My doctor wants to prescribe zoloft or lexapro. what are the differences? he says that it does not really matter which one i choose?

Years ago Mayo Clinic did a the study to compare potency ratings of the different antidepressants and their ability to raise serotonin. Lexapro had a rating of 8 and Zoloft had a rating of 50 when compared to Elavil which had a rating of 1. That said, Zoloft is more potent than Lexapro. In recent years, Lexapro has been prescribed more often as a first-line choice.

Zoloft may be more potent in changing brain chemistry, but Lexapro is better tolerated and easier for your doctor to manage safely. Either can be effective, and a further discussion with your doctor could eventuate in a joint decision making process.