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Compare Lexapro vs. Lyrica

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

Key takeaways

Lexapro (escitalopram) and Lyrica (pregabalin) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Lexapro is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) primarily used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain and is typically taken once daily. On the other hand, Lyrica is an antiepileptic medication used to treat nerve pain from conditions like diabetes, shingles, and spinal cord injury, as well as fibromyalgia and partial-onset seizures. Lyrica is usually taken two or three times a day. Lexapro is not a controlled substance, while Lyrica is classified as a Schedule V controlled substance due to its potential for addiction and dependence. Common side effects of Lexapro include nausea, trouble sleeping, and drowsiness, whereas Lyrica often causes dizziness, drowsiness, and weight gain. Additionally, Lexapro is available in both tablet and liquid forms, while Lyrica comes as a capsule and oral solution.

  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)
    Pregabalin (Lyrica)
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)
    Pregabalin (Lyrica)

  • Summary of Lexapro vs. Lyrica

    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.

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Pregabalin (Lyrica) helps treat nerve pain and fibromyalgia in adults. It can also be taken with other medications to help treat certain seizures in people 1 month and older. Pregabalin (Lyrica) comes as a capsule and oral solution in both brand-name and generic versions. The dosage depends on what condition you're treating, but it's usually taken by mouth 2 or 3 times a day. Common side effects include feeling dizzy and drowsy. This medication is a controlled substance and has interactions, like with alcohol and benzodiazepines.

  • Indications of Lexapro vs. Lyrica

    Indications for
    •Depression in people ages 12 years and older
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in people ages 7 years and older
    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from diabetes (diabetic peripheral neuropathy)
    •Nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
    •Nerve pain from spinal cord injury
    •Fibromyalgia
    •Partial-onset seizures

  • Pros and Cons of Lexapro vs. Lyrica

    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
    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •An option for relieving nerve pain caused by diabetes, shingles, and spinal cord injuries
    •Can take with other anti-seizure medications for partial-onset seizures in people as young as 1 month of age
    •Available in a capsule and liquid
    Cons
    •Can cause dizziness and drowsiness
    •Can cause weight gain
    •Is a controlled substance, so there are some rules to follow to get it filled

  • Common Side Effects of Lexapro vs. Lyrica

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Drowsiness
    •Headache
    •Weight gain

  • Warnings of Lexapro vs. Lyrica

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions and severe swelling
    •Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Higher risk of side effects if you stop taking the medication too suddenly or too fast
    •Slowed breathing
    •Dizziness, sleepiness, and trouble concentrating
    •Swelling of the arms or legs
    •Weight gain
    •Lower platelet levels
    •Possible risk of muscle breakdown

  • Prices with our coupons for Lexapro vs. Lyrica

    Learn more about Escitalopram
    Learn more about Pregabalin

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