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Lexapro & Zoloft Side Effects

It isn't uncommon for people to experience stress, anxiety or depression. For these conditions, doctors may prescribe anti-depression medications. Two such medications are Lexapro and Zoloft. They are both in the SSRI group of drugs, meaning they are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. They allow the body to use serotonin more effectively. Low levels of serotonin often causes depression, anxiety and even personality disorders. Like any other medications, it's important to be aware of the possible side effects of any medication you're taking, including Lexapro and Zoloft.

  1. Lexapro

    • The makers of Lexapro claim it is a relatively safe drug with a low appearance of side effects. The most common side effects are insomnia, nausea, increased sweating, ejaculation disorder, decreased libido, anorgasmia and somnolence.

    Other Side Effects

    • Patients taking Lexapro may also experience sinusitis, fatigue, flu-like symptoms or a respiratory tract infection. With continued use of the drug, most patients reported the side effects diminished or subsided.

    Zoloft

    • Patients taking Zoloft will experience similar side effects as those people taking Lexapro. They include tremors, headaches, nervousness, nausea, anxiety, dry mouth and diarrhea. Patients may also experience changes in their weight, appetite, some fatigue or insomnia, impotence, decreased sex drive and difficulty achieving an orgasm.

    Other Side Effects

    • Zoloft is much more likely than Lexapro to give people gastrointestinal side effects. Both medications contain this risk, but it's more common for people on Zoloft to report continued problems throughout treatment for depression.

    Warning

    • While on medication for depression, you should seek emergency care if you have an allergic reaction, changes in blood pressure, fever, an irregular heartbeat or pulse, or chills.

    Considerations

    • Not every patient will experience side effects while on depression medication, but it's important to pay attention to any changes or discomfort in your body and report it to the doctor who is prescribing Zoloft or Lexapro.

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