What is the Distinction? — Talkspace

Greater than 13% of adults in america take an antidepressant medicine, based on CDC analysis. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a preferred class of medicine for treating despair, nervousness dysfunction, obsessive-compulsive dysfunction, and different situations. Two generally prescribed SSRIs are Lexapro (escitalopram) and Prozac (fluoxetine). 

Each of those selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medication are thought-about first-line remedy antidepressants, and conveniently, you will get a prescription for Lexapro or Prozac on-line. Each antidepressant medicines have been FDA-approved to deal with despair, and Lexapro can also be accredited for treating generalized nervousness dysfunction (GAD). Prozac can also be accredited to deal with sure nervousness issues, like social nervousness dysfunction and panic issues. 

“Lexapro and Prozac are each within the class of SSRIs (serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors). SSRIs enhance the quantity of serotonin within the mind. Each Prozac and Lexapro are FDA-approved to deal with despair and nervousness. Each have the identical unintended effects of abdomen upset and decreased sexual drive. SSRIs equivalent to Lexapro and Prozac are thought-about the safer and better-tolerated class of antidepressants.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Dion Metzger

Regardless of a few of their overlaps, Prozac and Lexapro have variations which can be important to grasp so you can also make an knowledgeable determination about your remedy plan.

Variations Between Prozac vs Lexapro

A big distinction between Lexapro and Prozac is how these two SSRIs work. Prozac has an prolonged half-life, so it stays in your system longer than Lexapro. This may make it a more sensible choice for individuals who sometimes miss their medicine as a result of skipping a dose gained’t result in withdrawal signs because of the drug’s long-lasting impact.

Circumstances they deal with

Along with treating despair, Lexapro and Prozac are typically used for different psychological well being situations.  

Prozac is accredited for the remedy of:

Prozac will also be mixed with Zyprexa to deal with bipolar one dysfunction despair. 

Prozac off-label makes use of:

Lexapro is accredited by the FDA to deal with:

Lexapro off-label makes use of:

Dosage quantity

Dosage quantities and kinds additionally differ between Prozac vs Lexapro.

Prozac is offered within the following doses and kinds: 

• Pill — 10, 20, 60 mgs
• Capsule — 10, 20, 40 mgs; or 90 mg delayed-release
• Liquid — 20 mg per 5mL

Lexapro is offered within the following doses and kinds:

• Tablets — 5, 10, 20 mgs
• Liquid — 5 mg per 5 mL

Is Prozac milder than Lexapro?

In research, Lexapro and Prozac have about the identical impact. Nevertheless, for some individuals, the unintended effects brought on by Lexapro could be milder. 

Unwanted effects

Prozac (fluoxetine) and Lexapro do have unintended effects in frequent, however there are additionally some variations. Lexapro can have fewer unintended effects, but it surely’s extra prone to trigger sexual dysfunction in males. Prozac will be extra susceptible to inflicting nausea, sleep disturbances, and adjustments in urge for food for extra individuals.

Different frequent unintended effects of Prozac can embrace:

• Headache
• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Nervousness or nervousness
• Issue sleeping
• Lowering intercourse drive
• Nausea or diarrhea
• Decreased urge for food or weight reduction
• Dry mouth
• Weak spot or tremoring
• Sweating

Different frequent unintended effects of Lexapro can embrace:

• Dry mouth
• Issue sleeping
• Ejaculation issues
• A lower in intercourse drive
• Nausea and diarrhea
• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Weak spot
• Sweating

Similarities Between Prozac vs. Lexapro

Similarities between Lexapro and Prozac embrace: 

• Each are SSRIs
• They will have comparable results
• They work in comparable methods
• Therapy of despair

Unwanted effects

Severe unintended effects of each Prozac and Lexapro can embrace:

• Danger of experiencing withdrawal signs 
• Irregular coronary heart rhythms — danger will be increased in Lexapro
• Buildup of serotonin within the physique (excessive serotonin degree)
• Excessive danger of bleeding
• Manic episodes in individuals with bipolar dysfunction
• Low sodium ranges

How they work

Antidepressant medicines referred to as SSRIs operate by altering serotonin ranges within the mind. They decelerate serotonin reuptake to assist promote calmness and enhance temper. Rising your mind’s serotonin degree can successfully deal with main depressive dysfunction in some individuals. Some SSRIs are used to deal with generalized nervousness dysfunction (GAD). 

Efficient remedy for despair 

These medicines each successfully deal with despair in some individuals. That stated, no medicine is assured to work the identical for everybody. Discuss to your physician or a medical skilled about your symptom sorts and situation to find out which medicine is best for you. 

Is Lexapro higher than Prozac for nervousness?

The choice to take Lexapro vs. Prozac for nervousness depends upon a number of components, together with particular symptom experiences, total well being, and private response to medicine. Whereas each could be efficient in treating some sorts of nervousness, solely Lexapro has been accredited to deal with generalized nervousness dysfunction. You need to seek the advice of with a healthcare supplier for personalised recommendation.

Do you acquire weight on Prozac or Lexapro?

Weight change is feasible when taking both Prozac or Lexapro, however whether or not you’ll acquire or reduce weight can differ for everybody. Based on analysis, an estimated 41% of individuals on Lexapro may expertise weight acquire. Whereas Lexapro weight acquire can differ, one research discovered a median of two.4 kilos gained over 9 months. For Prozac, some analysis exhibits individuals acquire a median of seven kilos.   

Medicine	Lexapro	Prozac
Circumstances Handled	Main depressive dysfunction Generalized nervousness dysfunction	Main depressive dysfunction OCD Panic dysfunction Bulimia nervosa
Widespread Aspect Results	Nausea Dry mouth Insomnia Sweating  Decreased libido	Dry mouth Lack of urge for food Extreme sweating Nausea
Key Issues	Extremely efficient in treating GAD Accessible in model title or generic	Extra prone to have interactions with different medication Accessible in model title or generic

Decide if Prozac or Lexapro Is Proper for You 

Deciding which drug is finest for you and your situation is less complicated when you understand the distinction between Lexapro and Prozac. Folks can have various experiences with medicines, and there’s no one-size-fits-all when treating psychological well being situations like nervousness or despair. Discuss to a medical skilled, or contact Talkspace as we speak to find out whether or not Prozac vs. Lexapro could be finest for you. Our on-line psychiatrists may also help you discover the fitting remedy for you.