FLUOXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE vs LEXAPRO

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 20, 2026·How we rate

Possible drug interaction. FLUOXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE and LEXAPRO are different prescription medicines. Combining or switching between them can cause interactions — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber before making changes. This page is not medical advice.

Attribute	FLUOXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE	LEXAPRO
Rating	New	72/100
Pharmacy pays	$0.05 /mL	$0.16 /mL
Type	RX	RX
Active ingredient	FLUOXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE	ESCITALOPRAM OXALATE
Manufacturer	Ph Health	Abbvie
Dosage forms	Capsule, Oral pellets, Solution, Tablet	Tablet
Drug class	Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor	Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
Boxed warning	Boxed warning	None
Half-life	about 1 to 3 days (roughly 24-72 hours) after a single dose, lengthening to about 4 to 6 days with ongoing daily use	about 27 to 32 hours
Treats	Bulimia, Major Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder	Major Depressive Disorder

fluoxetine hydrochloride lexapro

Rating

New

72/100

Pharmacy pays

$0.05 /mL

$0.16 /mL

Type

Active ingredient

FLUOXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE

ESCITALOPRAM OXALATE

Manufacturer

Ph Health

Abbvie

Dosage forms

Capsule, Oral pellets, Solution, Tablet

Tablet

Drug class

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

Boxed warning

None

Half-life

about 1 to 3 days (roughly 24-72 hours) after a single dose, lengthening to about 4 to 6 days with ongoing daily use

about 27 to 32 hours

Treats

Bulimia, Major Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper, Fluoxetine Hydrochloride or Lexapro?

Fluoxetine Hydrochloride costs pharmacies less to acquire — about $0.05 vs $0.16 per ml, per the CMS NADAC survey. That gap is in the pharmacy's cost of goods, not necessarily in what you pay: your price is set afterwards by your insurer and the pharmacy.

What is the difference between Fluoxetine Hydrochloride and Lexapro?

Fluoxetine Hydrochloride contains Fluoxetine Hydrochloride, while Lexapro contains Escitalopram Oxalate — they have different active ingredients.

Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.