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.
