The side effects of Prozac and Lexapro are fairly similar. Prozac and Lexapro are antidepressant medications. You shouldn't use alcohol while taking either of these drugs. It also assists with things like sleep, digestion, and appetite. While both medications are sometimes prescribed to treat social anxiety disorder, there are few head-to-head comparisons of the effectiveness of Prozac vs Lexapro available. While taking Prozac or Lexapro, do not start any new medications without approval from your healthcare provider or pharmacist, including OTC medicines. Lexapro prices and generic prices, View all Lexapro can be taken with or without food. Wagstaff, A. J., et al. Prozac Costs. They are part of a group of medications called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Some Lexapro side effects may improve during the first few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. This is because they are considered to be safe and effective. Trintellix is a depression medication that has been shown to involve fewer sexual side effects, for example. Because they are less expensive than name brands, generic versions also help people stay on their medications. Typically, antidepressants are categorized based on how and which neurotransmitters (small molecules in your brain that send messages between nerves) they affect in order to provide symptom relief. Prozac or Lexapro may be prescribed cautiously in some people only if the healthcare provider determines it is safe. Source: DailyMed (Lexapro), DailyMed (Prozac). Lexapro also may appear to be more effective in treating anxietybecause there are not enough studies measuring how effective Prozac is in treating anxiety. Prozac can be taken with or without food. Serotonin is a chemical messenger called a neurotransmitter. Once-weekly fluoxetine. Fluoxetine (Prozac) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. And they can cause some rare side effects, like low sodium levels or a higher chance of bleeding. The authors also recommend that because no antidepressant is superior, it is reasonable to prescribe a medication based on anticipated adverse effects and individual preference. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. long-term) period gained 4.6 pounds, many antidepressant medicationsincluding Lexaproled to significant weight gainwith the exception of Prozac, Lexapro side effects vs Prozac side effects, How long it takes for Prozac and Lexapro to work, Eating disorders (including binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa), Sexual problems (such as decreased sex drive or impaired sexual function), Angle-closure glaucoma (symptoms include: pain in your eye, vision changes, or swelling or redness in or around your eye), Low sodium levels in your blood (symptoms include: headaches, feeling weak, or having a hard time concentrating or remembering things), Serotonin Syndrome (symptoms include: shivering, diarrhea, confusion, severe tightness in your muscles, fever, or seizures. Prozac can be prescribed off-label to treat GAD as well. The timing of antidepressant effects: a comparison of diverse pharmacological and somatic treatments. Cyber Week SaleGet your first month FREE! Prozac costs about $600 for 30, 20 mg brand name capsules, or over $30 for 30, 20 mg generic capsules. Karen Berger, PharmD, is a community pharmacist and medical writer/reviewer. They are not a substitute for a medical exam, nor do they replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Another fluoxetine product, Sarafem, was FDA approved for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. One study looked at Lexapro in combination with many other antidepressants. It is used off-label for other conditions. Jones LA, Sun EW, Martin AM, Keating DJ. Comparing Print Comparing Lexapro vs Prozac Lexapro (escitalopram) Prozac (fluoxetine) Prescription only Lexapro is an effective antidepressant that may have less potential for adverse effects than other SSRI antidepressants. Oops! (2015, December 1), Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2014, July). Then, as their appetite returns in response to effective treatment, they might begin to gain back that weight. It dependsconsult your healthcare provider for advice. Lexapro or Prozac should only be used in pregnancy if the benefit to the mother is greater than the risk to the baby. For example, sometimes people lose weight when they are depressed and before they have started treatment. But its FDA approved to treat other mental health conditions, too like bulimia, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and children 7 years and older. Prozac can be taken with or without food. Can Medicinal Marijuana Treat Depression? Lexapro has an average rating of Because both drugs are in the same category, they have similar drug interactions. More serious cases can occur. QT prolongation and antidepressants. 7.2 out of 10 from a total of The Difference in the Conditions Treated Conclusion: Which Is Better, Lexapro or Prozac? 