What Is the Difference Between Zoloft & Lexapro?

Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) and Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) are medications used to treat several types of mental illness. Both drugs are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and in many respects they are very similar. However, Zoloft and Lexapro differ in a few important ways.

Classifaction

• Both Lexapro and Zoloft are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This means that they increase the amount of serotonin in the brain and correct one chemical imbalance that can cause mental illness.

Uses

• Lexapro is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in both adults and children. Lexapro also treats generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Zoloft is approved to treat a wider range of conditions, but only in adults.

Effectiveness

• Lexapro and Zoloft are considered to be equally useful. Your individual brain chemistry will determine which drug works best for you.

Side Effects

• Both Lexapro and Zoloft can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and sexual side effects. Lexapro can also cause weight gain. Many patients find Zoloft to be more tolerable than Lexapro in terms of side effects.

Warning

• Zoloft is not approved for the treatment of children with depression. Both Zoloft and Lexapro can increase thoughts of suicide in children and adolescents. Doctors should therefore prescribe these medications with care.