Escitalopram vs. Sertraline for Depression and Anxiety: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Escitalopram

(Lexapro)

Sertraline

(Zoloft)

Summary for Escitalopram

Prescription only

Escitalopram, also known by its brand name, Lexapro, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's a first-choice antidepressant to treat depression and anxiety in adults and children. The medication is available as a tablet and oral solution, in both brand and generic forms. A dose is typically taken by mouth once per day. Some common side effects include nausea, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and dizziness.

Indications for Escitalopram

Depression in people ages 12 years and older
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in people ages 7 years and older

Pros and Cons for Escitalopram

Pros

First-choice medication for anxiety and depression
Only need to take it once a day
Generally has fewer side effects compared to other antidepressants
Can be taken with or without food

Cons

Can take up to 2 months before you feel the the full benefits
Risk of certain sexual problems
Can raise your risk for bleeds
Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

Common Side Effects for Escitalopram

Headache (24%)
Nausea (15-18%)
Ejaculation problems (9-14%)
Sleepiness (6-13%)
Trouble sleeping (9-12%)
Dry mouth (6-9%)
Diarrhea (8%)
Tiredness (5-8%)

Warnings for Escitalopram

Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
Serotonin syndrome
Stopping escitalopram (Lexapro) too suddenly
Risk of bleeding
Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
Glaucoma
Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
Low blood sodium levels
Sexual problems

Summary for Sertraline

Prescription only

Sertraline (Zoloft) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's used to treat different mental health conditions, including depression and certain types of anxiety disorder, such as panic disorder. It's typically taken by mouth once per day. This medication is available as both a tablet and liquid. Common side effects of sertraline (Zoloft) include nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth. It's best to avoid alcohol while taking sertraline (Zoloft) because this combination can worsen side effects of sertraline (Zoloft).

Indications for Sertraline

Pros and Cons for Sertraline

Pros

Taken by mouth once daily
A possible option during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Fewer interactions compared to other SSRIs
Less likely to cause weight gain compared to paroxetine (Paxil)
Available as a generic

Cons

Can take up to 2 months before you feel the full benefits
More likely to cause diarrhea compared to other SSRIs
Might make it more difficult for you to fall asleep
Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it
The liquid form contains alcohol

Common Side Effects for Sertraline

Nausea (26%)
Diarrhea (20%)
Difficulty sleeping (20%)
Dry mouth (14%)
Sleepiness (12%)

Warnings for Sertraline

Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
Serotonin syndrome
Risk of bleeding
Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
Glaucoma
Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
Low blood sodium levels

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Escitalopram30 tablets / 10mg

$9.51$17.10

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Sertraline30 tablets / 50mg

$9.62-

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Escitalopram vs. Sertraline

Escitalopram

Sertraline

Summary for Escitalopram

Indications for Escitalopram

Pros and Cons for Escitalopram

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Escitalopram

Warnings for Escitalopram

Summary for Sertraline

Indications for Sertraline

Pros and Cons for Sertraline

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Sertraline

Warnings for Sertraline

Prices with our coupons for Escitalopram vs. Sertraline

Browse medications by letter

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Escitalopram

Sertraline

Summary for Escitalopram

Indications for Escitalopram

Pros and Cons for Escitalopram

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Escitalopram

Warnings for Escitalopram

Summary for Sertraline

Indications for Sertraline

Pros and Cons for Sertraline

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Sertraline

Warnings for Sertraline