While it’s generally safe to take Xanax and Lexapro simultaneously, there are still some potential risks and side effects to be aware of.
Article at a Glance:
- Xanax is a short-term treatment for anxiety and panic that is prescribed frequently in the United States.
- Lexapro is a long-term treatment option for depression and anxiety that doesn’t carry Xanax’s risks of abuse or addiction.
- Since Xanax is a controlled substance that can cause dependence and addiction, it’s important to closely follow the doctor’s directions when using it.
Xanax and Lexapro
When you are prescribed medication, you should always let your doctor or pharmacist know of any other substances you take. Whether it’s another prescription, over-the-counter medicine, a vitamin or an herbal substance, your doctor should know. Doing this ensures that you don’t experience any adverse reactions caused by drug interactions.
Two commonly prescribed substances are Xanax and Lexapro, and many wonder if it’s safe to take both together. This overview discusses the effects of taking Xanax and Lexapro separately, as well as their possible interactions.
Is it Safe to Take Xanax and Lexapro Together?
It is usually safe to use Xanax and Lexapro together. Although both drugs relieve anxiety, they do so via different mechanisms in the brain and do not have a drug interaction. Further, Xanax is often considered a short-term medicinethat shouldn’t be used for long periods of time, while Lexapro is a long-term anxiety treatment option.
Possible Side Effects of Mixing the Two
aking Xanax and Lexapro together may be fine in most cases, but people should be aware that one drug can sometimes worsen the side effects of the other. For example, a person who takes Xanax and Lexapro together may find that they’re extremely drowsy or fatigued.
The objective of taking Lexapro, however, should be to alleviate the anxiety which used to be managed through Xanax. Ideally, taking Lexapro will control mood and allow someone to reduce or stop taking Xanax.
Other FAQs about Xanax and Lexapro
Yes, this is the reason Xanax is not intended as a long-term treatment for anxiety because it is a controlled substance that has the potential to be habit-forming. A person can also form a physical dependence on Xanax, meaning that when they use it, their body will become used to its presence. If someone with dependence suddenly stops taking the drug, they may have withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, the withdrawal symptoms of Xanax can be severe and may include seizures.
No, Xanax (alprazolam) is an FDA-approved benzodiazepine used for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders, and it’s one of the most widely prescribed substances in the United States.
Lexapro (escitalopram) is a prescription antidepressant that’s classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Lexapro and other SSRIs work by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain, which improves a person’s sense of well-being and reduces anxiety.
Lexapro is FDA-approved for the use of major depressive disorder and anxiety. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, fatigue and insomnia. Unlike Xanax, Lexapro is not a controlled substance.
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U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Xanax“>Xanax.” February 14, 2020. Accessed June 27, 2020.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Lexapro“>Lexapro.” January 22, 2019. Accessed June 27, 2020.
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