Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Effexor XR vs. Lexapro

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

  • Venlafaxine
    Escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • Venlafaxine
    Escitalopram (Lexapro)

  • Summary of Effexor XR vs. Lexapro

    Summary for SNRI
    Prescription only

    Venlafaxine is an antidepressant used to treat mental health conditions like depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It comes in two forms: extended-release, which is taken once a day, and immediate-release, which is taken in split doses throughout the day. This medication can interact with many things, including other medications and alcohol. Possible side effects can include nausea, weight changes, and sexual problems. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly.

    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 Effexor XR vs. Lexapro

    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Generalized anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules only
    •Social anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules and tablets only
    •Panic disorder - extended-release capsules only
    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 Effexor XR vs. Lexapro

    Pros and Const for SNRI
    Pros
    •Can treat multiple mental health conditions
    •Affects two chemicals in the brain that impact your mood
    •Lower risk of weight gain compared to other antidepressants
    •Comes in both immediate-release and extended-release versions
    Cons
    •Might raise your blood pressure, especially at higher doses
    •Interacts with many medications
    •Can take up to 4 to 8 weeks before you feel the full effect
    •High risk of causing withdrawal symptoms if suddenly stopped
    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 Effexor XR vs. Lexapro

    Common Side Effects for

    Extended-release:

    •Nausea (29-31%)
    •Trouble sleeping (17-23%)
    •Dizziness (16-20%)
    •Loss of appetite (10-20%)
    •Drowsiness (15-17%)
    •Dry mouth (12-17%)
    •Abnormal ejaculation (10-16%)
    •Sweating (11-14%)
    •Weakness (8-13%)

    Immediate-release:

    •Nausea (37%)
    •Headache (25%)
    •Drowsiness (23%)
    •Dry mouth (22%)
    •Dizziness (19%)
    •Trouble sleeping (18%)
    •Constipation (15%)
    •Nervousness (13%)
    •Weakness (12%)
    •Sweating (12%)
    •Abnormal ejaculation (12%)
    •Loss of appetite (11%)
    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 Effexor XR vs. Lexapro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •High blood pressure
    •Higher bleeding risk
    •Mania
    •Glaucoma
    •Withdrawal
    •Seizures
    •Low sodium levels
    •Lung problems and pneumonia
    •Sexual problems
    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 Effexor XR vs. Lexapro

    Learn more about Venlafaxine
    Learn more about Escitalopram

Compare other Depression and Anxiety drugs

Buspar vs EffexorEffexor vs FioricetEffexor vs LyricaEffexor vs NefazodoneEffexor vs WellbutrinElavil vs EffexorImitrex vs EffexorLexapro vs EffexorLuvox vs EffexorNeurontin vs EffexorPamelor vs EffexorPaxil vs EffexorPristiq vs EffexorPropranolol vs EffexorRemeron vs EffexorTofranil vs EffexorTopamax vs EffexorTrintellix vs EffexorViibryd vs EffexorZoloft vs EffexorCampral vs TopamaxDepakote vs TopamaxElavil vs TopamaxFelbamate vs TopamaxImitrex vs TopamaxTegretol vs TopamaxTopamax vs BaclofenTopamax vs CafergotTopamax vs DantriumTopamax vs Detrol
View More

Browse medications

View All

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