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Compare Luvox vs. Lexapro

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

Key takeaways

Fluvoxamine (former brand name: Luvox) and Lexapro (generic name: escitalopram) are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), but they are used to treat different conditions. Fluvoxamine is primarily prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and is available only in generic form, while Lexapro is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and is available as both a brand name and generic medication. Fluvoxamine can be taken once or twice daily, depending on the form, and may cause more side effects like nausea and sleep problems compared to other SSRIs. Lexapro is typically taken once daily and may start showing effects within a week, though full benefits can take up to two months. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly and have risks of serious side effects like suicidal thoughts and serotonin syndrome. However, Lexapro is noted for having fewer drug interactions and side effects compared to some other SSRIs.

  • Fluvoxamine
    Escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • Fluvoxamine
    Escitalopram (Lexapro)

  • Summary of Luvox vs. Lexapro

    Summary for SSRI
    Prescription only

    Fluvoxamine maleate is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's one of the first-choice treatment options for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and children ages 8 years and older. Fluvoxamine is taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily, depending on your dose and whether you're taking the immediate-release tablet or the extended-release capsule. Fluvoxamine can cause a number of unpleasant side effects, including nausea, sleep problems, and headache. The brand name (Luvox) is no longer available.

    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.

  • Indications of Luvox vs. Lexapro

    Indications for
    •Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
    Indications for
    •Depression in people ages 12 years and older
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in people ages 7 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Luvox vs. Lexapro

    Pros and Const for SSRI
    Pros
    •First-choice treatment option for OCD
    •Can be used in children as young as 8 years old
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Can take before bedtime to sleep through drowsiness side effect
    Cons
    •Might need to take twice daily, depending on your dose
    •Can cause a lot of side effects, such as sleepiness, trouble sleeping, and loss of appetite
    •Can interact with many medications, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex), carbamazepine (Tegretol), and diltiazem (Cardizem)
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Luvox vs. Lexapro

    Common Side Effects for

    Immediate-release tablets:

    •Nausea (40%)
    •Headache (22%)
    •Sleepiness (22%)
    •Trouble sleeping (21%)
    •Dry mouth (14%)
    •Weakness, feeling like you have no energy (14%)
    •Nervousness (12%)
    •Dizziness (11%)
    •Diarrhea (11%)
    •Constipation (10%)
    •Upset stomach (10%)

    Extended-release capsules:

    •Trouble sleeping (35%)
    •Nausea (34%)
    •Headache (32%)
    •Sleepiness (27%)
    •Weakness, feeling like you have no energy (26%)
    •Diarrhea (18%)
    •Loss of appetite (13%)
    •Dizziness (12%)
    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%)

  • Warnings of Luvox vs. Lexapro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Dangerous medication interactions
    •Worsening of glaucoma
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Higher bleeding risk
    •Mania
    •Seizures
    •Low sodium levels in the blood
    •Sexual problems
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Luvox vs. Lexapro

    Learn more about Fluvoxamine
    Learn more about Escitalopram

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