How is Lexapro different from Xanax? (+3 differences)
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
In this article, we’ll go over the key distinctions between Lexapro and Xanax, their respective mechanisms of action, therapeutic advantages, potential side effects, withdrawal symptoms, and how to choose between Lexapro and Xanax.
How is Lexapro different from Xanax?
Lexapro is the brand name of the medication escitalopram. It belongs to the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) class of drugs. SSRIs treat depression by assisting in reestablishing the proper balance of serotonin in the brain which helps maintain mental balance.
There may be fewer side effects with Lexapro than with other SSRI antidepressants, making it an effective antidepressant. (1)
Xanax is the brand name of the medication alprazolam. It belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Benzodiazepines treat anxiety and panic disorders (attacks due to extreme fear and worry) by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
Xanax belongs to a class of CNS (Central Nervous System) depressants known as benzodiazepines. They produce sensations of calm, tiredness, and sleep. They work by making it easier for GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter) to attach to its GABA receptors throughout the CNS.(2)
What are the therapeutic benefits of Lexapro and Xanax?
FDA-approved uses of Lexapro and Xanax include:
| Lexapro | Xanax |
| MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) | Anxiety disorders |
| GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) | Panic disorder either with or without agoraphobia (extreme fear of going into public or crowded places) |
What adverse effects do Lexapro and Xanax cause?
Both Lexapro and Xanax have a number of side effects; the following table lists some of the more widely reported ones:
| Lexapro | Xanax |
| Nausea | Dizziness |
| Headaches | Change in sex drive |
| Xerostomia (dry mouth) | Drowsiness |
| Sweating | Sialorrhea (excessive salivation) (4) |
| Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) | Lack of appetite |
| Fatigue (3) |
Do Lexapro and Xanax cause withdrawal symptoms?
Both Lexapro and Xanax can cause withdrawal symptoms, but since Xanax is a scheduled drug and has a higher likelihood of addiction, withdrawal symptoms are more severe with it. Lexapro is not a narcotic drug or a controlled substance. Therefore, fewer withdrawal symptoms are observed with it.
These symptoms include:
| Lexapro withdrawal symptoms | Xanax withdrawal symptoms |
| Irritability | sound, touch, or sight hypersensitivity |
| Nausea | Xanax cravings |
| Vomiting | Restlessness |
| Dizziness | Panic |
| Headaches | Headaches |
| Tingling sensation | Insomnia |
| Nightmares (4) | Anxiety |
Regular users of Xanax who abruptly stop taking the medication may experience the above withdrawal symptoms and in some cases even more severe symptoms like seizures. (5)
Compared to Xanax, withdrawal symptoms from Lexapro are less severe. However, the aforementioned withdrawal symptoms could occur if you abruptly stop taking Lexapro.
Lexapro and Xanax require a suitable tapering dose, as they should never be stopped abruptly. To reduce withdrawal symptoms, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider while discontinuing any of them.
How to choose between Lexapro and Xanax?
Before deciding between Lexapro and Xanax, the nature of your symptoms is an important consideration. Since Lexapro is intended to treat MDD, it is the best option if you suffer from depression. (1)
However, Xanax is a better choice if you are diagnosed with anxiety since it is typically given for anxiety problems. (2)
It’s important to understand that Xanax shouldn’t be used for the long term due to the possibility of dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Lexapro might be a better option for the long-term management of persistent symptoms.
If the symptoms persist, your healthcare provider may prescribe a different drug to help manage your symptoms, as there are several alternatives to both Lexapro and Xanax.
Conclusion
While Lexapro is used to treat MDD and Xanax is used to treat GAD, both medications have a number of side effects and can cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued, especially Xanax given its dependence profile.
To prevent withdrawal symptoms after stopping any drug, make sure to speak with your healthcare provider about gradually stopping your medication.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Escitalopram: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. [cited 2023 Oct 23]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603005.html#:~:text=Escitalopram%20comes%20as%20a%20tablet,morning%20or%20in%20the%20evening.
2.-
Alprazolam: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684001.html#:~:text=Alprazolam%20is%20used%20to%20treat,abnormal%20excitement%20in%20the%20brain.
3.-
NHS. Side effects of escitalopram [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/escitalopram/side-effects-of-escitalopram/
4.-
Landy K, Estevez R. Escitalopram [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557734/
5.-
Xanax Withdrawal – Symptoms, Dangers, Duration & Treatment [Internet]. American Addiction Centers. American Addiction Centers; 2019. Available from: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/withdrawal-timelines-treatments/xanax
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
