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Compare Anafranil vs. Lexapro

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Clomipramine (Anafranil) and escitalopram (Lexapro) are both used to treat mental health conditions, but they belong to different medication classes and have different uses. Clomipramine (Anafranil) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) primarily used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and can be used in children as young as 10 years old. It is not a first-choice medication due to its high risk of side effects like dry mouth, sleepiness, and weight gain. On the other hand, escitalopram (Lexapro) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is a first-choice medication for treating depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It can be used in children aged 12 and older for depression. Lexapro is typically taken once daily and may start showing effects within a week, but full effects may take up to two months. Anafranil can take 6 to 12 weeks to show improvement in OCD symptoms. Both medications can cause side effects like nausea and sleep issues, but Anafranil has a higher likelihood of causing bothersome side effects compared to Lexapro.

  • Clomipramine (Anafranil)
    Escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • Clomipramine (Anafranil)
    Escitalopram (Lexapro)

  • Summary of Anafranil vs. Lexapro

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Clomipramine (Anafranil) is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can be used by children as young as 10 years old. The medication is taken by mouth and your dosage might increase over several weeks. Clomipramine (Anafranil) isn't a first-choice medication because of the high risk for side effects such as dry mouth, sleepiness, weight gain, and headaches.

    Summary for SSRI
    Prescription only

    Escitalopram, also known by its brand name, Lexapro, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's a first-choice antidepressant to treat depression and anxiety in adults and children. The medication is available as a tablet and oral solution, in both brand and generic forms. A dose is typically taken by mouth once per day. Some common side effects include nausea, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and dizziness.

  • Indications of Anafranil vs. Lexapro

    Indications for
    •Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
    Indications for
    •Depression in people ages 12 years and older
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in people ages 7 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Anafranil vs. Lexapro

    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Can help lessen unwanted thoughts and compulsions for people with OCD
    •Can be used in children as young as 10 years old
    •Dose can be adjusted by your provider based on your response
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •More likely to cause bothersome side effects compared with other medications for OCD
    •Can affect sex drive or sexual performance for men
    •Unknown if long-term use (more than 10 weeks) is safe
    •Careful use in people with certain medical conditions (e.g., overactive thyroid or glaucoma)
    Pros and Const for SSRI
    Pros
    •First-choice medication for anxiety and depression
    •Only need to take it once a day
    •Generally has fewer side effects compared to other antidepressants
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Can take up to 2 months before you feel the the full benefits
    •Risk of certain sexual problems
    •Can raise your risk for bleeds
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

  • Common Side Effects of Anafranil vs. Lexapro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (63-84%)
    •Sleepiness (46-54%)
    •Dizziness (41-54%)
    •Tremor (33-54%)
    •Headache (28-52%)
    •Constipation (22-47%)
    •Sexual problems in males (6-42%)
    •Tiredness (35-39%)
    •Nausea (9-33%)
    •Sweating more (9-29%)
    •Trouble sleeping (11-25%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (24%)
    •Nausea (15-18%)
    •Ejaculation problems (9-14%)
    •Sleepiness (6-13%)
    •Trouble sleeping (9-12%)
    •Dry mouth (6-9%)
    •Diarrhea (8%)
    •Tiredness (5-8%)

  • Warnings of Anafranil vs. Lexapro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Mania
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Seizures
    •Dizziness and falls
    •Eye problems (Angle-closure glaucoma)
    •Low sodium levels
    •Serious skin reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Stopping escitalopram (Lexapro) too suddenly
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Glaucoma
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Sexual problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Anafranil vs. Lexapro

    Learn more about Clomipramine
    Learn more about Escitalopram

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