To lead a healthy lifestyle and remain stress-free is the most challenging thing for individuals all over the world nowadays. Due to our busy lives, working pressure at business or home, many Americans are dealing with severe mental health issues and anxiety disorders, which affect their daily life. All of them need a better solution to recover from this disease.
Most doctors prescribed anti-anxiety medication for better treatment. In this article, we will discuss Xanax vs Lexapro, the differences between them, other similarities among them, how they work as anti-anxiety and many other terms. Without any delay, let us discuss;
Overview Of Xanax vs Lexapro
Xanax
Xanax is one of the top prescribed psychiatric medications that belongs to the brand name version of generic Alprazolam, used as an anti-anxiety. As a member of the benzodiazepine class of medications, Xanax works by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which helps to produce calming effects.
FDA-approved treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and anxiety. Another way it has risen to the top of the list is from the off-label success of treating sleeplessness and depression.
Lexapro
Lexapro is an antidepressant that comes in the brand name Escitalopram and belongs to the class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It is primarily used for depression and generalized anxiety disorder, which work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain that helps regulate mood, sleep, and emotions.
Which Is Better For Anxiety- Xanax or Lexapro?
Both drugs are used to treat anxiety and reduce adverse symptoms. Generally, Xanax starts working within 30-60 minutes. It targets panic attacks, acute anxiety, and relief from high-stress situations in rare cases and is mostly used for short-term relief. Lexapro is used for long-term relief, generalized anxiety disorder, chronic anxiety, and co-occurring depression, and takes 1-4 weeks to work. So, Lexapro is better than Xanax for stable treatment of ongoing anxiety, and you may use Xanax as short-term relief of sudden or severe anxiety. Always visit a doctor, you should take this medication because the doctor gives proper advice, which is better for you by checking your health condition.
How Xanax vs Lexapro Works In The Body?
It is a great question that how Xanax vs Lexapro works in the body as both are treated as anti-anxiety. Let us discuss:
Both medicines work on the brain’s neurotransmitters, but they work in different ways. Xanax, a class of benzodiazepine, enhances the GABA activity, a neurotransmitter that calms the nerve activity, whereas Lexapro is an SSRI, increases the availability of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation.
Xanax enhances the calming effects of GABA and provides relief from short-term anxiety and panic attacks. But Lexapro blocks the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, and other functions, and it allows more serotonin to remain in the space between neurons, that is improving mood and reduces anxiety
Main Differences Between Xanax vs Lexapro?
- Both Xanax and Lexapro are used to an anxiety disorders, but they contain different ingredients. Xanax is a medication brand name, Alprazolam, where Lexapro comes under the brand name Escitalopram.
- Xanax is used to treat panic attacks, and Lexapro is also used, but both belong to different drug classes. Xanax belongs to the benzodiazepine class, while Lexapro belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
- Xanax is used for short-term treatments only, whereas Lexapro is used for long-term treatment for ongoing anxiety.
- Common side effects of Xanax are drowsiness, dizziness, or memory issues, and in the case of Lexapro, common side effects are nausea, headache, and insomnia.
- Both are FDA approved, but Xanax is used for anxiety and panic disorder, whereas Lexapro is used for anxiety and major depressive disorder(MDD).
- Withdrawal symptoms of Xanax can be severe if stopped abruptly, but in the case of Lexapro, it is milder.
- Xanax may work within 30-60 minutes, but Lexapro works slowly, and for full effectiveness, it will take 1-4 weeks.
Similarities Between Xanax vs Lexapro?
- Both are prescribed for anxiety disorders.
- Neither Xanax nor Lexapro is available over the counter, but both require to see doctor.
- Both work by enhancing the brain chemicals to reduce anxiety symptoms.
- If an individual stops these two medications, they show the same side effects, like drowsiness and dizziness.
- If one takes it daily at the beginning, both can affect alertness and sleep.
- Doctors may prescribe both together for establishing short-term relief as well as long-term relief.
Tips For Safely Taking Xanax and Lexapro Together?
- Whether you use Xanax or Lexapro, that does not matter, but before changing any doses, first consult with your doctor because accurate dosing is very important for your health to live better.
- Alcohol leads to more drowsiness and confusion and boosts the effects of Xanax and Lexapro. Before the risk is too high, always avoid alcohol.
- Quickly report to a doctor if you feel common side effects like confusion or more anxiety after taking the proper doses.
- Each medication has a unique role in your mental health. So take Xanax for anxiety or panic attacks as needed, but Lexapro may be used daily as per your doctor’s prescription.
- Take consistent time to take this medication to maintain stable levels.
- Don’t stop suddenly if you use either Xanax or Lexapro or both without a doctor’s approval.
What Are The Warnings Of Xanax vs Lexapro?
While both are effective for the treatment of anxiety, they come with important warnings. Such as:
- If young adults (18-24) use it, after a few weeks, their behavior and suicidal thoughts increase.
- If it is used with other antidepressant medications, at that time, many risk increases.
- Stopping suddenly may help reduce dizziness or drowsiness.
- If you use either Xanax or Lexapro or both, sometimes it can cause libido, delayed orgasm, and erectile dysfunction.
- May cause respiratory depression, coma, or death if you use this medication with alcohol.
- Due to overdose, it may cause memory loss and other side effects. So, consulting healthcare professionals uses it properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Take Xanax And Lexapro On The Same Day?
Yes, you can take Xanax and Lexapro on the same day, but under the supervision of a doctor, about combining treatments for anxiety and depression. Follow their guides to boost results. The correct dose avoids side effects.
Are Xanax vs Lexapro The Same?
No, they are not the same because Xanax is a benzodiazepine, which can be taken 3-4 times per day for panic disorder,s whereas Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) taken once a day for depression.
Are Xanax And Lexapro Safe To Take While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
It is not recommended to take Xanax and Lexapro while pregnant or breastfeeding. It reports excessive sedation, restlessness. This has resulted in poor weight gain of newborn babies and memory loss.
Summary
Xanax and Lexapro are both the best treatment for anxiety, but come in different classes of drugs, like benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Both affect the chemicals in the brain tissue that will help you reduce the symptoms of anxiety. In short, Xanax is used as a short-term treatment, whereas Lexapro is used asa long-term treatment.