Lexapro vs Lunesta: side-by-side comparison
Lexapro (Antidépresseurs) and Lunesta (Somnifères et hypnotiques) 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 | Lunesta |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Escitalopram | Eszopiclone |
| Manufacturer | Forest/Allergan | Sunovion |
| Class | Antidépresseurs | Somnifères et hypnotiques |
| Strengths | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg | 1mg, 2mg, 3mg |
| Forms | tablet | tablet |
What's the same
Lexapro and Lunesta 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 Antidépresseurs while Lunesta belongs to Somnifères et hypnotiques. 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 agit en inhibant sélectivement le transporteur de recapture de la sérotonine (SERT) au niveau de la synapse, augmentant la disponibilité de la sérotonine pour les récepteurs postsynaptiques. Lunesta: L'eszopiclone est un modulateur allostérique positif du récepteur GABA-A, sur un site proche du site de liaison des benzodiazépines.
When Lexapro is preferred
Lexapro est autorisé dans la dépression caractérisée et le trouble anxieux généralisé chez l'adulte, ainsi que chez l'adolescent à partir de 12 ans pour la dépression.
When Lunesta is preferred
Lunesta est autorisé chez l'adulte dans le traitement de l'insomnie, incluant les difficultés d'endormissement et de maintien du sommeil.
Questions fréquentes
Is Lexapro or Lunesta better? ▾
Lexapro and Lunesta 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 Lunesta? ▾
Switching between Lexapro and Lunesta 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 Lunesta 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
Les informations publiées sur ce site sont fournies à titre documentaire et pédagogique. Elles ne remplacent pas l'avis d'un professionnel de santé qualifié.