Lexapro and Xanax are commonly prescribed anxiety medications, but they differ in their purpose, how quickly they work, act in the body, and fit into a treatment plan. Understanding the differences between Lexapro vs. Xanax will help you determine which medication is best for your needs and lifestyle.
Any decision to start or change medication should be made under the advice of a licensed mental health professional or your doctor. Learning the basics of Lexapro and Xanax at least allows you to have an informed conversation with your provider.
Key Differences Between Lexapro and Xanax
When you’re educated about the differences between Lexapro vs. Xanax, you know when and what to expect in terms of relief.
How quickly they work
Time for onset is the most significant difference between these drugs. Lexapro (escitalopram) is a more traditional antidepressant that builds up in your system as you take it. For most people, it takes several weeks before a noticeable, consistent difference in mood or anxiety is felt. Research suggests it’s possible to see improvement in some symptoms, like energy and appetite, within one to two weeks, but it can take six to eight weeks before other symptoms, like depressive feelings, start to improve. Subtle changes can appear sooner, especially if you’re taking Lexapro for anxiety and depression.
Xanax (alprazolam), on the other hand, is known for its fast-acting mechanism. It can offer calming effects within minutes to a few hours after taking it. It might be a helpful medication for sudden spikes in anxiety or panic attacks. If you find specific events or environments triggering, benzodiazepines like Xanax can offer quick relief.
Note: Xanax is not intended as a long-term solution or for regular use.
Intended use
The type of drug you should take largely depends on the intended use. Lexapro is a daily medication prescribed for long-term use for persistent or chronic anxiety or depression. It offers ongoing relief and can be a good fit if you’re looking for a drug to help manage symptoms over time, rather than one you rely on only for emergencies.
Xanax is prescribed on an as-needed basis. It’s not a drug you can take every day, and many providers limit its use to short-term prescriptions. For example, Xanax might be offered in specific situations where you need rapid symptom control. If you begin taking or needing Xanax more frequently, your doctor might suggest an alternative to Xanax that’s safer for long-term use.
Dependency risk
It’s crucial to know if a drug you’re taking has a risk of dependency. Lexapro is not considered habit-forming or associated with a high risk of dependence. It allows you to focus on healing without having to worry about physical dependence, cravings, or reduced effectiveness over time. Research shows that tapering off SSRIs like Lexapro can reduce the risk of medication withdrawal symptoms.
Xanax, though, carries a higher risk of dependency and misuse because benzodiazepines can lead to tolerance, meaning you need more to achieve the same effect. When abruptly stopped, you may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as rebound anxiety, sleeplessness, or, in severe cases, seizures. If you feel like you need to take more than your recommended dose of Xanax, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can suggest a taper schedule and offer a new drug or dosage.
“I take a cautious approach to prescribing Xanax given its potential for dependence. I prescribe it only on an as-needed basis, intended for short-term relief during periods of acute stress. I advise patients not to take it daily for an extended period of time (such as using it as a sleep aid) and never to take a dose higher than prescribed.”
- Talkspace psychiatrist, Dr. Dion Metzger
Side effect profiles
Side effects won’t be the same for every person who takes a drug, but knowing what’s common helps you see patterns so you can talk to your doctor if something feels “off.”
Lexapro is known to cause mild nausea or changes in sleep patterns. It has also been linked to reduced libido and other sexual side effects. For many people, Lexapro side effects can fade after a few weeks, but for others, dose adjustments or trying a different drug might be necessary.
Xanax can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and, as noted, a potential for misuse. If you feel foggy, forgetful, or struggle to manage daily responsibilities, consult your doctor. While common, these challenges can worsen if left unaddressed.
Tapering considerations
Before stopping any medication, it’s essential to determine whether a taper schedule is necessary. If so, the plan your doctor creates will help you gradually adjust your dose to minimize any side effects.
While you should wean off both drugs, it’s essential with Xanax to avoid uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Have a clear process in place and schedule regular check-ins with your doctor—keeping an open line of communication ensures the process is safe, manageable, and effective.
Note: It’s possible to develop a dependence on Xanax even with short-term use.
Is Lexapro or Xanax Better for Anxiety?
Unfortunately, there’s no single “right” answer when deciding between Lexapro or Xanax for anxiety. The right drug depends on multiple factors, including symptoms, condition, additional healthcare needs, other medications you take, and how anxiety shows up in your life. Both medications can offer real benefits, but they might not work the same way for everyone with anxiety. A licensed psychiatric provider can determine which is best for you.
Lexapro for long-term management
Lexapro can be an excellent option for managing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or anxiety that occurs comorbidly with depression. If your worries are impacting your motivation, energy, or sleep, Lexapro is a daily SSRI that may help alleviate these symptoms. Large-scale reviews and research show that SSRIs are effective and generally well-tolerated for chronic anxiety disorders. They can provide steady, long-term improvement that lasts months or even years.
Xanax for short-term relief
Xanax is an ideal option if you need short-term or acute anxiety relief. If you have panic attacks or are dealing with a major life event that’s triggering anxiety, or if you experience intense spikes of worry from time to time, Xanax can be a temporary solution. Sometimes Xanax is also prescribed for use while you wait for your daily medication to build up in your system and take effect. Research suggests that benzodiazepines are not a long-term solution, but can offer temporary, targeted help, especially when other tools haven’t been effective.
“It’s not unusual to take Lexapro and Xanax together for a short time. Xanax can help with sudden anxiety until Lexapro kicks in. I also may recommend using it only for certain high-anxiety situations, like flying, which might happen a few times a year.”
- Talkspace psychiatrist, Dr. Dion Metzger
Get Professional Advice with an Online Psychiatrist
If you’re ready to explore treatment options and wondering if medication might be right for you, talk to your doctor or a mental health provider about your options. Online platforms like Talkspace make the process of obtaining a prescription and managing ongoing medication simple, affordable, and accessible.
Reach out today to learn how you can get an online Lexapro prescription or therapy for anxiety with Talkspace. You’re not alone on your mental health journey. With the right tools and support, and possibly medication, you can manage symptoms and get back to living the life you want.
Sources:
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- Brewer A. How does Xanax work? All about its mechanism of action. GoodRx. Published August 16, 2024. https://www.goodrx.com/xanax/how-it-works. Accessed October 27, 2025.
- Horowitz MA, Taylor D. Tapering of SSRI treatment to mitigate withdrawal symptoms. The Lancet Psychiatry. 2019;6(6):538-546. doi:10.1016/s2215-0366(19)30032-x. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30850328/. Accessed October 27, 2025.
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- DeGeorge KC, Grover M, Streeter GS. Generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults. AAFP. Published August 15, 2022. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/0800/generalized-anxiety-disorder-panic-disorder.html. Accessed October 27, 2025.
- Garakani A, Murrough JW, Freire RC, et al. Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety Disorders: Current and emerging treatment options. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2020;11. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.595584. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7786299/. Accessed October 27, 2025.
