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Compare Lexapro vs. Prozac

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Lexapro (escitalopram) and Prozac (fluoxetine) are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used to treat depression, but they have some differences. Lexapro is also approved for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), while Prozac is used for a wider range of conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia, panic disorder, depression from bipolar 1 disorder, and treatment-resistant depression. Lexapro is typically taken once daily, whereas Prozac can be taken once daily or, if using the delayed-release formulation, once weekly for depression. Common side effects for both include nausea and trouble sleeping, but Prozac is more likely to cause headaches and anxiety. Both medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in people under 24. Lexapro is considered a first-choice option for anxiety and depression, while Prozac is a good choice for multiple mental health conditions.

  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)
    Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)
    Fluoxetine (Prozac)

  • Summary of Lexapro vs. Prozac

    Summary for SSRI
    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.

    Summary for SSRI
    Prescription only

    Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's used to treat several mental health conditions, including depression and panic disorder. The immediate-release pill and liquid are taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. The delayed-release capsule is taken weekly, but it's approved only for depression. Some common side effects of fluoxetine (Prozac) include headaches, difficulty sleeping, and tiredness. Don't suddenly stop this medication if you've been taking it for a while; doing so can lead to symptoms of withdrawal.

  • Indications of Lexapro vs. Prozac

    Indications for
    •Depression in people ages 12 years and older
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in people ages 7 years and older
    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD)
    •Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
    •Bulimia
    •Panic disorder
    •Depression from bipolar 1 disorder
    •Treatment resistant depression

  • Pros and Cons of Lexapro vs. Prozac

    Pros and Const for SSRI
    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
    Pros and Const for SSRI
    Pros
    •Good choice for treating depression, OCD, and panic disorder
    •Less likely to make you sleepy compared to some other antidepressants, such as paroxetine (Paxil)
    •Taken by mouth, typically once daily (IR capsules and liquid) or once weekly (DR capsules, for depression only)
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Can take up to 2 months for you to feel the full effects of the medication
    •Can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and/or behavior in those age 24 or younger
    •Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

  • Common Side Effects of Lexapro vs. Prozac

    Common Side Effects for
    •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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Difficulty falling asleep (up to 33%)
    •Nausea (up to 29%)
    •Headache (21%)
    •Weakness (up to 21%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 18%)
    •Low appetite (up to 17%)
    •Drowsiness (up to 17%)
    •Anxiety (up to 15%)
    •Nervousness (up to 14%)
    •Tremor (up to 13%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 12%)
    •Throat pain (up to 11%)
    •Yawning (up to 11%)
    •Low sex drive (up to 11%)

  • Warnings of Lexapro vs. Prozac

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Anxiety and trouble sleeping
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Glaucoma
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

  • Prices with our coupons for Lexapro vs. Prozac

    Learn more about Escitalopram
    Learn more about Fluoxetine

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