Lexapro vs. Luvox
See how Lexapro and Luvox compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Lexapro is FDA-approved for depression and generalized anxiety disorder, while Luvox is approved specifically for obsessive-compulsive disorder in both adults and children.
Luvox's FDA label shows notably higher rates of nausea, headache, and insomnia than Lexapro's label, though the drugs are not tested head to head.
Both carry the same boxed warning about increased suicide risk in young people, but brand-name Lexapro's list price runs far higher than generic fluvoxamine, the only form Luvox is sold in.
Lexapro vs. Luvox Drug Summary
Lexapro
Lexapro (escitalopram) is an SSRI antidepressant approved for major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents ages 12 to 17, and for generalized anxiety disorder in adults. It's taken as a single daily tablet or oral solution, typically starting at 10 mg and increasing to 20 mg after one week if needed.
Luvox
Luvox (fluvoxamine) is an SSRI approved specifically for obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults and children ages 8 and older. It's taken as a tablet, usually starting at 50 mg daily and increased gradually to a typical maintenance dose of up to 300 mg per day, often split into two doses.
Lexapro vs. Luvox Side Effects
Lexapro
Luvox
Lexapro vs. Luvox Dosage
Lexapro
Luvox
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 10 mg once daily | Weeks 1-2 |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg once daily | Week 2 onward |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every week |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 300 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Lexapro
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 10 mg once daily | Weeks 1-2 |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg once daily | Week 2 onward |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every week |
Luvox
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 300 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Lexapro vs. Luvox Indications
Lexapro
Lexapro is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents, and for generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Its approved uses cover two of the most common conditions treated with antidepressants in primary care. It is not approved for GAD in children or for depression in kids under 12.
Major depressive disorder in adults
Major depressive disorder in adolescents ages 12-17
Generalized anxiety disorder in adults
Luvox
Luvox is FDA-approved only for obsessive-compulsive disorder in both adults and children age 8 and older. It does not carry an FDA-approved indication for depression or anxiety, though doctors often prescribe it off-label for those conditions. Its main off-label uses include major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults
Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children ages 8-17
Off-label: major depressive disorder
Lexapro vs. Luvox Pros and Cons
Lexapro
Lexapro's broad FDA approval for both depression and anxiety, plus its simple once-daily dosing, makes it a common first-line SSRI choice. Generic escitalopram is widely available and inexpensive, though the brand-name version carries a much higher list price.
Pros
Approved for both depression and generalized anxiety disorder
Simple two-step titration to a once-daily dose
Lower reported rates of nausea and GI side effects than Luvox
Cons
Brand-name Lexapro costs roughly $440 to $603 per month without insurance
Sexual side effects, including ejaculation disorder, reported in up to 9% of patients
Not approved for obsessive-compulsive disorder
Luvox
Luvox's narrow FDA approval for OCD, including pediatric OCD, makes it a specialized choice rather than a general-purpose antidepressant. Its potent CYP1A2 inhibition creates more drug interaction risks than many other SSRIs, and its overall side effect rates tend to run higher.
Pros
Only SSRI FDA-approved for OCD in children as young as 8
Sold only as generic fluvoxamine, typically $15 to $170 per month without insurance
Extended-release generic option available for less frequent dosing
Cons
Higher reported rates of nausea, headache, and insomnia than Lexapro
Strong CYP1A2 inhibitor, raising interaction risk with caffeine, theophylline, and clozapine
No FDA-approved indication for depression or anxiety
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