Comparing Lexapro vs Xanax

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Lexapro Remove Lexapro from your drug comparison	Xanax Remove Xanax from your drug comparison	Add another drug to compare

Lexapro escitalopram

Xanax alprazolam

Lexapro is an effective antidepressant that may have less potential for adverse effects than other SSRI antidepressants. Prescribed for Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive... View more

Xanax may be used for the treatment of anxiety or panic disorder; however, it is addictive and withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Prescribed for Anxiety, Panic Disorder. Xanax may also be used for... View more

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 1992 reviews

View all 762 reviews

Drug Class

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Benzodiazepines

Side Effects

See the full Lexapro side effects document.

See the full Xanax side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance

Quantity	30 tablet
Dosage	10 mg
Per Unit^*	$8.27
Cost^*	$248.16

View all Lexapro prices and generic prices

Quantity	100 tablet
Dosage	0.25 mg
Per Unit^*	$4.92
Cost^*	$492.09

View all Xanax prices and generic prices

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes

Dosage Form(s) Available

Oral solution
Oral tablet

Oral tablet

Brand Names

N/A

Other alprazolam brands include: Alprazolam Intensol, Xanax XR

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

32 hours

20 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Some potential for abuse

Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.

Pregnancy Category

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Category D Positive evidence of risk

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 649 drugs are known to interact with Lexapro:

248 major drug interactions (885 brand and generic names)
356 moderate drug interactions (1613 brand and generic names)
45 minor drug interactions (147 brand and generic names)

A total of 497 drugs are known to interact with Xanax:

51 major drug interactions (204 brand and generic names)
406 moderate drug interactions (1490 brand and generic names)
40 minor drug interactions (331 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of escitalopram such as dizziness, drowsiness... View more

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with ALPRAZolam and lead to potentially dangerous side... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

August 14, 2002

October 16, 1981

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Advanced Reading

Professional Resources

Prescribing Information

Prescribing Information

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer