Key takeaways
Lexapro (escitalopram) and trazodone are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes and have distinct uses and side effects. Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is a first-choice option for treating both depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain and is typically taken once daily. Common side effects include nausea, trouble sleeping, and drowsiness. Trazodone, on the other hand, is an atypical antidepressant. It is not a first-choice medication for depression and is usually taken in divided doses throughout the day. Trazodone is often used off-label as a single dose at bedtime to help with sleep. Its common side effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. While both medications can cause serious side effects like serotonin syndrome and abnormal heart rhythms, Lexapro is more commonly associated with sexual side effects and withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. Trazodone, available only in generic form, is less likely to cause sexual side effects but can lead to extreme sleepiness and dizziness, especially when combined with alcohol.
