Are Xanax and Lexapro similar?

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Answer

Xanax and Lexapro are similar in that they are commonly used in patients with mood/psychological complaints, but their mechanism of action and indications for use are somewhat different.

Xanax is a benzodiazepine. It is used to treat anxiety. It acts very quickly. Within minutes or hours the patient should be able to feel its effect. It is a CNS depressent meaning it slows down the firing in your brain that leads to anxiety. It is also considered addictive so should not be perscribed for long term use. Someone addicted to xanax who suddenly stops taking it could go through severe withdrawl and have seizures.

Lexapro is a class of drug called SSRIs. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and act to increase the amount of the neurotransmitter serotonin in your brain. This has been linked to depression. It is very complicated but for many people the increased serotonin helps relieve depression. Many doctors perscribe SSRIs like lexapro for conditions other than depression, like anxiety. The feeling is that changing the brain chemistry can help with other psychological problems too. In addition lexapro is much safer than xanax. One is far less likely to overdose on it, and also far less likely to become addicted.

First answer by Tucker prb. Last edit by Tucker prb. Contributor trust: 81 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 38 [recommend question]