Lexapro and Xanax are frequently prescribed to treat similar symptoms. However, there are several key differences between Lexapro vs. Xanax, including their chemical composition, common side effects, and risk of abuse and addiction.
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What Are Lexapro and Xanax?
Lexapro and Xanax are brand name prescription medications that are used to treat a variety of mental health disorders.
The primary active ingredient in these meds are escitalopram (Lexapro) and alprazolam (Xanax). Both meds are typically taken orally in pill or tablet form.
Xanax may be prescribed to patients ages 12 and above, but most experts advise limiting Lexapro use to adults only.
Comparing Lexapro vs. Xanax
Alprazolam (Xanax) is a benzodiazepine. Commonly referred to as benzos, medications in this category slow the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS), which has a relaxing, sedating effect.ย
Other commonly prescribed benzos include:
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)ย
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
- Chlordiazepoxideย (Librium)
- Diazepam (Valium)
Escitalopram (Lexapro) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. These drugs cause increased levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger that influences a range of functions, including mood, memory, appetite, sleep, and sexual desire.
Examples of other popular SSRIs include:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
Approved & Off-Label Uses
Lexapro has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).ย
Physicians in the U.S. also prescribe Lexapro on an off-label basis to treat people who have several other mental health concerns, including:
- Social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
- Panic disorder
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
The FDA has authorized the use of Xanax to treat GAD and panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. Common off-label uses of Xanax include treating:
- Depressive disorders
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Insomnia
Adverse Effects
Lexapro and Xanax can be both safe and effective when used as directed by a qualified medical professional. However, as is the case with virtually every other prescription medication, they have both been linked with a variety of adverse effects.
Lexaproโs more common side effects include:
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Excessive perspiration
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of appetite
Less common but more disruptive adverse effects of Lexapro include irregular heart rate, sexual dysfunction, elevated body temperature, muscle spasms or rigidity, seizure, and a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome.
For Xanax, common side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Impaired coordination
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
- Stomach ache
- Constipation
- Appetite changes
- Altered sex drive
Serious adverse effects of Xanax include a severe allergic reaction that can cause:
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Restricted breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Skin rash and itching
- Swelling of lymph nodes
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
Abuse & Addiction
One of the most significant differences between Lexapro vs. Xanax involves risk of abuse and addiction.
The sedating effects produced by Xanax and other benzos have made these drugs popular recreational substances. The significance of this risk is highlighted by alprazolamโs classification as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the U.S.
According to a December 2018 study in the journal Psychiatric Services, 30.6 million adults in the U.S. reported using benzos in the previous year, with 5.3 million (17.2%, or almost one of every five users) admitting that they had misused the drugs.ย
The use of escitalopram (Lexapro) has also increased significantly in recent years, with one study reporting that the number of prescriptions for this medication in the U.S. rose from 17 million in 2013 to 30.6 million in 2020.ย
However, recreational misuse of Lexapro remains extremely low, as this drug doesnโt provide the โhighโ that Xanax and other frequently abused medications do.
The risk of addiction is also much more significant for Xanax than Lexapro. Warning signs of Xanax addiction include:
- Using Xanax more frequently or in larger amounts than directed
- Attempting to illicitly acquire Xanax, such as by lying about symptoms, visiting multiple doctors, or purchasing the drugs from unlicensed online pharmacies
- Using Xanax in ways that are especially dangerous, such as combining it with alcohol, opioids, and other addictive drugs
- Failing to meet responsibilities at home, in school, or at work due to Xanax use
- Continuing to use Xanax after experiencing physical, psychological, or social harm as a result of prior use
- Developing tolerance, or needing to use more Xanax to experience effects that could previously be felt via smaller doses
- Developing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using Xanax
- Having a persistent desire to quit using Xanax, but being unable to do so
Withdrawal
Though the addiction risk is quite different between Lexapro vs. Xanax, one addiction-related characteristic that both drugs share is the potential of withdrawal symptoms.ย
For Xanax, common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Headache
- Tics, tremors, and spasms
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Heavy perspiration
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety and panic
- Difficulty focusing and concentrating
- Agitation and irritability
- Disrupted sleep
Anyone who has been using Xanax can develop these symptoms, though withdrawal is more common among people who have been abusing the drug either to self-medicate or for recreational purposes.
If a person has been using Lexapro for an extended period and then decides to stop taking it, they may develop symptoms such as:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Vivid nightmares
- Aching muscles
- Mood swings
- Anxiety, agitation, and even aggression
The best way to avoid Lexapro withdrawal symptoms is to first consult with the physician who prescribed the meds to you. Your doctor can set up a schedule to gradually lower your dosage, which can help your body adapt to the reduced presence of the drug in your system.ย
If you have been taking Xanax on a prescription basis, a similar physician-directed tapering schedule can also minimize the intensity of withdrawal.ย
If you have been abusing illicitly acquired Xanax and you want to quit, you may need to begin your path to recovery in a detoxification (detox program). While youโre in detox, you will be cared for by professionals who can safeguard your health and help you manage your symptoms.
Learn More About Addiction and Mental Health Treatment in Georgia
Serenity Grove offers a full continuum of care for adults who have been living with addictions and/or mental health concerns.
Treatment options at our rehab in Athens, GA, include detox, residential care, a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and an outpatient program (OP).ย
When you choose our center, a team of compassionate experts will work closely with you to identify the full scope of your needs. Weโll then identify the programs and services that can best prepare you to achieve improved health and successful recovery.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.
