Is the Correct Depression Medication for You Zoloft or Lexapro?

It is all too common for so many people with busy, rushed lives to experience depression, anxiety and general tension. A lot of health professionals are prescribing anti-depression medications as a method to treat these conditions, and among these are two of the most popular treatments currently available, Zoloft and Lexapro.

The SSRI drug family contain both Zoloft and Lexapro as members. SSRI stands for Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; their purpose is to have the available serotonin in the patient’s body be used more effectively. Anxiety, occasional personality disorders, and depression are caused by low levels of serotonin in an individual, as studies have shown.

When a patient discontinues SSRI medication suddenly, some psychological withdrawal symptoms may appear, although the medications are not technically addictive. Prior to starting or discontinuing SSRI medications, patients should consult with their physicians or other provider. Adolescents using these treatments must be closely monitored throughout the course of treatment because they are more vulnerable to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Although Lexapro and Zoloft treat depression and anxiety in similar manners, each produces some different side effects.

Following is an overview of the most common side effects linked to each medication: Lexapro has few side effects and is thought to be relatively safe. Several of the most common include insomnia, nausea, ejaculation disorder, somnolence, increased sweating, decreased libido, as well as anorgasmia. It is very important to tell your doctor about any discomfort or alteration in your body, as not all patient have side effects. It has been reported that some patients may be more susceptible to respiratory illnesses and infections, sinusitis, fatigue and flu-like symptoms. According to reports, the majority of side effects decrease or subside entirely with continued treatment, and the vast majority of users continued on the drug, regardless of the side effects they had. The side effects usually accompanying use of Zoloft are generally the same as those experienced with Lexapro, including headaches, tremors, nervousness, anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, changes in appetite, changes in weight, fatigue, insomnia, decreased sex drive, impotence, and difficulty having an orgasm.

You should look for emergency care if you are having low or high blood pressure symptoms, an allergic reaction, chills or fever, or even an irregular heartbeat and/or pulse. There is a greater occurrence of GI side effects that are associated with Zoloft, even though Lexapro and Zoloft do not have many other differences. Although both medications may cause gastrointestinal issues, a higher incidence of problems that continue throughout treatment is reported by those who use Zoloft.

Make sure that before taking any SSRI, you let your physician know about any medications that you are taking currently or have taken recently. Specific drugs from the MAOI family can sometimes have fatal interactions with SSRIs and thus can’t be taken in conjunction with Lexapro or even Zoloft. Another concern is that existing liver or kidney disorders may be exacerbated by taking Lexapro or Zoloft, making it inappropriate for people experiencing those conditions. Be certain to tell your professional in healthcare, prior to beginning an SSRI treatment, if you have manic thoughts or seizures.

With every depression treatment, it is critical that you do your own research in order to determine which medication may work the best for you. Inline with your health care professional, you may make an informed choice whether generic Zoloft or Lexapro will effectively treat your current condition. Do understand that self medication is dangerous, and that you require a prescription for these drugs with good reason. The best way to choose the right treatment is with self education and an open mind. It is also crucial that you feel comfortable with your health care professional’s suggestions. Please be sure you are both in agreement regarding your treatment decisions before starting any medication.