ANSWERS: 1
  • Effexor is a brand name for the prescription drug venlafaxine hydrochloride, while Lexapro is a brand name for the drug escitalopram oxalate. Both drugs are from a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, but differences exist between the two drugs in their uses and other areas.

    Uses

    Both Effexor and Lexapro are commonly used for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder, while Effexor is also prescribed for migraines, seasonal affective disorder and hot flashes during menopause. Doctors also prescribe Lexapro for the treatment of chronic stomach pain not caused by ulcers as well as some types of schizophrenia and phobia.

    Function

    Both Lexapro and Effexor work by preventing the breakdown of a chemical in your brain known as serotonin. Effexor also stops the breakdown of a second chemical known as norepinephrine, which sometimes makes Effexor effective at relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression that Lexapro or other antidepressants did not help, reports the Mayo Clinic.

    Types

    Lexapro is available in only one form, which reaches its peak effectiveness in your body after about five hours, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine. In addition to its standard version, there is also an extended-release version of Effexor that releases medication gradually over 24 hours and remains equally effective throughout that time.

    Side Effects

    Effexor has the potential to cause hypertension in some patients, reports the Mayo Clinic. Because of this, accidental or intentional overdoses of Effexor may be fatal, while the U.S. National Library of Medicine reports that fatalities from Lexapro overdoses are very rare.

    Pediatrics

    Doctors prescribe Lexapro for the treatment of depression in children as young as 12 years of age, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Effexor is not approved for use in children.

    Source:

    Antidepressants-Selecting One That's Right for You

    DailyMed: Effexor

    Lexapro

    More Information:

    Venlafaxine

    Escitalopram

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