Unlike other medical conditions, depression needs medical consultation and assistance from professionals. This is a health condition that requires follow up because it does not go on its own. To ignore the seriousness of depression and fail to get treated can be disastrous. Therapy and herbal remedies are some of the treatment methods used but in most cases, without proper medication, there might not be much improvement for a patient. Anti-depressants are the most reccommended forms of treatment and one should not feel embarrased. Here is a review of two anti-depressants, lexapro and zoloft.

Zoloft

Belonging to a class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), zoloft is also known as Sertraline. The drug treats panic disorders, anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD) by balancing the brain chemicals. Zoloft is one of the most recommended drug due to its efficiency when treating people with depression. Other characteristics it has include; it comes in tablet and solution form. When in tablet form it has a strength of 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. When in solution it comes in 20mg/ml. It should be administered to persons above the age of eighteen years. It does not have a particular time lapse meaning one may feel its benefit almost immediately. Zoloft has a shelf life of upto five years.

Lexapro

Lexapro has a number of characterisitcs similar to zoloft the difference being that the latter has more strength than the former. Lexapro also has lesser side effects than zoloft. It is also known by its generic name escitalopram. Lexapro similary belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibator (SSRI) and it acts as a remedy for those who experienced serious side effects while using zoloft. It’s additional characteristics include; when in tablet form it comes in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg and when in solution it comes in 1mg/ml. Lexapro can be administered on people from twelve years and above. The drug may take upto four weeks before feeling the full benefit. Lexapro has a shelf life of upto three years.

Selecting between Zoloft and Lexapro

In most cases, zoloft is the number one drug prescribed and taken due to its popularity. This is despite the fact that lexapro has lesser side effects but it is not as efficient as zoloft. Even though depression should be treated with powerful anti-depressants, it is important for patients to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both before deciding which one to take. The doctor is in a better position to give advice and know which prescription would be more suitable for the patient. Anti-depressants are drugs that a patient must adhere to by strictly following the laid down instructions indicated by the doctor without skipping or changing the dosage.

Following instructions not only keeps the patient from complications but it also improves the condition of the individual. Most of these instructions are in regard to dosage and drug interaction. Pregnant women should consult the doctor in order to ascertain the risk involved. The medication should also not be shared as this is illegal and puts the life of another person at risk.