Is Lexapro comparable to Xanax? (2024)

Is Lexapro comparable to Xanax?

Xanax targets anxiety and panic attacks specifically, while Lexapro is used to treat depressive episodes and combat alcohol or drug cravings. Both substances are effective in treating anxiety; however, Xanax is well-known to be highly addictive, causing physical dependence and increasing the risk of overdose.

What drug is most similar to Lexapro?

Celexa (citalopram) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are FDA-approved to treat depression. Lexapro is also approved to treat anxiety. Celexa and Lexapro are in the same medication class, and work in similar ways. But some studies have found that Lexapro works better for depression symptoms.

Which antidepressant is similar to Xanax?

Commonly prescribed Alprazolam alternative antidepressant medications used to help with anxiety include Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), or Lexapro (escitalopram).

Is Lexapro the best medication for anxiety?

Yes, escitalopram (Lexapro) is one of the first-choice options for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) because of how well it works and how safe it is. If you're diagnosed with depression or GAD, your provider will decide if escitalopram (Lexapro) is right for you.

How does Lexapro make you feel?

Lexapro (escitalopram) is an antidepressant that is used for the treatment of depression and anxiety. When you start taking Lexapro, you may experience nausea, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, and drowsiness during the first week.

Is Lexapro energizing or sedating?

Some common side effects of escitalopram (Lexapro) include nausea, trouble sleeping, and drowsiness. For some people, these side effects go away or lessen over time.

Is 5mg of Lexapro effective for anxiety?

What dose of Lexapro is used for anxiety? The typical dose⁷ of Lexapro for anxiety is 10mg daily. Your doctor may start you at 5mg and taper up to 10mg to prevent your anxiety symptoms from worsening during the first two weeks of treatment.

Is Lexapro stronger than Xanax?

Is Lexapro stronger than Xanax? Lexapro is less likely to induce sleep than Xanax, and there are properties in the medication that are stronger. For instance, its anti-seizure effects are more potent than Xanax. Common side effects of the drugs may be similar, but also some are more severe than others.

When is the best time to take Lexapro for anxiety?

You can take it with or without food. You can take escitalopram at any time of day, as long as you stick to the same time every day. If you have trouble sleeping, it's best to take it in the morning.

Does Lexapro have a calming effect?

Lexapro can be effective at reducing the symptoms of anxiety, and it may be especially helpful for multiple types of anxiety disorder, including: Specific phobias (off-label) Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (FDA-approved) Panic attacks (off-label)

Why is Lexapro so popular?

Escitalopram is among the most effective and well-tolerated antidepressants for the short-term (acute) treatment of major depressive disorder in adults. It is also the safest one to give to children and adolescents.

Will Lexapro make me feel calm?

While it can take several weeks for Lexapro to start working, many people find some relief from anxiety and depression symptoms shortly after beginning the medication.

Do you feel happy on Lexapro?

Doctors believe that it helps stabilize mood and causes happiness and a sense of well-being. Doctors prescribe Lexapro to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Does Lexapro make you gain weight?

Lexapro may cause weight gain because it blocks the serotonin transporter, which increases levels of serotonin in the brain, but also increases appetite and decreases metabolism. Research has shown approximately 40% of people taking antidepressants such as Lexapro will gain 7% or more of their starting body weight.

Why do I feel weird on Lexapro?

You may experience side effects during your first week on Lexapro, including anxiety, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, headaches, and nausea. These effects usually dissipate as your body adjusts to your medication.

Is Lexapro stronger than Zoloft?

There is some evidence that Lexapro may be more effective than other SSRIs, including Zoloft, in the treatment of depression.

How many mg of Lexapro does the average person take?

Adults and children 12 years of age and older—10 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken either in the morning or evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 mg per day. Older adults—10 mg once a day, taken either in the morning or evening.

Does Lexapro affect your heart?

In conclusion, these data demonstrate that escitalopram, like other SSRIs, has a statistically significant effect on heart rate and no clinically meaningful effect on ECG values, BP, with a placebo-level incidence of cardiac-associated adverse events.

Does 2.5 mg of Lexapro do anything?

Effectiveness: While 2.5 mg Lexapro may be effective for some individuals, it may not be sufficient for others. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage based on your specific condition.

Is Adderall and Lexapro the same thing?

The Lexapro treats the anxiety and depression while the Adderall treats the ADHD.

Can I stay on Lexapro forever?

There are currently no known problems linked to the long-term use of this medication. However, some reports suggest that taking escitalopram long-term may cause some side effects, such as increasing the levels of carcinoembryonic antigen in the blood.

Can you drink coffee while taking Lexapro?

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between caffeine and Lexapro.

What is the number 1 drug for anxiety?

According to a 2022 article, doctors consider SSRIs to be the first-line drug treatment for general anxiety disorder. SSRIs work by stopping nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, which is a chemical that plays a vital role in mood regulation. Examples of SSRIs for anxiety include: citalopram (Celexa)

What is the first drug of choice for anxiety?

Antidepressants are the first-line medications in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Anxiolytics may be used for a brief duration, but only if needed while an antidepressant is being initiated and titrated up.

What can I take for instant anxiety relief?

Benzodiazepines are a type of sedative that may sometimes be used as a short-term treatment during a particularly severe period of anxiety. This is because they help ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking the medication. If you're prescribed a benzodiazepine, it'll usually be diazepam.