What is the Distinction? — Talkspace

Greater than 13% of adults in the USA take an antidepressant medicine, based on CDC analysis. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a well-liked class of medication 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 of first-line therapy antidepressants, and conveniently, you may get a prescription for Lexapro or Prozac on-line. Each antidepressant medicines have been FDA-approved to deal with despair, and Lexapro can be authorised for treating generalized nervousness dysfunction (GAD). Prozac can be authorised 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 improve the quantity of serotonin within the mind. Each Prozac and Lexapro are FDA-approved to deal with despair and nervousness. Each have the identical uncomfortable side effects of abdomen upset and decreased sexual drive. SSRIs reminiscent of Lexapro and Prozac are thought of 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 might be important to know so you may make an knowledgeable resolution about your therapy 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 would possibly make it a better option for individuals who often miss their medicine as a result of skipping a dose gained’t result in withdrawal signs as a result of drug’s long-lasting impact.

Circumstances they deal with

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

Prozac is authorised for the therapy of:

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

Prozac off-label makes use of:

Lexapro is authorised by the FDA to deal with:

Lexapro off-label makes use of:

Dosage quantity

Dosage quantities and varieties additionally differ between Prozac vs Lexapro.

Prozac is out there within the following doses and varieties: 

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

Lexapro is out there within the following doses and varieties:

• 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 uncomfortable side effects brought on by Lexapro could be milder. 

Unwanted effects

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

Different widespread uncomfortable side effects of Prozac can embody:

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

Different widespread uncomfortable side effects of Lexapro can embody:

• Dry mouth
• Problem 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 embody: 

• Each are SSRIs
• They’ll have related results
• They work in related methods
• Remedy of despair

Unwanted effects

Critical uncomfortable side effects of each Prozac and Lexapro can embody:

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

How they work

Antidepressant medicines generally known 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 stage can successfully deal with main depressive dysfunction in some individuals. Some SSRIs are used to deal with generalized nervousness dysfunction (GAD). 

Efficient therapy for despair 

These medicines each successfully deal with despair in some individuals. That mentioned, no medicine is assured to work the identical for everybody. Speak to your physician or a medical skilled about your symptom varieties 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 will depend on 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 forms of nervousness, solely Lexapro has been authorised to deal with generalized nervousness dysfunction. You must seek the advice of with a healthcare supplier for customized recommendation.

Do you achieve weight on Prozac or Lexapro?

Weight change is feasible when taking both Prozac or Lexapro, however whether or not you’ll achieve or drop some pounds can differ for everybody. In line with analysis, an estimated 41% of individuals on Lexapro would possibly expertise weight achieve. Whereas Lexapro weight achieve can differ, one examine discovered a median of two.4 kilos gained over 9 months. For Prozac, some analysis reveals individuals achieve a median of seven kilos.   

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

Decide if Prozac or Lexapro Is Proper for You 

Deciding which drug is greatest for you and your situation is less complicated when 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. Speak to a medical skilled, or contact Talkspace right this moment to find out whether or not Prozac vs. Lexapro could be greatest for you. Our on-line psychiatrists may also help you discover the best therapy for you.