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Compare Lexapro vs. Pristiq

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

Key takeaways

Lexapro (escitalopram) and Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes. Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that also treats generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), while Pristiq is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and is only approved for depression. Lexapro can be taken as a tablet or liquid, whereas Pristiq is only available as a tablet. Lexapro is suitable for children aged 12 and older for depression, but Pristiq is not approved for use in children. Pristiq can raise your blood pressure, making it less ideal if you have heart problems, while Lexapro has a risk of causing abnormal heart rhythms. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly, but Pristiq may also lead to high blood pressure and lung problems. Both are available in brand and lower-cost generic versions.

  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)
    Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)
    Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

  • Summary of Lexapro vs. Pristiq

    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 SNRI
    Prescription only

    Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) is a medication used to treat depression in adults. It's only available as a tablet that's typically taken once a day. This medication can raise your blood pressure, so it might not be the best choice if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart problems.

  • Indications of Lexapro vs. Pristiq

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

  • Pros and Cons of Lexapro vs. Pristiq

    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 SNRI
    Pros
    •A first-choice medication for treating depression in adults
    •Can take with or without food
    •Once-daily dosing makes it easier to remember to take
    •Lower-cost generic available
    •Less serious side effects compared to some other antidepressants
    Cons
    •Can take up to 8 weeks for effects to fully kick in
    •Can raise your blood pressure
    •Must lower dose slowly to stop the medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms
    •Not approved for use in children

  • Common Side Effects of Lexapro vs. Pristiq

    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
    •Nausea (22%)
    •Dizziness (13%)
    •Dry mouth (11%)
    •Excessive sweating (10%)
    •Constipation (9%)
    •Trouble sleeping (9%)
    •Feeling tired (7%)
    •Loss of appetite (5%)
    •Sleepiness (4%)
    •Low sex drive (4%)

  • Warnings of Lexapro vs. Pristiq

    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
    •Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •High blood pressure
    •Higher bleeding risk
    •Worsening of glaucoma
    •Emergence of mania
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Seizures
    •Low sodium levels in the blood
    •Lung problems and pneumonia

  • Prices with our coupons for Lexapro vs. Pristiq

    Learn more about Escitalopram
    Learn more about Desvenlafaxine

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