Lexapro vs Lamictal: side-by-side comparison
Lexapro (Anti-Depressants) and Lamictal (Neurological Medications) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely interchangeable. This page compares the medications' purposes, mechanisms and the situations where each is used.
| Property | Lexapro | Lamictal |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Escitalopram | Lamotrigine |
| Manufacturer | Forest/Allergan | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Class | Anti-Depressants | Neurological Medications |
| Strengths | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg, 200mg |
| Forms | tablet | tablet, chewable tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, extended-release tablet |
What's the same
Lexapro and Lamictal are used in very different patients, and the points in common are limited. The main shared element is that both meet regulatory standards for efficacy and safety and benefit from pharmacist oversight.
Key differences
Lexapro belongs to Anti-Depressants while Lamictal belongs to Neurological Medications. Indications, mechanisms and target populations differ. The comparison is most useful when a clinician has mentioned both medications and the patient wants to understand where each fits.
Mechanism and action
Lexapro: Lexapro acts by selectively inhibiting the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) at the synapse, increasing serotonin availability for postsynaptic receptors. Lamictal: Lamotrigine selectively blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, stabilising neuronal membranes and reducing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, particularly glutamate.
When Lexapro is preferred
Lexapro is approved for major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder in adults and adolescents 12 years and older (depression) and adults (generalised anxiety).
When Lamictal is preferred
Lamictal is approved in adults and children aged 2 years and older as adjunctive or monotherapy for partial-onset seizures, primary generalised tonic-clonic seizures and seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lexapro or Lamictal better? ▾
Lexapro and Lamictal are not interchangeable — they treat different conditions. Asking which is "better" is meaningful only when a clinician has weighed both for the same specific clinical scenario.
Can I switch from Lexapro to Lamictal? ▾
Switching between Lexapro and Lamictal is rarely an appropriate decision since they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. The real question is usually whether the diagnosis calls for one medication or the other — which the prescriber resolves.
Do Lexapro and Lamictal have the same side effects? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each medication has its own prescribing information.
More Lexapro comparisons
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.