When individuals have depression or anxiety, they are usually given drugs which will stabilize the brain chemicals. Two of the most prevalent medications, which are used in this regard, are Zoloft and Lexapro. Due to the similarity, most individuals search zoloft vs lexapro online in order to know which of these two can be more suitable.
Both drugs fall into a category known as SSRIs or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Such drugs operate by raising the amounts of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical which assists in the regulation of mood, emotions, sleep and even stress. Once the levels of serotonin are normal, individuals can become less agitated and emotionally stable.
Although the Zoloft and Lexapro are similar in their mode of work, they differ in some aspects. These differences relate to the use, reaction of people to them and the side effects that they might produce. Knowing such details will give patients the opportunity to discuss them with their physicians and make the appropriate choice.
What Is Zoloft?
The brand name of the drug is called zoloft and its name is sertraline. It is used in the treatment of various mental illnesses that are prescribed by doctors. They are depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The effect of Zoloft is that it assists the brain to maintain the amount of serotonin between the nerve cells. This aids in enhancing mood and decreases the sad, worry and stress.
Zoloft has been largely prescribed by many doctors over the years and research has been done to prove its effectiveness. Doctors usually adopt it as an initial treatment option because it can cure various conditions.
The improvements begin to be experienced by some of the people after some couple of weeks of taking Zoloft, although it can take a couple of weeks to take full effect. The low dose is normally instituted by doctors and then slowly increased in case of necessity.
What Is Lexapro?
Another SSRI drug is Lexapro. Escitalopram is its generic name. Similar to Zoloft, Lexapro is useful in the rise of serotonin levels in the brain.
Lexapro is primarily prescribed as a treatment to depression and generalized anxiety disorder. This is one of the reasons why many doctors like this medicine due to the fact that it is known to be effective and that this medicine is in some way easier to tolerate by some people.
Other patients have said that Lexapro has helped them feel calm and relaxed several weeks after taking it. The drug can be used to decrease worrying, nervousness, and emotional stress.
Although Lexapro has fewer indications of treatment as compared to Zoloft, it remains one of the most effective SSRIs in treating depression and anxiety.
Zoloft or Lexapro for Anxiety
One of the questions that people often pose is that of zoloft or lexapro to treat anxiety. These two medicines can assist in the alleviation of anxiety symptoms, although each individual would have a different experience.
Lexapro is commonly applied in generalized anxiety disorder. It makes lots of people feel less worried and calmed down. According to some doctors, Lexapro can be a slightly less side-effect-producing drug in the treatment of anxiety.
Zoloft is also able to treat anxiety. It is commonly applied to panic disorder, social anxiety disorder as well as post-traumatic stress disorder. Nevertheless, other individuals are likely to experience light anxiety or bowel issues in the initial stages of taking Zoloft.
Since all individuals are unique, the most effective way of treating anxiety is through the response of the body to the medication.
Difference Between Zoloft and Lexapro
Knowing the distinction between zoloft and lexapro is a way to make people take the appropriate medicine.
The difference includes the number of conditions which each medicine treats. Zoloft can be used to treat more mental disorder conditions compared to Lexapro. This is why it can be used with individuals with more than one symptom.
The other difference is the tolerance by people to the medicines. There are patients experiencing less side effects with Lexapro e.g. nausea or restlessness. Due to the same reason, doctors tend to prescribe Lexapro to individuals who are sensitive to drug side effects.
The relationship between the medicines and the effect they have on the serotonin in the brain also contains small differences. Lexapro is said to be slightly more selective in its action and this could be the reason why some individuals can tolerate it much more easily.
Nevertheless, both drugs are working and do not lack physicians worldwide.
Possible Side Effects
Zoloft and Lexapro are both medicines, which have side effects. The majority of the side effects are mild and resolve as the body adapts to the drug.
The frequent side effects are nausea, headaches, dizziness, dry mouth and sleeping changes. Others can also suffer fatigue or loss of appetite.
These effects tend to occur within the initial few weeks of treatment and tend to fade away with time.
Comparing zoloft vs lexapro, others add that Lexapro might lead to the appearance of a little smaller number of side effects. This, however, is not the case with everybody.
Patients are expected to communicate with their doctor in case side effects occur and become severe and unbearable. The physician can either raise or lower the dosage or prescribe an alternative drug.
How Long Do They Take to Work?
It takes time to work with both Zoloft and Lexapro. The improvements begin to be felt by most individuals after two-four weeks.
Nevertheless, complete benefits can be realized in six to eight weeks. At this period, the physicians can increase or decrease the dosage depending on the reaction of the patient to the drug.
One should not take the medicine and then leave without consulting the doctor. Quitting too quickly may bring about withdrawal or depression or anxiety reoccurrence.
Frequent visit to a physician is a way of ensuring that the drug is effective.
Cost and Availability
Zoloft is also marketed both as a brand and as generic medicine. Generic drugs tend to be far cheaper and they function in a similar manner.
In most countries, generic sertraline and escitalopram have ready availability in the pharmacies. Since they are widespread medications, they are usually readily available and cheap to a great number of patients.
This price could be actually determined by the pharmacy, the place of residence, and insurance cover of the patient.
Which One Is Better?
When individuals enter query zoloft vs lexapro, they tend to be curious which is a better medicine. The fact is that both medications are potentially highly effective.
Zoloft can be more suitable in those individuals who require therapy of a number of disorders including panic disorder, PTSD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Lexapro can be recommended to those individuals who are more anxious or depressed and do not want the drug with a higher number of side effects.
The response of any individual to medication varies and therefore the most effective option varies depending on the needs and medical prescription.
Conclusion
In the zoloft versus lexapro comparison, it is apparent that the two drugs are useful in treating depression and anxiety. They affect the body by raising pegs of serotonin in the brain thus helping to elevate mood and balance of emotions.
Zoloft is preferred due to the fact that it is capable of treating a wide range of mental health issues, whereas Lexapro has a certain reputation of being effective and more tolerable to certain individuals.
To make decisions about using Zoloft and lexapro, understanding the difference between the two drugs is important in enabling patients to make the right choices. One should always consult a medical practitioner before considering taking these drugs.
Through appropriate guidance and the appropriate treatment plan, a great number of persons could effectively cope with depression and anxiety and could live better lives.
