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Escitalopram starts at $11.00 per month, while Effexor starts at $13.00 per month in Canada. Escitalopram contains escitalopram (Cipralex, Lexapro), while Effexor contains venlafaxine XR. Last updated: 2026-02-26.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Escitalopram Effexor
Price Range $11–$29 per month $13–$33 per month
Cheapest Pharmacy Costco ($10.99 per month) Costco ($12.49 per month)
Generic Name escitalopram (Cipralex, Lexapro) venlafaxine XR
Route Oral tablet Oral capsule
Category Mental Health Mental Health
ODB Coverage General Benefit General Benefit

Pharmacy Total Breakdown

Pharmacy Escitalopram Effexor
Costco $10.99 per month $12.49 per month
Walmart $21.47 per month $23.97 per month
Rexall $26.99 per month $29.99 per month
Shoppers Drug Mart $28.99 per month $32.49 per month

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Escitalopram or Effexor?
Escitalopram is generally cheaper, starting at $11.00 per month compared to $13.00 per month for Effexor. The lowest price is at Costco ($10.99 per month).
What is the difference between Escitalopram and Effexor?
Escitalopram (escitalopram (Cipralex, Lexapro)) and Effexor (venlafaxine XR) are different medications in the mental health category. Escitalopram is an oral tablet, while Effexor is an oral capsule.
Is Escitalopram or Effexor covered by provincial drug plans?
Escitalopram: General Benefit on the Ontario Drug Benefit formulary. Effexor: General Benefit on the Ontario Drug Benefit formulary.

Last updated: 2026-02-26