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.
