your doctor. They might give you a different medicine if you can’t handle the side effects.