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Lexapro Vs. Prozac
Both Lexapro and Prozac are similar prescription medications belonging to a class of drugs called select serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. This class of medication works by increasing a brain chemical called serotonin that regulates mood. The generic form of Lexapro is escitalopram oxalate, and the generic form of Prozac is fluoxetine hydrochloride 12.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Prozac was the first drug in this class of medications and was introduced in 1987 to the U.S. market. Since Prozac has been on the market longer it is generally cheaper than Lexapro.
Conditions Commonly Treated
Prozac is approved to treat more illnesses than Lexapro. Lexapro and Prozac can be prescribed to treat depression. Lexapro is also prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder.
Directions for Use
St John's Wort & Food Interactions
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Lexapro and Prozac are both available in liquid and tablet forms. Prozac is available in additional forms, such as capsules and delayed-release capsules.
Lexapro and Prozac are usually taken once daily, but Prozac delayed-release capsules are taken once a week, which may increase compliance in some patients who dislike taking a pill every day. Either medication can be taken with or without food. Prozac should be taken in the morning to avoid insomnia and nervousness.
Prozac takes longer, about four to five weeks, before full effects are felt. Full effects of Lexapro are felt in about one to four weeks.
- Lexapro and Prozac are both available in liquid and tablet forms.
- Lexapro and Prozac are usually taken once daily, but Prozac delayed-release capsules are taken once a week, which may increase compliance in some patients who dislike taking a pill every day.
Side Effects
Lexapro has fewer side effects. A common side effect of both Lexapro and Prozac is nausea. Prozac has additional common side effects such as:
- generalized weakness
- dizziness
- headache
- drowsiness
- tremors
- nervousness
- dry mouth
- diarrhea
- anorexia
- insomnia
- changes in libido
- anxiety
Risks
Side Effects of Gaba and Xanax
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The risks with both medications are comparable. Both medications may increase suicidal behavior and thoughts in persons 18 to 24 years of age during the first two months of treatment. Call your physician if you experience worsening depression, extreme worry, hallucinations, impulsive actions, abnormal excitement, panic attacks, agitation, problems falling or staying asleep or if you have any thoughts or plans of harming yourself.
Lexapro and Prozac are Pregnancy Class C medications, which means the drugs have caused risks to fetuses in animal studies, but the benefit of the drugs may outweigh the risk in humans.
- The risks with both medications are comparable.
- Both medications may increase suicidal behavior and thoughts in persons 18 to 24 years of age during the first two months of treatment.
Warnings
Neither medication should be used in conjunction with alcohol. Prozac should not be taken with the herb St. John’s wort.
Never stop taking Lexapro or Prozac without your physician’s guidance.
Related Articles
References
- MedlinePlus: Fluoxetine
- MedlinePlus: Escitalopram
- Nursing 2010 Drug Handbook; Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins; May 1, 2009
- U.S. National Library of Medicine, Toxnet. Fluoxetine Hydrochloride.
- Maya Vetencourt JF, Sale A, Viegi A, et al. The antidepressant fluoxetine restores plasticity in the adult visual cortex. Science. 2008;320(5874):385-8. doi:10.1126/science.1150516
- Medline Plus. Fluoxetine. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Eli Lilly. Prozac Prescribing Information.
- Eli Lilly. Prozac Medication Guide.
Writer Bio
Since 2008, Jennifer S. Wright has written articles on a variety of topics including parenting concerns, medical conditions and nursing issues. Her articles have appeared in "LPN" magazine as well as on various online publications. An LVN since graduating from Weatherford College in 2005, Wright has taken care of elderly, pediatric and obstetric patients in hospital and home health care settings.