Kamilla Kvikstad Mathisen, specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry and senior consultant. The author has completed the ICMJE form and declares no conflicts of interest. A male patient treated ...

Lexapro and Zoloft work by increasing serotonin levels to treat mood disorders. Lexapro requires lower doses than Zoloft because of its increased efficacy in suppressing serotonin reabsorption.

SSRIs help improve mental health by blocking the reuptake of serotonin. SNRIs block the uptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. SSRIs are often used first because they may have fewer side effects ...