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Effexor XR vs. Lexapro

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.

• Depression
• Generalized anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules only
• Social anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules and tablets only
• Panic disorder - extended-release capsules only

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%)

• 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

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.

• Depression in people ages 12 years and older
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in people ages 7 years and older

• 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%)

• 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