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Are Prozac And Lexapro Effective Medication For Anxiety And OCD?

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Posted on Wed, 22 Mar 2017
Question: Hello. I suffer from OCD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Now I know ultimately I need to consult my psychiatrist but wanted to just pick your brain. I am very concerned about side effects. Do you notice more people have side effects on prozac than lexapro? Which one do you usually like better for Anxiety? Thanks.
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Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (44 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Prozac and Lexapro are both part of the same drug class of SSRI antidepressants. Prozac was released in 1986 and Lexapro in 2001. In terms of side effect profile, there is no clinically meaningful difference. And in large scale clinical trials, they are both equally effective for OCD and anxiety, neither being superior to the other. Either one should help you, and neither one is preferred.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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Are Prozac And Lexapro Effective Medication For Anxiety And OCD?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks for your question. Prozac and Lexapro are both part of the same drug class of SSRI antidepressants. Prozac was released in 1986 and Lexapro in 2001. In terms of side effect profile, there is no clinically meaningful difference. And in large scale clinical trials, they are both equally effective for OCD and anxiety, neither being superior to the other. Either one should help you, and neither one is preferred. Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied. In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers