{"id":3251,"date":"2019-12-02T22:17:54","date_gmt":"2019-12-03T03:17:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3251"},"modified":"2026-01-22T14:17:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T19:17:23","slug":"lexapro-vs-zoloft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/lexapro-vs-zoloft\/","title":{"rendered":"Lexapro vs. Zoloft: Differences and similarities explained"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lexapro<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Zoloft<\/span><\/a> are two brand-name medications used to treat depression and other mental health conditions. They are part of a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or <\/span>SSRIs<\/span><\/a>. They work by increasing the amount of a chemical in the brain, serotonin, that regulates mood. Although both medicines are antidepressants, they are not exactly the same.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lexapro vs. Zoloft: Which is better?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Neither medication is universally better, but clinical guidelines and patient experience suggest different benefits for each drug. They\u2019re both effective antidepressants, and the best choice depends on symptoms, side effects, and individual response. However, there are situations when one may be preferred over the other.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>review of studies<\/span><\/a> published in <\/span>The Lancet <\/span><\/i>in 2018 looked at 21 different antidepressants. All antidepressants were found to be more effective than a placebo (a pill that does not contain active medicine). In terms of Zoloft and Lexapro specifically, Lexapro was considered to be one of the more effective antidepressants. Both Zoloft and Lexapro were considered to be among the better-tolerated antidepressants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, various studies have found different results, and people often have unique experiences with medications. Some individuals prefer Zoloft, while others find Lexapro works better for them. The best way to determine which treatment is most suitable for you is to consult with your healthcare provider. They can give you individualized medical advice based on considerations such as your symptoms, medical conditions, and medical and family history.<\/span><\/p>\n

The table below outlines some key information about <\/span>Lexapro<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Zoloft<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Lexapro vs. Zoloft: Key differences<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Difference\/Similarity<\/b><\/td>\nLexapro<\/b><\/td>\nZoloft<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)<\/span><\/td>\nSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand and generic available<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\nEscitalopram<\/span><\/td>\nSertraline\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nOral tablet: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral solution: 5 mg\/5 mL<\/span><\/td>\n

Oral tablet: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral solution: 20 mg\/1 mL<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral capsule: 150 mg, 200 mg\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults<\/span><\/a>: 10 or 20 mg by mouth once daily<\/span><\/p>\n

Pediatric patients: Varies by age and use<\/span><\/td>\n

Adults<\/span><\/a>: 25 to 200 mg by mouth once daily<\/span><\/p>\n

Pediatric patients: Varies by age and use<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nLong-term\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nLong-term\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults and pediatric patients 7 years and older (anxiety)<\/span><\/p>\n

Adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older (depression)<\/span><\/td>\n

Adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older (OCD)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adults (all other uses)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Lexapro contains the active ingredient escitalopram, which is also the <\/span>generic version<\/span><\/a>. It is approved by the FDA to treat <\/span>anxiety<\/span><\/a> (also known as generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD) and <\/span>depression<\/span><\/a> (also known as major depressive disorder, or MDD). Lexapro is sometimes prescribed <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> (for a non-FDA-approved use) for conditions such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and irritability associated with autism.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zoloft\u2019s active ingredient is <\/span>sertraline<\/span><\/a>, which is also available in generic form. It is FDA approved to treat MDD, <\/span>obsessive-compulsive disorder<\/span><\/a> (OCD), panic disorder, <\/span>posttraumatic stress disorder<\/span><\/a> (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, and <\/span>premenstrual dysphoric disorder<\/span><\/a> (PMDD). Zoloft is sometimes prescribed off-label for other reasons, such as separation anxiety, hot flashes, premature ejaculation, and <\/span>binge eating disorder<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Lexapro vs. Zoloft: Conditions treated<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Condition<\/b><\/td>\nLexapro<\/b><\/td>\nZoloft<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Anxiety (generalized)<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Depression\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
OCD<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Panic disorder<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Social anxiety disorder<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PTSD<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PMDD<\/span><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Lexapro vs. Zoloft: Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/span><\/h2>\n

Commercial insurance plans, Medicare prescription plans, and Medicaid plans often cover these drugs in their generic forms. If you would prefer the brand name, your insurance may charge a higher price or may not provide coverage for the brand. You can check with your specific plan for the most up-to-date coverage and cost information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are paying out of pocket, a one-month supply of brand-name Lexapro costs about $565 for 30, 10 mg tablets. You can switch to generic escitalopram, though, and apply a <\/span>SingleCare coupon<\/span><\/a> to pay as low as $9.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are paying without insurance for brand-name Zoloft, a one-month supply would cost about $548 for 30, 50 mg tablets. But switching to <\/span>generic sertraline<\/span><\/a> and using a <\/span>SingleCare coupon<\/span><\/a> can bring the price down to as low as $9.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Lexapro vs. Zoloft: cost and insurance coverage comparison<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nLexapro<\/b><\/td>\nZoloft<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nGeneric usually covered; brand name coverage varies by plan<\/span><\/td>\nGeneric usually covered; brand name coverage varies by plan<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nGeneric usually covered; brand name coverage varies by plan<\/span><\/td>\nGeneric usually covered; brand name coverage varies by plan<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicaid?<\/b><\/td>\nGeneric usually covered; brand-name coverage varies by plan and by state<\/span><\/td>\nGeneric usually covered; brand-name coverage varies by plan and by state<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n30, 10 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n30, 50 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/strong><\/td>\n$9 at Kroger<\/a><\/td>\n$9 at Kroger<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Jan. 22, 2026. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.<\/span><\/i><\/small><\/small><\/p>\n

Lexapro vs. Zoloft: Side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you are considering taking Zoloft or Lexapro, you\u2019ll want to know what kind of side effects to expect. With Zoloft, <\/span>common side effects<\/span><\/a> may include fatigue, appetite loss, nausea, diarrhea, sweating, shaking, sexual problems, and changes in sleep habits. <\/span>Lexapro\u2019s common side effects<\/span><\/a> include <\/span>tiredness<\/span><\/a>, nausea, sweating, sexual problems, and trouble sleeping.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Zoloft side effects to expect in the first week<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

In rare cases, Zoloft or Lexapro can cause an allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have hives, trouble breathing, or swelling around the face, lips, tongue, or throat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other serious side effects can occur with either drug, but are not common. These include <\/span>hyponatremia<\/span><\/a> (low sodium levels), seizures, <\/span>serotonin syndrome<\/span><\/a>, increased risk of bleeding, <\/span>sexual problems<\/span><\/a>, and vision problems. Both drugs have a <\/span>black box warning<\/span><\/a> about suicidal thoughts and behaviors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: Zoloft side effects in men and how to avoid them<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Another important consideration is that you should not stop taking Zoloft or Lexapro abruptly. Doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms. If you are taking one of these medicines and wish to stop, consult your healthcare provider. They can give you a schedule so that you can slowly and safely taper off the medicine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can talk with your healthcare provider about the possible side effects of Zoloft and Lexapro, as this is not a full list of every possible side effect.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lexapro and Zoloft: Drug interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lexapro<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Zoloft<\/span><\/a> are both SSRIs, and have many of the same drug interactions, such as:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n