Lexapro vs Effexor: side-by-side comparison
Lexapro (Escitalopram) and Effexor (Venlafaxine) both belong to the Antidepressiva class. They share clinical context but use different active ingredients. The choice between them depends on mechanism nuances, side-effect profile and individual response.
| Property | Lexapro | Effexor |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Escitalopram | Venlafaxine |
| Manufacturer | Forest/Allergan | Wyeth/Pfizer |
| Class | Antidepressiva | Antidepressiva |
| Strengths | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg | 37.5mg, 75mg, 150mg |
| Forms | tablet | capsule |
What's the same
Lexapro and Effexor both belong to the Antidepressiva class and are used for partially overlapping indications. The active ingredients — Escitalopram vs Venlafaxine — share the same therapeutic approach, so many safety and management points carry across both.
Key differences
Meaningful differences are in active ingredient (Escitalopram vs Venlafaxine), strengths (5mg, 10mg, 20mg vs 37.5mg, 75mg, 150mg), forms (tablet vs capsule), and the mechanism, half-life and side-effect nuances that distinguish members of the class.
Mechanism and action
Lexapro: Lexapro wirkt durch selektive Hemmung des Serotonin-Wiederaufnahmetransporters (SERT) an der Synapse und erhöht so die Verfügbarkeit von Serotonin für postsynaptische Rezeptoren. Effexor: Effexor hemmt die Wiederaufnahme von Serotonin und Noradrenalin an der Synapse.
When Lexapro is preferred
Lexapro ist bei Erwachsenen und Jugendlichen ab 12 Jahren (Depression) sowie bei Erwachsenen (generalisierte Angststörung) zur Behandlung von Major Depression und generalisierter Angststörung zugelassen.
When Effexor is preferred
Effexor XR ist zur Behandlung der Major Depression, der generalisierten Angststörung, der sozialen Phobie und der Panikstörung zugelassen.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Is Lexapro or Effexor better? ▾
There is no single answer. Lexapro and Effexor both belong to the Antidepressiva class but differ in mechanism nuances, half-life and side-effect profile. Preference depends on the patient, the prescriber and prior response to other therapies.
Can I switch from Lexapro to Effexor? ▾
Switching within the Antidepressiva class is done under supervision, typically using equivalent doses and a follow-up period to confirm response and tolerance. It is not a self-directed decision.
Do Lexapro and Effexor have the same side effects? ▾
They share many of the Antidepressiva class side effects, with differences from mechanism and dose. Each medication's prescribing information lists specifics.
More Lexapro comparisons
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