4. See also: Lexapro side effects in more detail. Changes in weight should be monitored during treatment. A combination pill called Symbyax is available in brand-name and generic forms. This usually happens in the first few weeks of treatment, or when the dose is changed. These two medications are available in brand-name and generic forms. Prozac is indicated for major depressive disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder in children, adolescents, and adults. You should not skip any doses of Lexapro in order to drink alcohol. Another recent study compared the SSRIs Prozac, Lexapro, and Zoloft (sertraline) and found all three medications effectively improved depression symptoms. For example, Prozac is linked with more nausea and diarrhea, especially when you first start taking it. 64% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 20% reported a negative effect. They have some differences, as outlined above. For example, Prozac can make you feel more energetic, so it isnt the best choice for GAD. There is, as well, a risk of unintentionally overdosing on Lexapro if you take it with alcohol. Both antidepressant medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Drugs. This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A review of studies comparing Lexapro to other antidepressants found that Lexapro may be better than Prozac at improving depressive symptoms. But it was discontinued in 2020. Serotonin Syndrome can be fatal if not diagnosed early and properly treated. However, when the authors looked at head-to-head studies and considered all of the data, they found few differences between antidepressants. What's the difference between Lexapro and Prozac? By Mayo Clinic Staff Antidepressants are a popular treatment choice for depression. Lexapro (escitalopram) is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). Prescribed for Anxiety and Stress, Major Depressive Disorder And, if you or someone you know is struggling and has had thoughts of harming themselves or taking their own life, know that help is available. You should also discuss whether you have had thoughts of suicide or of harming yourself. Lexapro - escitalopram tablet, film coated. When considering whether to start Lexapro vs Prozac (or switching from one to the other), it is important to be aware of their uses, dosages, and side effects in order to understand which could be the better option for you. Both Lexapro and Prozac can treat many different mental health problems. Psychiatric Times. In mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, serotonin levels are usually low. I would also like to sign up for a free GoodRx account, Written by Tegan Smedley, PharmD, BCPS, APh, Written by Rachel Feaster, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Prozac is an SSRI that treats depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and panic disorder. Girls may have heavier menstrual periods. SSRIs may increase bleeding risk. Slee, A., et al. While the maximum daily dosage is 80 mg, some patients require a more significant amount to relieve symptoms. (2009). Some examples of off-label Prozac use include: Lexapro is sometimes prescribed off-label. Adding a little sunshine to. Talk with your doctor about how long it may take for Prozac or Lexapro to begin making a difference in how you feel. The most effective drug for you can only be determined by your healthcare provider, who can look at your medical history and condition(s), as well as any other medications you take that could potentially interact with Lexapro or Prozac. Lexapro is a newer drug than Prozac, and it also has fewer interactions than Prozac does. When considering Prozac vs Lexapro, both medications are approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). They may slowly raise the dose depending on how you respond. Because they are both SSRIs, Prozac and Lexapro should not be taken together. For 30 capsules of the 20mg dose, fluoxetine can cost as little as $12 and only reaches prices as high as $69. Read on to learn more about Lexapro vs Prozac, including: Minded Medication Guides, including Zoloft vs Prozac and Wellbutrin vs Lexapro, are intended as educational aids only. Prozac may cause anxiety, nervousness, or insomnia. Prozac and Lexapro are each available as generic drugs. There may be other options to treat your condition. Last medically reviewed on August 1, 2016. Lexapro is approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Activation of mania or hypomania may occur. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. However, Lexapros side effects tend to be more mild. Taking them together may cause more side effects without any additional benefit. In other words, either medication may be helpful to you. All Rights Reserved. If you dont respond well to one SSRI, you may be able to try another. Other drugs that may interact with Lexapro or Prozac include macrolide antibiotics such as Zithromax, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen, or painkillers such as Ultram (tramadol). Talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication and throughout any treatment. ), Antidepressants might increase the risk of suicidal behaviors or thoughts in children, adolescents, and young adults under 25 years old, Prozac is not approved for use in children under 7 years old, Heart problems, such as irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, or cardiac arrest (when your heart suddenly stops beating). Like all SSRIs, Prozac is FDA approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Lexapro is less likely to cause side effects, but its more likely to lead to ejaculation problems. Read our. This means that Lexapro may be a better choice for older adults. You can unsubscribe at any time. Lexapro Vs. Prozac Lexapro (escitalopram) and Prozac (fluoxetine) are FDA-approved medications for treating depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions. In patients who have seizures, Lexapro or Prozac should be used with caution. Most people who take Prozac and Lexapro take their dose by mouth once daily. GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Both drugs are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), but they are not exactly the same. For some people, symptoms of antidepressant medication withdrawal are mild and only last a week or so. Drinking alcohol is not recommended while taking Prozac. Aurobindo Pharma Limited. NOMINATE NOW >, Drug overview & main differences | Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ. A 2016 study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, on the other hand, found that people who took Prozac over a 2-year (i.e. Your submission has been received! Drugs for sleep disturbances and medications for blood clotting issues can also cause interactions. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. But if youre experiencing depression with low energy, Prozac might be a good choice. Cipriani, A., et al. Tried that for 5 weeks but didn't see anything positive, just weight gain, bloating, and sexual side effects. These prescription remedies are used mainly for . GoodRx provides no warranty for any information. This is important to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Young people who use Prozac or Lexapro may have side effects, such as extreme thirst. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Famous people who've struggled with persistent sadness. The Black Box Warning for Prozac says: Like Lexapro and other SSRIs, Prozac passes to your baby during pregnancy and can be passed to your baby through your breast milk, causing harm to your baby. But if it doesn't relieve your symptoms or it causes side effects that bother you, you may need to try another. Mayo Clinic: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Antidepressants: Selecting one thats right for you., NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness: Fluoxetine (Prozac), Escitalopram (Lexapro)., Cleveland Clinic: Escitalopram Tablets., Health.Harvard.edu: What are the real risks of antidepressants? The cost of generic and name-brand drugs.. Medication guide: Prozac (fluoxetine hydrochloride) pulvule and weekly capsule. MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) should not be used within 14 days of Lexapro or Prozac. The starting dose for bulimia is usually 60 mg in the morning. They work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Escitalopram (Lexapro). While benzodiazepines such as Xanax (alprazolam) are often used in the short-term treatment of anxiety, SSRIs are often prescribed as a longer-term treatment for anxiety. As their name implies, SSRIs impact the levels of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps maintain mental balanceyour brain's balance is constantly . If youre experiencing symptoms of depression, discuss your medication options with your healthcare provider. 2019;69(680):114-115. doi:10.3399/bjgp19X701405. Its important for mood regulation and lowering feelings of anxiety. Pharmacy names, logos, brands, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. It can take 6 to 8 weeks or more, however, to improve other symptoms (like decreased interest in activities or depressed mood). Neither Prozac nor Lexapro typically is used to help treat sleep difficulties or insomnia. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. SSRIs block this absorption, increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Lexapro (escitalopram) is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). (2009). In fact, difficulty falling asleep and insomnia are uncommon but potential side effects for both medications. 7.5 out of 10 from a total of Patients may experience headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, confusion, weakness, and unsteadiness, which may lead to falls. In rare cases, there have been reports of rash and allergic reactions/systemic anaphylaxis reactions, which can be fatal. Casarotto, P. C., et al. While both medications have been found to be effective in treating the early stages of depression, Lexapro may be more effective for the treatment of severe depression. It is more likely to cause insomnia than drowsiness. (2016, January 1), Fluoxetine (oral route). what doses were you on? Lexapro and Prozac are both in the SSRI category of prescription drugs. Princess Diana was a wild card to the royal family, but her openness helped others be open about their own mental health. Antidepressants like SSRIs may make BDNF more active, which may improve depression symptoms. Also, it would be best if you avoid alcohol while taking Prozac or Lexapro. Prozac or Lexapro have similar contraindications (conditions where it is unsafe to take the medication). It is important to always let your doctor, prescribing nurse, or Minded provider know if you experience these (or any other) side effects. Ensure our content is accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and products. People stay on their medications options with your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this applies... Study compared the SSRIs Prozac, Lexapro, and products are for informational purposes only and not... Both SSRIs, Prozac is indicated for major depressive disorder ( MDD ) in adults sleep disturbances and for... 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