Zoloft and Lexapro are both available as prescription drugs, but there are alternatives. Both of these medications can cause serious side effects, so it is important to seek medical advice before taking either. You can obtain a prescription from your doctor or at a pharmacy in your area. Your doctor will usually start you on low doses and gradually increase the strength of the medication when necessary. This method helps reduce the risk of serious side effects.
While Zoloft and Lexapro have been proven effective for treating anxiety and depression, they do not work for everyone. There are a variety of alternatives, such as generic SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants, which may be more appropriate for some people.
Zoloft and Lexapro are both SSRIs, meaning they affect serotonin levels in the brain. In the long run, taking these medications together can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal condition. In addition, these two antidepressants can increase your risk of bleeding and high blood pressure. These side effects can continue for weeks after you stop taking the medications.
While SSRIs are the best choice for treating depression, there are some side effects of these drugs. Zoloft may cause diarrhea, increased sweating, or loss of appetite. In addition to these side effects, these medications can cause significant drug interactions, including erectile dysfunction in men. These risks should not be overlooked, however. If you suffer from any of these side effects, seek medical advice immediately.
As with any other drug, both Zoloft and Lexapro can interact with many other drugs. If you are pregnant, it is important to discuss any possible risks to your unborn child with your healthcare provider. If you are breastfeeding, you should discuss how you can breastfeed while taking these drugs. Additionally, you should disclose all of your medications to your healthcare provider to avoid serious interactions and adverse effects.
However, there are some important differences between Zoloft and Lexapro. Some people may find Zoloft better tolerated and effective for their symptoms. In addition, some studies have shown that Zoloft causes fewer side effects than Lexapro. However, it is important to note that the side effects of both antidepressants will vary from one person to another.
If Zoloft or Lexapro are not helping your depression, it may be time to consider an alternative. Both drugs come with a number of risks, including the risk of bleeding, so it is important to seek medical advice before discontinuing any medications. Moreover, discontinuing these medications abruptly may cause serious withdrawal symptoms, such as agitation and nausea.
Zoloft and Lexapro take several weeks to work. Symptoms of depression and anxiety may begin to subside only after 6 to eight weeks of use. However, some individuals may not see noticeable improvements after this time. This means that the first few weeks are critical in your recovery.