Voltaren vs Lexapro: side-by-side comparison
Voltaren (Pain Relief Medications) and Lexapro (Anti-Depressants) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely interchangeable. This page compares the medications' purposes, mechanisms and the situations where each is used.
| Property | Voltaren | Lexapro |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Diclofenac | Escitalopram |
| Manufacturer | Novartis | Forest/Allergan |
| Class | Pain Relief Medications | Anti-Depressants |
| Strengths | 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg |
| Forms | tablet, delayed-release tablet, topical gel, suppository | tablet |
What's the same
Voltaren and Lexapro 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
Voltaren belongs to Pain Relief Medications while Lexapro belongs to Anti-Depressants. 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
Voltaren: Diclofenac reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, with somewhat greater selectivity for COX-2 than ibuprofen and naproxen. Lexapro: Lexapro acts by selectively inhibiting the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) at the synapse, increasing serotonin availability for postsynaptic receptors.
When Voltaren is preferred
Voltaren is approved in adults for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute musculoskeletal pain, post-surgical pain, primary dysmenorrhoea, acute migraine and ureteric colic.
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).
Frequently asked questions
Is Voltaren or Lexapro better? ▾
Voltaren and Lexapro 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 Voltaren to Lexapro? ▾
Switching between Voltaren and Lexapro 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 Voltaren and Lexapro 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 Voltaren comparisons
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.