Sertraline versus lexapro

Depression turns into a chronic condition when you worry too often and long. Meds of genres serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibiting meds (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely taken for depression. In this light, sertraline is one of the commonly used SSRIs. It is taken to manage panic attacks, depression, etc. Sertraline versus Lexapro: do you know the differences between these antidepressants? It is a vital thing to have needful information.

If you are feeling down rarely, it is considered quite a normal thing to go through. But, if sadness persists at almost all times, and such spells recur frequently, it is labelled as depression. Conditions like depression or living with hallucination and phobia(s) can cause a major drop in your productivity levels. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are administered for treating these conditions.

What is sertraline?

Sertraline belongs to the SSRI genre of meds. It is taken for mind shifts like depression, restlessness, being anxious, panic spells, etc. Key chemicals of sertraline can regulate your sleep cycles, normalise your appetite level and streamline your moods or mental wellbeing. It has chemicals that can aid in reduction of urges to perform repetitive actions such as washing one’s hands repeatedly, re-checking things multiple times, etc. This drug enables a proper balance of brain transmitters in the brain.

What is Lexapro?

This SSRI med is administered for treating anxieties and depression. The active ingredients present in it help restore the right balance of brain chemicals like serotonin. This brain chemical is linked to your energy levels and moods. Hence, intake of Lexapro can make you feel more energetic, reduce spells of restlessness as well as make you feel mentally stable.

Sertraline versus lexapro

One of the major differences between these two SSRIs is sertraline bears a half-life of 66 hours and for Lexapro it is only 32 hours. On the mental conditions these 2 drugs treat, sertraline is taken for the case management of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic spells, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorders (SAD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), etc. On the other hand, Lexapro is taken for treating generalised anxiety disorders and depression.

Venlafaxine versus sertraline

Venlafaxine is a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) unlike sertraline which is a SSRI med. The key difference rests in half-life period of venlafaxine; it has a half-life of 4 hours. This is quite short when compared with 66-hours sertraline takes. On the remedial front, venlafaxine is used for treating hot flashes and a few types of mood-related conditions.

Paroxetine versus sertraline

Both these drugs belong to the SSRI category of antidepressants. Paroxetine has the approval from FDA for treating depression. As an off-label offering, it is used for sleeplessness, anxieties, panic, restlessness, etc. But sertraline is administered to treat depressive spells, panic attacks, SAD, etc. Off-label use includes treatment of alcoholism, binge eating and a few personality disorders.

Do sertraline cause any adverse effects?

This SSRI drug chiefly acts on neuro-transmitting chemicals present in your nervous system and brain. One of the side effects this drug causes is a sudden rise in appetite levels. Users of sertraline often witness an increase in their body weight. Hence, those who are already overweight must stay cautious of this effect. In some users, intake of sertraline may result in tiredness, turning weak, fatigue, etc.

Those who experience severe side effects like swelling of body parts, inflammation of skin, respiratory problems or passing out must call 911 immediately. If you live in Canada, contact Health Canada on an urgent mode. You need to know that sertraline is not an over-the-counter (OTC) med.

In general, antidepressants need to be administered as per the instructions of a certified caregiver. In order to know more about lexapro vs sertraline; paroxetine vs sertraline; venlafaxine vs sertraline, consult with your caregiver or pharmacist.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.