Medications can generally be grouped into medication classes. Medications within a class have similar characteristics. For example, Prozac®, Paxil®, Celexa®, Lexapro® and Zoloft® are all members of the class of medication called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications are widely utilized for depression as well as other health related problems. All the members of a class have the same mechanism of action. As members of the same class, these agents produce similar outcomes and side effects. Members of a class have the same mechanism of action. These medications, however, are not exact chemical duplicates of each other and are therefore not “generic equivalents,” rather they are referred to as therapeutic alternatives.

Therapeutic Alternatives to Common Brand Name Medications