Escitalopram vs. Metoprolol Tartrate
Compare Escitalopram and Metoprolol Tartrate: mechanism of action, indications, side effects, cost, and which may be right for you.
Drug A
Escitalopram
escitalopram
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
RxDrug B
Metoprolol Tartrate
Metoprolol Tartrate
Beta-Blockers
RxQuick Comparison
| Category | Escitalopram | Metoprolol Tartrate |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) | Beta-Blockers |
| Rx Status | Rx | Rx |
| Generic Available | No | No |
| Typical Cost | $4–$25/month | $4–$25/month |
Escitalopram Overview
Escitalopram is a medication belonging to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder by helping to restore the balance of a natural substance called serotonin in the brain.
Full Escitalopram guide →Metoprolol Tartrate Overview
Metoprolol Tartrate is a beta-blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), and to improve outcomes after a heart attack. It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing the heart rate, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the heart's workload.
Full Metoprolol Tartrate guide →How Each Drug Works
Escitalopram
The mechanism of antidepressant action of escitalopram, the S-enantiomer of racemic citalopram, is presumed to be linked to potentiation of serotonergic activity in the central nervous system (CNS) resulting from its inhibition of CNS neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT).
Approved Uses (Indications)
Escitalopram
Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the:
- treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older
- treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults Escitalopram tablets are indicated for the treatment of:
- major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older.
- generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults. Additional pediatric use information is approved for AbbVie Inc.’s LEXAPRO ® (escitalopram) tablets. However, due to…
Metoprolol Tartrate
Metoprolol tartrate is a beta-adrenergic blocker indicated for the treatment of:
- Hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions.
- Angina Pectoris.
- Myocardial Infarction, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality when used in conjunction with intravenous metoprolol therapy in patients with definite or suspected acute myocardial infarction in hemodynamically stable patients.
Hypertension Metoprolol tartrate is in…
Side Effects
Escitalopram
Metoprolol Tartrate
Cost Comparison
Escitalopram
$4–$25/month
As a widely available generic, escitalopram is very affordable. Using discount cards like GoodRx can often reduce the cost to under $10 per month.
Metoprolol Tartrate
$4–$25/month
As a widely available generic, Metoprolol Tartrate is typically affordable. Using discount cards like GoodRx can further reduce the cost, often bringing it down to under $10 per month at many pharmacies.
Drug Interaction: Minor
Escitalopram has minimal inhibitory effects on CYP2D6, the primary enzyme metabolizing metoprolol. Therefore, a clinically significant pharmacokinetic interaction leading to increased metoprolol levels is unlikely. However, both drugs can independently cause bradycardia, so additive pharmacodynamic effects are theoretically possible.
Mechanism: Metoprolol is primarily metabolized by CYP2D6. Escitalopram is a weak or negligible inhibitor of CYP2D6, suggesting minimal pharmacokinetic impact on metoprolol clearance. Both metoprolol (beta-blocker) and escitalopram (SSRI, which can affect heart rate) can cause bradycardia through different pharmacodynamic pathways.
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Medical Disclaimer
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