Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a commonly prescribed class of drugs for treating a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Prozac (fluoxetine) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are two popular SSRIs. Both are considered first-line antidepressant medications and are approved by the FDA to treat various types of depression. Lexapro is also approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). With the rise of online healthcare, you can conveniently get a prescription for Lexapro or Prozac online.
How Prozac and Lexapro Work
Prozac and Lexapro are both SSRIs, meaning they increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin, a chemical made in both your brain and intestines, is linked with mood control and other bodily functions like sleep, digestion, and appetite. SSRIs slow down serotonin reuptake, which helps promote calmness and improve mood. By enhancing serotonin activity, these drugs treat symptoms of depression.
Key Similarities Between Lexapro and Prozac
Both medications effectively treat depression in some people, though no medication works the same for everyone. They both have demonstrated efficacy in treating major depressive disorder. The decision to take Lexapro vs. Prozac for anxiety treatment depends on several factors, including specific symptom experiences, overall health, and personal response to medication.
Common Side Effects
Both Prozac and Lexapro share potential side effects like stomach upset and decreased sexual drive. Common side effects can include sexual problems, vivid dreams, dry mouth and sore throat, sweating, shaking, loss of appetite, nausea, and diarrhea.
Availability
Prozac and Lexapro are each available as generic drugs, which generally cost less than their brand-name counterparts. Most health insurance companies cover both drugs. As brand-name drugs, Prozac and Lexapro cost about the same. Both medications are available at most pharmacies.
Read also: Combining Adderall and Lexapro
Key Differences Between Lexapro and Prozac
A significant difference between Lexapro and Prozac is how these two SSRIs work. Prozac has an extended half-life, so it stays in your system longer than Lexapro. Lexapro is a newer drug than Prozac and has fewer interactions than Prozac does.
FDA Approval
While both might be effective in treating some types of anxiety, only Lexapro has been approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder.
Side Effects
Lexapro can have fewer side effects, but it’s more likely to cause sexual dysfunction in men. Prozac is linked with more nausea and diarrhea, especially when you first start taking it. Sleeping problems also tend to be more intense with Prozac. Because Prozac’s half-life is longer than Lexapro’s, it takes longer to go through your body. A drug that goes through the body more quickly, such as Lexapro, may cause fewer side effects. This means that Lexapro may be a better choice for older adults.
Dosage
Lexapro is available in tablet form in strengths of 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg, and 20 mg. It's also available in liquid form at 1 mg per milliliter (ml). Prozac is available in capsule form at strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg. It is also available in a liquid form at 20 mg per 5 ml. There is also a delayed release “weekly” form of Prozac available at a strength of 90 mg.
Weight Change: Lexapro vs. Prozac
Weight change is possible when taking either Prozac or Lexapro, but whether you’ll gain or lose weight can differ for everyone. According to research, an estimated 41% of people on Lexapro might experience weight gain. While Lexapro weight gain can vary, one study found an average of 2.4 pounds gained over 9 months.
Read also: Learn about Wellbutrin and Lexapro
Considerations for Specific Populations
Some antidepressants are not safe for younger people, but both Prozac and Lexapro are approved for use in children and adolescents. Young people who use Prozac or Lexapro may have side effects, such as extreme thirst. Girls may have heavier menstrual periods. Young people who take Lexapro may also have trouble urinating, while young people who take Prozac may need to urinate more often. Seniors tend to process drugs more slowly. A drug that goes through the body more quickly, such as Lexapro, may cause fewer side effects. This means that Lexapro may be a better choice for older adults.
Drug Interactions and Other Considerations
Both Lexapro and Prozac can cause issues with several medications. So make sure you tell your doctor about all the meds that you take. Avoid taking these drugs with certain medicines to treat depression, anxiety, or psychosis. Drugs for sleep disturbances and medications for blood clotting issues can also cause interactions. You shouldn't use alcohol while taking either of these drugs. It's also important to keep in mind that when you take two antidepressants together, a condition called serotonin syndrome can happen. Certain supplements like St. John’s wort, and some drugs used to treat headaches can also cause serotonin syndrome when paired with an antidepressant.
If you’re thinking about becoming pregnant, there are some risks to the fetus if you take either of these drugs. Don’t stop taking either drug suddenly -- even if you feel better. That may cause withdrawal symptoms like nausea and nightmares. Stopping or missing doses can also cause symptoms of your mental health issue to come back. People under 25 have a higher chance of suicidal thoughts or behavior when taking antidepressants like Lexapro or Prozac. This usually happens in the first few weeks of treatment, or when the dose is changed.
Certain medical issues can change the ways these drugs work in your body. You should discuss your safety with your doctor before taking Prozac or Lexapro if you have any of the following conditions: liver problems, kidney problems, heart problems, seizures or convulsions, bipolar disorder or mania, low sodium levels, a history of a stroke, high blood pressure, bleeding problems, pregnancy or plans to become pregnant, breastfeeding or plans to breastfeed.
Serotonin Syndrome
When you take two antidepressants together, a condition called serotonin syndrome can happen. It’s a serious problem that can bring: Anxiety, Agitation, High fever, Sweating, Confusion, Tremors, Restlessness, Coordination problems, Major changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Certain supplements like, St. John’s wort, and some drugs used to treat headaches can also cause serotonin syndrome when paired with an antidepressant.
Read also: Does Lexapro Affect Weight?
Making the Right Choice
Deciding which drug is best for you and your condition is easier when you know the difference between Lexapro and Prozac. People can have varying experiences with medications, and there’s no one-size-fits-all when treating mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. Talk to your healthcare provider, or contact Talkspace today to determine whether Prozac vs. Lexapro might be best for you.
Before taking either of these drugs, you and your doctor should discuss the symptoms that cause you the most problems, and other medications you've taken in the past to help. You should also discuss whether you have had thoughts of suicide or of harming yourself.