If you are suffering from depression and anxiety, several medicine options are available. Today we look at two prescription medicines Lexapro And Xanax which are used for different mental health disorders. Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medicine and Xanax is an anti-anxiety medicine. Both are used for treating anxiety and depression. This whole content discusses Xanax and Lexapro and whether it is okay to take them together or not.
Before any discussion, you need to have a basic understanding of what each medication is used for.
Lexapro Xanax
What is Lexapro? – Lexapro is an antidepressant medicine that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of drugs. It is also known as escitalopram. It works by increasing the serotonin level in the brain which leads to treat depression and GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder). It’s important to take this medicine every day for better effect or you may not feel the effect of the medicine for several weeks.
What is Xanax?— Xanax is a benzodiazepine class of drug also known as Alprazolam. It works by increasing the Neurotransmitter GABA activity in the brain which leads to treat anxiety, Panic disorders, and Depression. It can be taken on an as-needed basis and used for short-term treatment.
Alprazolam And Escitalopram: Similarities
Both Xanax and Escitalopram are two different medicines with different mechanisms of action. There are a few similarities between them based on the uses and potential effects.
- Alprazolam And Escitalopram are used to treat anxiety and depression.
- They are prescription medicines means its used only doctor’s supervision.
- Both medicines work by impacting the neurotransmitter in the brain.
- Available in the generic and brand names in the market.
- These medicines can cause common side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and headache.
- Both medications have the potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Lexapro and Xanax are different classes of drugs with distinct primary uses, mechanisms of action, and risk factors. It is important to note that the decision to prescribe these medicines should be based on different factors like age, medical history, and the patient’s condition. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare providers.
Is Lexapro And Xanax The Same Thing
No, (Escitalopram)Lexapro, and Alprazolam (Xanax) are not the same thing. Both medicines can be prescribed for anxiety, they belong to different drug classes and have different mechanisms of action.
The main difference between these two medicines:
| Lexapro | Xanax | |
| Drug Class | selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) | benzodiazepine |
| Generic Name | Escitalopram | Alprazolam |
| Prescribed For | General Anxiety Disorder(GAD), De[ression, and Mood Disorders | Anxiety and Panic Disorders |
| Works | Increase the level of Serotonin | Increase the activity of GABA |
| Times to Effect | Start to work within 1 hour | Takes a longer time |
| Forms available in the market | Oral Tablet | Extended-release, Immediate-release, Oral Tablet |
| Typical Dosage | Lexapro 10 – 20 mg per day | Xanax 0.25 – 0.5 mg three times daily |
| Treatment | Lond term treatment {Based on your doctor’s decision} | Short-term Treatment {Based on your doctor’s decision} |
| Who takes these medicines | Children 12 years and older and Adults | Adults 18 years and older |
Both medicines are different from each other although they can used to treat similar health conditions like anxiety and depression. You should only take this combination when your healthcare expert prescribed this after examining all your conditions and knowing all your currently taking medicines.
Can You Take Xanax With Lexapro
You can take Xanax (alprazolam) and Lexapro (escitalopram) together in some cases, but only be done under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional. It is important to understand the potential risks and benefits.
Lexapro and Xanax weight loss- It helps to reduce your depression and anxiety which may affect your appetite which means you may lose or gain some weight. Taking these medicines together can increase the chance of specific side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, concentration, and impaired coordination. Additionally, both medications can affect serotonin levels in the brain, and combining them could potentially lead to a condition called serotonin syndrome, which can be serious.
Consult with a healthcare professional about your specific condition and symptoms. They can help make the correct decision for your treatment. Never self-adjust your medication dosage or combine medications without medical guidance, as it can lead to a dangerous situation.
Dangers Of Mixing Lexapro And Xanax
Combining Lexapro And Xanax can be potentially dangerous and should only be done under the careful supervision and guidance of healthcare experts. Here are some potentially dangerous situations:
Intensify Sedation:
Both medicines have sedative properties. Mixing them together can increase the sedation leading to excess dizziness, and drowsiness, and can affect concentration and coordination ability. That’s why road accidents increase.
Cognitive Impairment:
Taking these medicines together can cause cognitive and memory impairment which leads to difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making.
Respiratory Depression:
mixing Xanax and Lexapro can cause respiratory depression if you have difficulty breathing. If you take a higher dose of any one of the medicines this can be life-threatening like coma and death.
Liver and kidney damage:
Basically, these two medicines are safe for the liver and kidney but long use and abuse of this combination can affect these organs.
Heart Disease:
Xanax and Lexapro have heart-related side effects. Mixing them together can increase the heart rate which leads to more serious conditions like a heart attack or stroke.
Serotonin Syndrome:
When taken together, there is a risk of developing serotonin syndrome, which can be a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms may include agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, high fever, increased blood pressure, and dilated pupils.
Dependence and Withdrawal:
Xanax has a high chance of dependence and withdrawal. Taking it with Lexapro may increase the risk of developing dependence and suddenly discontinuing Xanax can result in withdrawal symptoms.
Risk of Overdose:
If you take a higher dose of any one of the medicines it can increase the chance of overdose. Sometimes Overdose can be life-threatening.
Drug interaction:
Desipramine (Norpramin), antifungals, antihistamines, anticonvulsants, oral contraceptives, fluoxetine (Prozac), and sedatives, should not be taken with Xanax.
Lexapro should not be taken with some medicines such as anticonvulsants, amphetamines, sedatives, aspirin, tricyclic antidepressants, and other SSRIs.
Always follow your doctor and healthcare provider’s guidance because they will carefully consider the potential benefits and risks for your specific condition and will closely monitor your treatment.
Side Effects Of Taking Lexapro And Xanax Together
Lexapro and Xanax interaction have their own side effects when you take them separately. Taking these medicines together may increase the side effects of the medicine. Some side effects when taking these medicines together included:
- Extreme sedation
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Poor coordination
- Confusion
- Inability to concentrate
- Nausea and Upset Stomach
- Memory problems
- Impaired judgment
- Changes in Appetite
All these side effects you may not experience because it fully depends on the patient’s drug adaptability. So, Before taking any medicines talk with your doctor about medicine side effects.
Safety Tips: Xanax And Lexapro Together
There are Some safety tips to keep in mind when taking these medications in combination:
- Only take Xanax and Lexapro together under the doctor and healthcare provider’s supervision.
- Tell your doctor about your condition, symptoms, concerns, and any side effects you may experience.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions to take this combination dosage.
- Attend all follow-up appointments as recommended.
- Do not take any medicine in your own idea and never self-adjust any dose.
- Some other substances can interact with both Xanax and Lexapro.
- Alcohol and Xanax are never used together. If you mix this with other substance it can increase the side effects.
- Be cautious when driving or operating heavy machinery.
- Always closely watch your side effects and immediately tell your doctor.
- Try alternative treatments or medications that may be more suitable for your condition.
It’s important to know that this combination needs close observation. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor any questions or express any concerns you may have about your treatment.
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