Compare Lexapro vs Fluoxetine

Compare Lexapro

vs Fluoxetine

Compare Lexapro to Fluoxetine. To make a decision about Lexapro vs Fluoxetine, click here for a Medication Risk Map to help you select Lexapro or Fluoxetine

Click here for Drug Interactions and Side Effects of Lexapro.
Click here for Drug Interactions and Side Effects of Fluoxetine.
Click here to see the effects of combining Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Uses of Lexapro

Lexapro is also known by the generic name Escitalopram USES: Escitalopram is an antidepressant (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-SSRI) used to treat depression and anxiety. It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters such as serotonin) in the brain. Escitalopram may improve your feelings of well-being and energy level and decrease nervousness.

Uses of Fluoxetine

USES:
This long-acting form of fluoxetine is used to treat depression in people who have been successfully treated with the form of fluoxetine that is taken daily. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

SSRIs work by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters such as serotonin). Fluoxetine may decrease anxiety, improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living.

Lexapro and Fluoxetine Have 6 Life Threatening (Major) Side Effects in Common

Critical Seriousness - Seizures - Seizure Disorder is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Behaving with Excessive Cheerfulness and Activity - Manic Disorder is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction - Serotonin Syndrome is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood - Hyponatremia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Having Thoughts of Suicide - Suicidal Ideation is a Life Threatening Side Effect of both Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Life Threatening Side Effects associated with Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Lexapro Has 27 Life Threatening (Major) Side Effects Not Found in Fluoxetine

Critical Seriousness - Slow Heartbeat - Bradycardia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Blood Clot in a Deep Vein - Deep Venous Thrombosis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Hallucination - Hallucinations is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Heart Attack - Myocardial Infarction is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Prolonged Q-T Interval on EKG - Prolonged QT Interval is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion - SIADH Syndrome is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Decreased Blood Platelets - Thrombocytopenic Disorder is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Mental Disorder with Loss of Normal Personality & Reality - Psychotic Disorder is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Abnormally Low Blood Pressure - Hypotension is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Acute Inflammation of the Pancreas - Acute Pancreatitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Extrapyramidal Reaction - Extrapyramidal Disease is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Hemorrhage is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - High Blood Pressure - Hypertension is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Very Rapid Heartbeat - Torsades de Pointes - Torsades de Pointes is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Hepatitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Involuntary Quivering - Tremors is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Giant Hives - Angioedema is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Atrial Fibrillation is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Aggressive Behavior is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Blood Clot in Lung - Pulmonary Thromboembolism is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Kidney Failure - Renal Failure is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Inflammation of the Lining of the Stomach and Intestines - Gastroenteritis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Rapid Ventricular Heartbeat - Ventricular Tachycardia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Bleeding of the Stomach or Intestines - Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Serious Muscle Damage that may Lead to Kidney Failure - Rhabdomyolysis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Life Threatening Side Effects associated with Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Fluoxetine Has 18 Life Threatening (Major) Side Effects Not Found in Lexapro

Critical Seriousness - Itching - Pruritus of Skin is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Chills is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Trouble Breathing - Dyspnea is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Abnormal Liver Function Tests - Abnormal Hepatic Function Tests is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Increased Risk of Bleeding is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Erythema Multiforme is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Allergic Reaction causing Serum Sickness - Serum Sickness is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Muscle Pain - Myalgia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Mild Degree of Mania - Hypomania is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Inflammation of Skin caused by an Allergy - Allergic Dermatitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Joint Pain - Arthralgia is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Fever is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Hives - Urticaria is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Low Blood Sugar - Hypoglycemic Disorder is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Hepatitis caused by Drugs - Drug-Induced Hepatitis is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Reaction due to an Allergy - Allergic Reactions is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Rash - Skin Rash is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Critical Seriousness - Swollen Lymph Nodes - Lymphadenopathy is a Life Threatening Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Life Threatening Side Effects associated with Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Lexapro and Fluoxetine Have 4 Most Frequently Occurring Side Effects in Common

Feel Like Throwing Up - Nausea is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Chronic Trouble Sleeping - Insomnia is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Diarrhea is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Excessive Sweating - Hyperhidrosis is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of both Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Side Effects associated with Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Lexapro Has 6 Most Frequently Occurring Side Effects Not Found in Fluoxetine

Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements - Constipation is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Dizzy - Dizziness is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Problem with Ejaculation - Disorder of Ejaculation is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Dry Mouth - Xerostomia is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Inability to have an Erection - Erectile Dysfunction is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Low Energy - Fatigue is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Lexapro but not Fluoxetine.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Side Effects associated with Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Fluoxetine Has 6 Most Frequently Occurring Side Effects Not Found in Fluoxetine

Head Pain - Headache Disorder is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Fluoxetine but not Lexapro.

Drowsiness - Drowsy is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Fluoxetine but not Lexapro.

Feeling Weak - General Weakness is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Fluoxetine but not Lexapro.

Yawning is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Fluoxetine but not Lexapro.

Anxious - Anxiety is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Fluoxetine but not Lexapro.

Nervous - Nervousness is a Frequently Occurring Side Effect of Fluoxetine but not Lexapro.

Click for a searchable interactive map of all Side Effects associated with Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Lexapro and Fluoxetine Treat 9 Conditions in Common

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is treated by both Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Panic Disorder is treated by both Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

"Change of Life" Signs - Vasomotor Symptoms associated with Menopause is treated by both Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is treated by both Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Bipolar Depression - Depression associated with Manic Depressive Disorder is treated by both Lexapro and Fluoxetine.

Lexapro has 13 Condition Contraindications

If you have any of these Conditions then you should carefully evaluate the risks of taking Lexapro.

Lexapro Oral Contraindications
(grouped by decreasing seriousness level)

Relative Contraindications

Hyponatremia - Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Suicidal Ideation - Having Thoughts of Suicide is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Upper GI Bleed - Bleeding from Stomach, Esophagus or Duodenum is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Contraindication Warnings

Bipolar Disorder - Manic-Depression is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Cardiac Disease - Heart Disease is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Disease of Liver - Liver Problems is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Epilepsy - Epileptic Seizure is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Increased Risk of Bleeding is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Recovery Phase Following Myocardial Infarct - Recent Heart Attack is a contraindication of Lexapro.

SIADH Syndrome - Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Serotonin Syndrome - Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Severe Renal Disease - Serious Kidney Problems is a contraindication of Lexapro.

Fluoxetine has 17 Condition Contraindications

If you have any of these Conditions then you should carefully evaluate the risks of taking Fluoxetine.

Fluoxetine Oral Contraindications
(grouped by decreasing seriouosness level)

Absolute Contraindications

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a contraindication of Fluoxetine.

Serotonin Syndrome - Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction is a contraindication of Fluoxetine.

Relative Contraindications

Abnormal Sexual Function - Sexual Problems is a contraindication of Fluoxetine.

Anorexia - Loss of Appetite is a contraindication of Fluoxetine.

Bipolar Disorder - Manic-Depression is a contraindication of Fluoxetine.

Disease of Liver - Liver Problems is a contraindication of Fluoxetine.

Suicidal Ideation - Having Thoughts of Suicide is a contraindication of Fluoxetine.

Upper GI Bleed - Bleeding from Stomach, Esophagus or Duodenum is a contraindication of Fluoxetine.

Contraindication Warnings

Diabetes Mellitus - Diabetes is a contraindication of Fluoxetine.

Epilepsy - Epileptic Seizure is a contraindication of Fluoxetine.

Hepatic Cirrhosis - Hardening of the Liver is a contraindication of Fluoxetine.

Hypomania - Mild Degree of Mania is a contraindication of Fluoxetine.

Hyponatremia - Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood is a contraindication of Fluoxetine.

Increased Risk of Bleeding is a contraindication of Fluoxetine.

Manic Disorder - Behaving with Excessive Cheerfulness and Activity is a contraindication of Fluoxetine.

Renal Disease - Kidney Disease is a contraindication of Fluoxetine.

SIADH Syndrome - Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion is a contraindication of Fluoxetine.

Lexapro - Symptoms of overdose may include
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Fluoxetine - Symptoms of overdose may include
severe dizziness, fainting.

Contact poison control
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.