Is Escitalopram The Same As Lorazepam? (3 Differences)

By Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)

Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026

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

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)

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In this article, we will discuss whether Escitalopram (Lexapro) is similar to Lorazepam (Ativan). We will also discuss the similarities and differences between the two medications.

Is Escitalopram the same as Lorazepam?

No, Escitalopram and Lorazepam are not the same. They are two different medications used for different purposes.

Both Escitalopram and Lorazepam are prescription medications which should only be used when prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.

Although both drugs are used to treat anxiety conditions, they have different mechanisms of action and are usually prescribed for different purposes. The choice between Escitalopram and Lorazepam would depend on the specific diagnosis, individual patient factors and the potential side effects of the two medications.

Make sure you do not take these medications if not approved by your doctor or combine them. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance on medication selection and potential risks and benefits.

What are the differences between Escitalopram and Lorazepam?

Escitalopram and Lorazepam have the following key differences:

Mechanism of action

Escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, works by increasing the availability of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. It achieves this by locking the reuptake of serotonin, allowing it to remain active for longer in the synaptic cleft resulting in mood regulation and relieving depression and anxiety (1)

Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine medication, enhances GABA’s inhibitory actions by binding to GABA-A receptors on neurons, increasing chloride ion reflux, hyperpolarizing cell membranes and reducing neuronal excitation, resulting in a calming and anxiolytic effect (2).

Therapeutic uses

Escitalopram is used for the management and treatment of the following conditions (1):

Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Generalizes anxiety disorder (GAD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Lorazepam, on the other hand, is used to treat the following the following conditions (2):

Generalized anxiety disorder
Insomnia
Seizures
Alcohol withdrawal

Side effects

Side effects of Escitalopram include (3):

Tiredness
Sleep disturbances
Appetite changes
Acid reflux
Nausea
Confusion
Blurred vision
Weakness

Lorazepam is associated with the following side effects (4):

Dependence and withdrawal symptoms with prolonged use
Respiratory depression ( less common)
Allergic reactions (less common)
Changes in weight

These side effects can vary from person to person and can depend on factors like an individual’s age, weight, current symptoms, dosage strength of the medication used, underlying health condition, and overall physiological well-being.

It is to be noted that Escitalopram and Lorazepam may cause some rare side effects, which should be immediately reported to a doctor.

Withdrawal symptoms

Both Escitalopram and Lorazepam can cause disturbing withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. If you use either of these medications, make sure you do not make any changes to your dosage without consulting your doctor first.

Can you take Escitalopram and Lorazepam together?

Combining Escitalopram and Lexapro is generally considered safe when prescribed by a healthcare professional, but it should be done with caution and under their supervision. When taken together, they can enhance the therapeutic effects and provide relief from more severe or treatment-resistant cases of anxiety and related disorders.

However, it is crucial to use this combination only as directed by a healthcare provider. Both medications have the potential for side effects and can lead to interactions, especially if not managed properly.

You can also take Lorazepam until Escitalopram kicks in. This is because Escitalopram and other SSRIs can take 4-6 weeks to kick in. Meanwhile, Escitalopram can cause a number of side effects and is well known for its early anxiety and insomnia.

The use of Lorazepam in the early days of Escitalopram can help deal with anxiety and insomnia in an effective way (5).

Final words

In my opinion, Escitalopram and Lorazepam are not the same; in fact, they are quite different medications with distinct mechanisms of action and primary uses. It is crucial to understand these differences and use each medication as prescribed by a healthcare professional to achieve the best treatment outcomes.