Compare Lexapro vs. Lyrica
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Improves mood and helps you relax.
Lexapro (escitalopram) is good for treating depression and anxiety. It is less likely to cause side effects than and has fewer drug interactions. However, it might not be a good choice if you have liver or heart problems.
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3.6/ 5 average rating with 1063 reviewsforLexapro
Treats pain caused by nerve damage and prevents seizures.
Lyrica (pregabalin) is first-choice treatment for nerve pain, but may be expensive since it is available as brand name only.
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3.3/ 5 average rating with 66 reviewsforLyrica
Upsides
- Effective at relieving depression and anxiety symptoms.
- Lowers the likelihood that your depression will come back.
- Lexapro (escitalopram) has less drug interactions than other similar antidepressants and might cause fewer side effects.
- Unlike other pain relievers, it is very effective at treating and preventing nerve damage caused by diabetes, shingles, fibromyalgial, and spinal cord injuries.
- It is less habit forming than narcotics.
- It can also be used in combination with other anti-seizure medicines to treat epilepsy.
Downsides
- Can cause a small weight gain of 1-5 pounds.
- Lexapro (escitalopram) is not a good option if you have heart or liver problems.
- The first antidepressant you try might not always work, so you may need to try a few different medicines until you find one that works for you.
- Likely expensive since it is not available in generic versions.
- Has a higher risk than other pain medicines to affect your heart rate or rhythm.
- Requires adjustment in dose if you have lower kidney function.
- Higher doses can cause drowsiness so you will have to divide the dose and take it throughout the day.
Used for
- Nerve pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Restless leg syndrome
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$8.40
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$482.60
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Reviews
1063 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Lexapro (escitalopram)?
Leave a review66 reviews so far
47%
saidit'sworth it
42%
saiditworked well
32%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Lyrica (pregabalin)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
25possible side effects
- Headache24%
- Nausea18%
- Problems ejaculating14%
- Sleepiness13%
- Insomnia12%
- Dry mouth9%
- Diarrhea8%
- Fatigue8%
- Decreased libido7%
- Problems with orgasm6%
- Constipation5%
- Flu-like symptoms5%
- Increased sweating4%
- Indigestion3%
- Vomiting3%
- Neck/shoulder pain3%
- Abnormal dreams3%
- Decrease appetite3%
- Lack of energy3%
- Tingling or burning in the hands/feet2%
- Abdominal pain2%
- Flatulence2%
- Toothache2%
- Yawning2%
- Menstrual disorder2%
28possible side effects
- Dizziness23%
- Drowsiness13%
- Headache11%
- Blurry vision8%
- Weight gain8%
- Dry mouth7%
- Fatigue5%
- Swelling of the hands and feet5%
- Constipation4%
- Sinus infection4%
- Increased appetite4%
- Joint pain4%
- Loss of focus4%
- Feeling off balance2%
- Vomiting2%
- Abdominal distension2%
- Chest pain2%
- Fluid retention2%
- Muscle spasms2%
- Back pain2%
- Balance disorder2%
- Abnormal coordination2%
- Partial loss of sensitivity to touch2%
- Lethargy2%
- Intense feeling of happiness2%
- Anxiety2%
- Depression2%
- Sore throat2%
Risks and risk factors
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Serotonin syndrome
- Using other medications that affect serotonin
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Lexapro (escitalopram) suddenly
- Increased bleeding
- Taking blood thinners
- Sexual problems
- Uncovering of bipolar disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Starting Lyrica (pregabalin) or changing doses
- Driving impairment
- Taking Lyrica (pregabalin) with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you drowsy
- Giant hives (angioedema)
- History of unusual swelling (angioedema)
- Taking other medications (ie. lisinopril) that can cause angioedema
- Heart problems
- History of cardiovascular disease
- Swelling of the hands and feet
- Taking with certain diabetes medications
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Stopping Lyrica (pregabalin) suddenly