{"id":4136,"date":"2019-05-22T15:36:46","date_gmt":"2019-05-22T19:36:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=4136"},"modified":"2026-03-17T09:55:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T13:55:21","slug":"effexor-vs-lexapro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/effexor-vs-lexapro\/","title":{"rendered":"Effexor vs. Lexapro: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Effexor<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Lexapro<\/span><\/a> are both prescription-only medications used in the treatment of <\/span>major depressive disorder<\/span><\/a> (MDD) and <\/span>generalized anxiety disorder<\/span><\/a> (GAD). Symptoms of depression may include low mood for at least a two-week period and loss of interest in normal activities. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive worry about a variety of issues, including money, health, family, and work, occurring more days than not for the past six months. Both <\/span>MDD<\/span> and <\/span>GAD<\/span> affect millions of Americans, and adequate treatment is important for quality of life. Treatment of depression or anxiety may include increased physical activity, meditation, or psychotherapy. Some cases will require medication for effective treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Effexor and Lexapro?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Effexor<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>venlafaxine<\/span><\/a>) is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of both MDD and GAD. Effexor belongs to a group of antidepressants known as <\/span>serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors<\/span><\/a> (SNRIs). Effexor blocks the reuptake of both norepinephrine and serotonin in the neuron synapse, effectively leaving more free serotonin and norepinephrine available. These neurotransmitters play a positive role in mood and affect. Other SNRIs you may be familiar with are <\/span>Cymbalta<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>duloxetine<\/span><\/a>) and <\/span>Pristiq<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>desvenlafaxine<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Effexor is available in the generic form venlafaxine as immediate-release tablets<\/a> in strengths of 25 mg, 37.5 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg. It is also available as both a generic and as the branded drug <\/span>Effexor XR<\/span><\/a> in extended-release tablets and capsules in strengths of 37.5 mg, 75 mg, and 150 mg. The extended-release tablet also comes in a 225 mg strength.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lexapro<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>escitalopram<\/span><\/a>) is also a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of both MDD and GAD. Lexapro belongs to the group of antidepressants known as <\/span>selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors<\/span><\/a> (SSRIs) and works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin at the neuronal membrane transport pump. This action leaves more free serotonin in the neuron synapse, and higher serotonin levels are associated with a better mood. Other SSRIs you may be familiar with include <\/span>Prozac<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>fluoxetine<\/span><\/a>), <\/span>Zoloft<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>sertraline<\/span><\/a>), <\/span>Celexa<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>citalopram<\/span><\/a>), and <\/span>Paxil<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>paroxetine<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Lexapro is available as both the branded form and the generic form escitalopram as an oral tablet in strengths of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. It is also available as an oral solution in a 5 mg\/5 mL concentration.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Main differences between Effexor and Lexapro<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nEffexor<\/strong><\/td>\nLexapro<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/strong><\/td>\nSelective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor<\/td>\nSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/strong><\/td>\nBrand and generic available<\/td>\nBrand and generic available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/strong><\/td>\nVenlafaxine<\/td>\nEscitalopram<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/strong><\/td>\nImmediate-release tablet and extended-release capsule and tablet<\/span><\/td>\nTablet and oral solution<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/strong><\/td>\n75 mg extended release once per day or 75 mg immediate release administered in two or three divided doses<\/span><\/td>\n10 mg once per day<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/strong><\/td>\nIndefinite<\/td>\nIndefinite<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/strong><\/td>\nAdolescents and adults<\/td>\nAdolescents and adults<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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Conditions treated by Effexor and Lexapro<\/span><\/h2>\n

Effexor and Lexapro are both indicated in the treatment of <\/span>major depressive disorder<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>generalized anxiety disorder<\/span><\/a>. Effexor also carries indications for both social phobia and panic disorder. There are some <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> uses of both drugs as well. Off-label use is the utilization of a drug for an indication not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Effexor has been used without FDA approval for <\/span>obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>premenstrual dysphoric disorder<\/span><\/a> (PMDD), and hot flashes related to menopause. Lexapro is sometimes used off-label for conditions such as OCD, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating.<\/span><\/p>\n

The following chart provides a list of conditions treated by Effexor and Lexapro. It may not include all potential uses, and you should always consult with your healthcare professional to see if one of these drugs is right for you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/strong><\/td>\nEffexor<\/strong><\/td>\nLexapro<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Major depressive disorder<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Generalized anxiety disorder<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Social phobia<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Panic disorder<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Obsessive-compulsive disorder<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hot flashes due to menopause<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bulimia nervosa<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Binge eating<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Post-traumatic stress disorder<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Premature ejaculation<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Effexor or Lexapro more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A <\/span>meta-analysis<\/span><\/a> compared Effexor, Lexapro, and several other common antidepressant drugs based on efficacy and tolerability in 117 randomized trials over a 16-year period. The results found that both Effexor and Lexapro were similarly effective at treating depression, and both were more effective than many other antidepressant medications. However, Effexor\u2019s side effect profile may make it more difficult to tolerate than Lexapro. This may lead prescribers to attempt treatment with Lexapro before attempting Effexor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of Effexor vs. Lexapro<\/span><\/h2>\n

Effexor is a prescription-only medication that is typically covered by both commercial and Medicare insurance plans. The average retail price of Effexor XR is $781 for 30, 150 mg capsules without insurance. Effexor XR is also available in a lower-cost generic. With a <\/span>venlafaxine ER coupon<\/span><\/a> from SingleCare, you can purchase 30 of the generic extended-release 150 mg capsules for around $6, depending on your choice of pharmacy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lexapro is also a prescription medication that is typically covered by both commercial and Medicare drug plans. The out-of-pocket price for 30 Lexapro 10 mg tablets is about $569. SingleCare offers a coupon for the generic <\/span>escitalopram 10 mg<\/span><\/a>, which can lower the price to approximately $9 at participating pharmacies.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\u00a0 \u00a0 Effexor vs. Lexapro cost comparison<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nEffexor<\/b><\/td>\nLexapro<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage<\/b><\/td>\n30, 150 mg XR capsules<\/span><\/td>\n30, 10 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$6 at Kroger<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$9 at Kroger<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of March 6, 2026. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.<\/span><\/i><\/small><\/small><\/p>\n

Get a prescription coupon<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Common side effects of Effexor vs. Lexapro<\/span><\/h2>\n

Effexor and Lexapro both have side effects that may potentially affect patient compliance. Patients may experience bothersome side effects before they experience a remission in symptoms of their disorder; however, many of these side effects improve over time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The most <\/span>common side effects of Lexapro<\/span><\/a> include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n