Skip to main content

Compare
Clonazepam vs. Lexapro

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

Key takeaways

Clonazepam (Klonopin) and escitalopram (Lexapro) are both medications used to treat anxiety, but they belong to different medication classes. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine, while escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Clonazepam is FDA-approved for treating seizures and panic disorder, whereas escitalopram is approved for depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Clonazepam is typically taken two to three times a day and is available as tablets and orally disintegrating tablets, while escitalopram is taken once daily as a tablet or oral solution. Clonazepam is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence, while escitalopram is not. Common side effects of clonazepam include drowsiness and dizziness, whereas escitalopram may cause nausea and trouble sleeping. Clonazepam can interact dangerously with opioids and alcohol, while escitalopram can interact with other medications that affect serotonin levels.

Clonazepam

(Klonopin)

Get free coupons

Escitalopram

(Lexapro)

Get free coupons

Summary for Clonazepam

Prescription only

Clonazepam (Klonopin) is a benzodiazepine. It's approved to treat seizures in adults and children, and panic disorder in adults only. Clonazepam (Klonopin) is taken by mouth, typically two or three times a day. It's also available as orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) for people who have trouble swallowing. Some common side effects of this medication include drowsiness, dizziness, and poor movement control. Before stopping clonazepam (Klonopin), speak with your prescriber to come up with a plan to lower your dose slowly over time to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Indications for Clonazepam

Pros and Cons for Clonazepam

Pros

Cons

  • Taken 2 to 3 times daily
  • Can be habit-forming, so isn't typically used for long-term treatment
  • Can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion
  • Might not work as well for seizure control over time

Common Side Effects for Clonazepam

Seizures:

  • Drowsiness (50%)
  • Poor movement control, clumsiness (30%)
  • Behavior problems (25%)

Panic Disorder:

  • Drowsiness (up to 50%)
  • Dizziness (up to 12%)
  • Runny nose, sore throat, and other symptoms of a respiratory infection (up to 10%)
  • Extreme tiredness (up to 9%)
  • Poor movement control, clumsiness (up to 9%)
  • Depression (up to 8%)

Warnings for Clonazepam

  • Sedation and difficulty breathing
  • Potential for misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
  • Effect on driving and concentration
  • Harm to babies
  • Worsening of seizures

Summary for Lexapro

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 for Lexapro

Pros and Cons for Lexapro

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 for Lexapro

  • 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 for Lexapro

  • 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 Clonazepam vs. Lexapro

Price Card Drug Icon
Clonazepam30 tablets / 0.5mg
$10.67-
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Escitalopram30 tablets / 10mg
$9.51$17.33
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Epilepsy and Depression drugs

Clonazepam vs. LexaproAbilify vs. LexaproAnafranil vs. LexaproBupropion vs. LexaproBuspar vs. Effexor
Buspar vs. LexaproCelexa vs. LexaproCitalopram vs. LexaproEffexor vs. FioricetEffexor vs. LyricaEffexor vs. NefazodoneEffexor vs. WellbutrinElavil vs. EffexorHydroxyzine vs. LexaproLexapro vs. AdderallLexapro vs. BusparLexapro vs. CymbaltaLexapro vs. EffexorLexapro vs. LyricaLexapro vs. NefazodoneLexapro vs. OleptroLexapro vs. PristiqLexapro vs. ProzacLexapro vs. XanaxLexapro vs. ZoloftLuvox vs. LexaproPaxil vs. LexaproTrintellix vs. LexaproViibryd vs. LexaproWellbutrin vs. Lexapro

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.