Updated 8/29/2024More than 13% of adults in the United States take an antidepressant medication, according toCDC research. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a popular class of drugs for treating depression, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other conditions. Two commonly prescribed SSRIs areLexapro(escitalopram) andProzac(fluoxetine).Both of these selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs are considered first-line treatment for antidepressant medications, and conveniently, you can get aprescription for LexaproorProzac online. Both antidepressant medications have been FDA-approved to treat varioustypes of depression, and Lexapro is also approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Prozac is also approved to treat certain anxiety disorders, like social anxiety disorder and panic disorders.“Lexapro and Prozac are both in the category of SSRIs (serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors). SSRIs increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. Both Prozac and Lexapro are FDA-approved to treat depression and anxiety. Both have the same potential side effects of stomach upset and decreased sexual drive. SSRIs such as Lexapro and Prozac are considered the safer and better-tolerated class of antidepressants.”–Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Dion MetzgerDespite some of their overlaps, Prozac and Lexapro have differences that are essential to understand so you can make an informed decision about your treatment plan.Psychiatry and prescriptions onlineGet an evaluation and prescription online from a licensed psychiatric provider to improve your well-being.Get startedMedicationLexaproProzacConditions TreatedMajor depressive disorderGeneralized anxiety disorderMajor depressive disorderOCDPanic disorderBulimia nervosaCommon Side EffectsNauseaDry mouthInsomniaSweatingDecreased libidoDry mouthLoss of appetiteExcessive sweatingNauseaKey ConsiderationsHighly effective in treating GADAvailable in brand name or genericMore likely to have potential drug interactionsAvailable in brand name or generic
Updated 8/29/2024
More than 13% of adults in the United States take an antidepressant medication, according toCDC research. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a popular class of drugs for treating depression, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other conditions. Two commonly prescribed SSRIs areLexapro(escitalopram) andProzac(fluoxetine).
Both of these selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs are considered first-line treatment for antidepressant medications, and conveniently, you can get aprescription for LexaproorProzac online. Both antidepressant medications have been FDA-approved to treat varioustypes of depression, and Lexapro is also approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Prozac is also approved to treat certain anxiety disorders, like social anxiety disorder and panic disorders.
“Lexapro and Prozac are both in the category of SSRIs (serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors). SSRIs increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. Both Prozac and Lexapro are FDA-approved to treat depression and anxiety. Both have the same potential side effects of stomach upset and decreased sexual drive. SSRIs such as Lexapro and Prozac are considered the safer and better-tolerated class of antidepressants.”
Despite some of their overlaps, Prozac and Lexapro have differences that are essential to understand so you can make an informed decision about your treatment plan.
Psychiatry and prescriptions onlineGet an evaluation and prescription online from a licensed psychiatric provider to improve your well-being.Get started
Psychiatry and prescriptions onlineGet an evaluation and prescription online from a licensed psychiatric provider to improve your well-being.
Psychiatry and prescriptions online
Get an evaluation and prescription online from a licensed psychiatric provider to improve your well-being.
MedicationLexaproProzacConditions TreatedMajor depressive disorderGeneralized anxiety disorderMajor depressive disorderOCDPanic disorderBulimia nervosaCommon Side EffectsNauseaDry mouthInsomniaSweatingDecreased libidoDry mouthLoss of appetiteExcessive sweatingNauseaKey ConsiderationsHighly effective in treating GADAvailable in brand name or genericMore likely to have potential drug interactionsAvailable in brand name or generic
Differences Between Prozac vs Lexapro
A significant difference between Lexapro and Prozac is how these two SSRIs work. Prozac has an extended half-life, so it stays in your system longer than Lexapro. This might make it a better choice for people who occasionally miss their medication because skipping a dose won’t lead to withdrawal symptoms due to the drug’s long-lasting effect.
Conditions they treat
In addition to treating depression, Lexapro and Prozac are sometimes used for other mental health conditions.
Prozac is approved for the treatment of:
Prozac can also be combined with Zyprexa to treat bipolar one disorder depression.
Prozac off-label uses:
Lexapro off-label uses:
Dosage amount
Dosage amounts and forms also differ between Prozac vs Lexapro.
Prozac is available in the following doses and forms:
Lexapro is available in the following doses and forms:
Side effects
Prozac (fluoxetine) and Lexapro do have some potential side effects in common, but there are also some differences. Lexapro can have fewer side effects, but it’s more likely to cause sexual dysfunction in men. Prozac can be more prone to causing nausea, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite for more people.
Other commonside effects of Prozaccan include:
Other commonside effects of Lexaprocan include:
Weight change is possible when taking either Prozac or Lexapro, but whether you’ll gain or lose weight can differ for everyone. According toresearch, an estimated 41% of people on Lexapro might experience weight gain. WhileLexapro weight gaincan vary, one study found an average of 2.4 pounds gained over 9 months. For Prozac, some research shows people gain an average of 7 pounds.
Similarities Between Prozac vs. Lexapro
Similarities between Lexapro and Prozac include:
Serious adverse effects of both Prozac and Lexapro can include:
How they work
Effective treatment for depression
These medications both effectively treat depression in some people. That said, no medication is guaranteed to work the same for everyone. Talk to your doctor or a medical professional about your symptom types and condition to determine which medication is right for you.
The decision to take Lexapro vs. Prozac for anxiety treatment depends on several factors, including specific symptom experiences, overall health, and personal response to medication. While both might be effective in treating sometypes of anxiety, only Lexapro has been approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder. You should consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Determine if Prozac or Lexapro Is Right for YouDeciding which drug is best for you and your condition is easier when you know the difference between Lexapro and Prozac. People can have varying experiences with medications, and there’s no one-size-fits-all when treating mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. Talk to your healthcare provider, or contact Talkspace today to determine whether Prozac vs. Lexapro might be best for you. Ouronline psychiatristscan help you find the right treatment for you, including medication and othernatural remedies for depression, such as talk therapy.
Determine if Prozac or Lexapro Is Right for You
Deciding which drug is best for you and your condition is easier when you know the difference between Lexapro and Prozac. People can have varying experiences with medications, and there’s no one-size-fits-all when treating mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. Talk to your healthcare provider, or contact Talkspace today to determine whether Prozac vs. Lexapro might be best for you. Ouronline psychiatristscan help you find the right treatment for you, including medication and othernatural remedies for depression, such as talk therapy.
Sources:
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