Key takeaways
Lexapro (escitalopram) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are both medications used to treat depression and anxiety, but they belong to different drug classes. Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, while Effexor is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that raises both serotonin and norepinephrine activity. Lexapro is typically taken once daily and is available in both tablet and liquid forms, whereas Effexor comes in immediate-release and extended-release forms, with the extended-release version taken once daily. Effexor can treat a wider range of conditions, including social anxiety disorder and panic disorder, in addition to depression and generalized anxiety disorder. However, Effexor is more likely to cause severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly compared to Lexapro. Both medications can cause side effects like nausea and sleep issues, but Effexor may also raise blood pressure and has a higher risk of causing sweating and loss of appetite.
