Sertraline and Lexapro are often compared because these medications are used for the same purposes. Both are primarily used for depression although they can be used to treat other conditions as well. While there are some differences in Sertraline Vs Lexapro, patients will find that there are many similarities too.
Once someone has been diagnosed with depression, they should learn more about their options. Lexapro and Sertraline are two of them. How are they different? Read the in-depth guide below to learn more about Lexapro and Sertraline.
Some female patients may have difficulty climaxing when using Sertraline. It could impact men and women. When experiencing this side effect, speak to the medical professional who prescribed the medication.
Patients may be worried about using a controlled substance for numerous reasons. Nevertheless, they shouldn’t as long as they have a prescription. Zoloft and Sertraline are not controlled substances. The antidepressant is used to help increase selective serotonin levels in the body. When used correctly, this medication can help treat depression, panic attacks, and anxiety.
Lexapro is not a controlled substance either. According to the Controlled Substance Act, neither medication is a controlled substance.
These medications are similar because both are used for the treatment of mental health problems including depression. They’re effective for this purpose, but there is one main difference. Studies have shown that Sertraline tends to be more likely to cause adverse effects. More people will likely stop using Sertraline due to side effects.
While this also happens when using Lexapro, it is less common.
Patients should be very cautious when combining medications because they may experience serious repercussions. In particular, it is never a good idea to use Bupropion and Sertraline together. When these medications are combined, the patient will be more likely to experience seizures. This problem is rare when using either medication alone.
Another issue is that Bupropion can potentially increase the level of Sertraline in the blood. Therefore, it is going to make the Sertraline more potent and that can lead to serious problems as well. Always talk to a medical professional before using these medications simultaneously.
Before mixing Sertraline and Adderall, speak to a licensed medical professional. Otherwise, the patient may encounter startling side effects. The problem is that Sertraline can potentially increase the effectiveness of amphetamine. Adderall uses mixed amphetamine salts to help the patient.
When Sertraline and Adderall are mixed, there is a high risk that the effects of Adderall will be amplified. As a result, the patient may experience anxiety, nervousness, jitteriness, and restlessness. Unless approved by a medical professional, it is not a good idea to combine these medications.
After someone has received a depression diagnosis, they will work with a doctor to decide which medication will best treat the condition. Doctors often use Citalopram and Sertraline for this purpose. These medications are effective for the treatment of depression. Sertraline is available in liquid and tablet form. It is generally used once each day. Citalopram is also used once per day.
Citalopram or Celexa has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression. Zoloft or Sertraline is more versatile since it has been approved for the treatment of depression and several other mood disorders. For instance, it can be used to treat panic disorders, major depressive order, social anxiety disorder, and more.
These medications are SSRIs. They’re going to help manage the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Patients should never tinker with their dosages regardless of the medication they’re using. Doing so can be dangerous. It could also lead to addiction. If the patient isn’t achieving the desired results, they should get in touch with a medical professional. The doctor will evaluate the situation to determine whether the patient should receive a higher dosage.
The lowest dosage is between 25 and 50mg per day. One thing to remember is that it can take time for Zoloft to build up in a person’s system. Therefore, the patient may not feel the full force of the medication for up to six or more weeks. After that, they should speak to a doctor if the dosage isn’t working well.
It is best to work with a medical professional to determine the best dose of Sertraline for anxiety. Attempting to self-diagnose and self-medicate could lead to serious problems. Work with a medical professional to avoid these issues.
Sertraline should be used as recommended by a medical professional. In general, the medication can be taken at any time, but it is wise to use it at the same time each day. The patient should choose a schedule that works best for them. For many, it is easier to take Sertraline first thing in the morning. For others, it can be taken in the evening.
One thing to remember is that some patients may have trouble sleeping when using Sertraline at night. Individuals who experience this problem should take this medication during the day.
Ultimately, Sertraline should be taken once a day. In some cases, the patient will take one tablet at night. When they get up in the morning, they’ll take another. It is not a good idea to make this a habit. Instead, the patient should try to take the medication every 24 hours to avoid issues.
When someone misses a dose, they should take it immediately after realizing what they’ve done. If it is almost time to take another dose, the patient should skip the dose they missed. Create a schedule to ensure that the medication is taken every 24 hours.
Some people have considered using this medication to lose weight. Ultimately, this is never a good idea. Patients shouldn’t use Sertraline unless it has been prescribed for an eligible medical condition. When using this medication for a few weeks, it may be helpful for weight loss. A study found that patients taking Zoloft for eight weeks managed to lose 1.58 pounds on average.
However, patients will likely gain weight if they use this medication for a few years. There are safer ways to lose weight so it is best to avoid using Sertraline for weight loss.
Sertraline can be used to treat dogs and cats. The medication is primarily given to animals for the treatment of behavior disorders. It can lead to vomiting, tiredness, and diarrhea. Sertraline must be prescribed by a vet.
The medication will help a dog because it will increase the amount of serotonin in its brain. It can be used to treat separation anxiety, general anxiety, and aggression caused by fear. Other medications given to anxious dogs include Xanax, Sileo, and Valium.
Over-the-counter and prescription pain medications share one common side effect – drowsiness. Another less common side effect is an increase in serotonergic activity. To avoid intensifying these side effects, patients should avoid specific OTC ibuprofen and prescription methadone, fentanyl, and other painkillers. Only take pain medicine prescribed by a licensed doctor.
A common side effect of Sertraline is tiredness. Like many Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors “SSRIs”, Sertraline works by interacting with specific neurotransmitters. By altering the brain chemicals, Sertraline patients with mental disorders control their moods more effectively.
Primary care physicians and psychiatrists should encourage their patients to nap routinely to avoid severe tiredness. Daytime naps should not interfere with the sleep pattern. Patients should avoid operating vehicles when a bout of drowsiness comes on.
Some patients complain of being unable to fall asleep and stay asleep at bedtime. This is an obtrusive side effect, especially for full-time workers and parents. Sertraline insomnia is caused by the medicine’s interaction with the brain receptors. While some patients complain of drowsiness, others report insomnia.
New patients should expect diarrhea to last several weeks from the initial dose. With this said, not all new patients exhibit diarrhea. Some bouts of diarrhea may be more severe than others. While an inconvenient side effect, diarrhea is normal when first taking the medicine.
CharityRX is a free discount prescription card that covers generic medications. Thousands of pharmacies across the nation accept it. Patients can save up to 80 percent by presenting the card at check-out. To ensure the maximum discount, consumers may need to call ahead before heading to the pharmacy. The cost of prescription medication is higher than ever before. With CharityRX, consumers can afford medicines that would normally have been out of reach.
Sertraline is a commonly prescribed mental disorder medication. Psychiatrists prescribe it when patients exhibit symptoms associated with PTSD, SAD, PMDD, and OCD. Pharmacists are responsible for explaining the specifics of the medicine to avoid serious interactions. Patients suffering from severe mental disorders may need special monitoring to avoid overdose.
It is important to note, Sertraline is not for all patients. Utilizing precaution when prescribing can help keep it out of the hands of the wrong patients.
