Zoloft vs Lexapro

Sadness is part of a human’s life. It is not always oranges and lemons every day. Sometimes we have to endure the sourness and bitterness of life. Those who can handle such instances can get over sadness easily. Those who are not used to these kinds of intense problems can undergo extreme sadness that lasts for days, weeks, and months. This is what we call depression.

Well, the good news is, to those who are not aware, antidepressants are available in the market. These are prescribed by psychiatrists who are medical doctors in the field of human emotions and emotional disturbances.

The generic name of Lexapro is Escitalopram while the generic name of Zoloft is Sertraline. Lexapro was developed during 1997 by the pharmaceutical company Lundbeck and Forest Laboratories. Zoloft was manufactured earlier during 1970’s. Pfizer manufactured it under its chemist, Reinhard Sarges. Both drugs are classified under SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. SSRIs work by producing serotonin which is also known as a “happy hormone.”

Lexapro is indicated for use in the treatment of depression particularly major depressive disorders as well as anxiety disorders such as GAD or generalized anxiety disorder. Zoloft is indicated the same as Lexapro for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Just like Zoloft, Lexapro has the same side effects such as: insomnia, dryness of the mouth, dizziness, somnolence, sweating, constipation, fatigue, indigestion, decreased libido, etc.

There are certain instances in which SSRIs cannot be given such as those having bipolar disorder, those with DM or diabetes mellitus, those with a history of suicide, those who had received ECT, and those with heart and liver disease. In taking Zoloft and Lexapro, one should remember that he or she cannot simultaneously take this drug with MAOIs, anti-cancer drugs, some psychiatric drugs, anticoagulants such as aspirin and painkillers.

Antidepressants usually do not take effect in seconds, in minutes, in hours, and in days. It usually takes up to three to four weeks before its full effects would take place. That is why patients are advised to take it continuously without stopping.

Summary:

1. The generic name of Lexapro is Escitalopram while the generic name of Zoloft is Sertraline.
2. Lexapro was developed during 1997 by the pharmaceutical company Lundbeck and Forest Laboratories. Zoloft was manufactured earlier during 1970’s by Pfizer.
3. Both drugs are indicated for depression and anxiety disorders.
4. Both drugs are classified under SSRIs.

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