Greater than 13% of adults in the US take an antidepressant medicine, in accordance with CDC analysis. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a well-liked class of medicine for treating melancholy, nervousness dysfunction, obsessive-compulsive dysfunction, and different circumstances. Two generally prescribed SSRIs are Lexapro (escitalopram) and Prozac (fluoxetine). 

Each of those selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medicine are thought-about first-line remedy antidepressants, and conveniently, you may get a prescription for Lexapro or Prozac on-line. Each antidepressant drugs have been FDA-approved to deal with melancholy, and Lexapro can also be authorised for treating generalized nervousness dysfunction (GAD). Prozac can also 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 melancholy and nervousness. Each have the identical unwanted effects of abdomen upset and decreased sexual drive. SSRIs similar 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 know so you can also make an knowledgeable resolution 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 received’t result in withdrawal signs because of the drug’s long-lasting impact.

Situations they deal with

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

Prozac is authorised for the remedy of:

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

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 types additionally differ between Prozac vs Lexapro.

Prozac is accessible within the following doses and types: 

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

Lexapro is accessible within the following doses and types:

• 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. Nonetheless, for some folks, the unwanted effects attributable to Lexapro could be milder. 

Unintended effects

Prozac (fluoxetine) and Lexapro do have unwanted effects in widespread, however there are additionally some variations. Lexapro can have fewer unwanted effects, however it’s extra prone to trigger sexual dysfunction in males. Prozac might be extra susceptible to inflicting nausea, sleep disturbances, and modifications in urge for food for extra folks.

Different widespread unwanted effects of Prozac can embrace:

• 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 point or tremoring
• Sweating

Different widespread unwanted effects of Lexapro can embrace:

• Dry mouth
• Problem sleeping
• Ejaculation issues
• A lower in intercourse drive
• Nausea and diarrhea
• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Weak point
• 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 melancholy

Unintended effects

Severe unwanted effects of each Prozac and Lexapro can embrace:

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

How they work

Antidepressant drugs often called SSRIs perform by altering serotonin ranges within the mind. They decelerate serotonin reuptake to assist promote calmness and enhance temper. Growing your mind’s serotonin degree can successfully deal with main depressive dysfunction in some folks. Some SSRIs are used to deal with generalized nervousness dysfunction (GAD). 

Efficient remedy for melancholy 

These drugs each successfully deal with melancholy in some folks. That stated, 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 depends upon a number of elements, together with particular symptom experiences, general well being, and private response to medicine. Whereas each could be efficient in treating some kinds of nervousness, solely Lexapro has been authorised to deal with generalized nervousness dysfunction. It’s best 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. In line with analysis, an estimated 41% of individuals on Lexapro may expertise weight acquire. Whereas Lexapro weight acquire can range, one research discovered a median of two.4 kilos gained over 9 months. For Prozac, some analysis exhibits folks acquire a median of seven kilos.   

Medicine	Lexapro	Prozac
Situations Handled	Main depressive dysfunction Generalized nervousness dysfunction	Main depressive dysfunction OCD Panic dysfunction Bulimia nervosa
Frequent 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 Obtainable in model title or generic	Extra prone to have interactions with different medicine Obtainable in model title or generic

Decide if Prozac or Lexapro Is Proper for You 

Deciding which drug is greatest for you and your situation is simpler when you understand the distinction between Lexapro and Prozac. Folks can have various experiences with drugs, and there’s no one-size-fits-all when treating psychological well being circumstances like nervousness or melancholy. Speak to a medical skilled, or contact Talkspace at present to find out whether or not Prozac vs. Lexapro could be greatest for you. Our on-line psychiatrists may help you discover the proper remedy for you.