Zoloft & Lexapro Interaction: Risks & Safe Combination

Lexapro (escitalopram) and Zoloft (sertraline) are both SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). They should not be used together unless under the close supervision of a trained physician.

Considerations

• According to DIOne, a medication management used by hospitals, there is a moderate drug-drug interaction.

Warnings

• Patients taking Lexapro and Zoloft together should be monitored for potential excessive or prolonged central nervous system and respiratory depression.

Increase in Side Effects

• An increase in side effects can be expected, since both work on the levels of serotonin in the body.

Side Effects to Expect

• Patients may experience increased dizziness, decreased mental alertness, decreased motor function, headache, insomnia, gastrointestinal upset and decreased libido, to name a few.

FDA Alert

• The FDA recently added a black box warning to all SSRIs. Manufacturers of SSRIs are now required to label their medications with a a notice warning patients of the possibility of an increase in suicidal thinking and behavior, and the risk for developing Serotonin Syndrome.