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Celexa vs Lexapro
Introduction
For patients dealing with major depressive disorder (MDD) or various types of anxiety disorders, certain medications that modulate the concentrations of mood-related compounds in the brain, known as neurotransmitters, can assist in managing symptoms and establishing emotional balance. Celexa and Lexapro are two such medications frequently prescribed for these conditions. Both impact similar neurotransmitters in the brain and have effects on mood regulation in patients suffering from depression or anxiety. Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), primarily affecting levels of serotonin. On the other hand, Lexapro is also an SSRI but it's considered to be more refined version of Celexa because it contains only the active component of citalopram and typically has fewer side effects.
Celexa vs Lexapro Side By Side
| Attribute | Celexa | Lexapro |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Celexa | Lexapro |
| Contraindications | Should not be taken with or within 2 weeks of taking MAO inhibitors. | Should not be taken with or within 2 weeks of taking MAO inhibitors. |
| Cost | For brand name, around $300 for 30 tablets of 20 mg. For generic citalopram, costs start as low as about $0.10/day to $0.50/day depending on quantity. | For brand name, approximately $200 for 30 tablets of 10 mg. For generic escitalopram, prices range from around $0.15/day to just under a dollar per day. |
| Generic Name | Citalopram | Escitalopram |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Increased suicidal thoughts or tendencies, serotonin syndrome, severe nervous system reactions. | Signs of an allergic reaction, changes in sodium levels, serotonin syndrome. |
| Severe Drug Interactions | MAO inhibitors | MAO inhibitors |
| Typical Dose | Starts at 20 mg/day, up to a maximum of 40 mg/day. | Starts at 10 mg/day, can be increased to 20 mg/day. |
What is Celexa?
Citalopram (the generic name for Celexa) is an SSRI class of antidepressants, widely used since its FDA approval in 1998. Like Prozac, Citalopram works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain by preventing its reabsorption and thus "trapping" it longer than usual. This drug is prescribed primarily for depression but also has applications for anxiety disorders.
On the other hand, Escitalopram (Lexapro's generic name) which was approved by the FDA in 2002, is a newer development from this class intended to improve upon Citalopram. Lexapro targets serotonin more selectively than Celexa does with even less influence on dopamine and norepinephrine. It results in fewer side effects compared to older SSRIs that have stronger effects on these two neurotransmitters. While both drugs are similar and can treat many forms of mental health issues effectively, studies suggest that Lexapro might be slightly more effective and better tolerated.
What conditions is Celexa approved to treat?
Celexa and Lexapro are both approved for the treatment of several mental health conditions:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD), a severe form of depression
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), characterized by persistent and excessive worry about different aspects of life.
While Celexa can also be used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic disorder, Lexapro is additionally approved for managing social anxiety disorder.
How does Celexa help with these illnesses?
Celexa, also known as citalopram, works to manage depression by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the synapses of the brain. It achieves this by preventing it from being reabsorbed into the neurons, allowing serotonin levels to be maintained at a higher level for longer periods. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that acts as an essential messenger in the brain and throughout the body. It plays vital roles in mood regulation, cognition, memory, sleep patterns, hunger and body temperature among other things.It's hypothesized that individuals with depression have lower levels of serotonin than others. By effectively increasing these serotonin levels,Celexa helps mitigate negative effects related to depression and assists patients in managing their condition more efficiently.
Lexapro or escitalopram operates similarly but is often considered more potent due to its chemical composition which allows it to bind more selectively on certain receptors thereby potentially offering greater efficiency with fewer side-effects for some patients.
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro is a brand name for escitalopram, which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), meaning it increases the levels of serotonin in the brain by reducing its reabsorption. This action on serotonin helps to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, making Lexapro commonly used for these conditions. Escitalopram was first approved by the FDA in 2002. As an SSRI antidepressant, Lexapro does not act on norepinephrine or dopamine like some other classes of antidepressants do; therefore, its side-effect profile differs from those drugs. Notably, Lexapro tends to cause less sedation than other SSRIs and is less likely to lead to weight gain or sexual dysfunction—common side effects associated with use of certain other SSRIs like Celexa (citalopram). The specific action on serotonin can be beneficial for treating depressive disorders particularly in patients who have not responded well to other types of antidepressant medications.
What conditions is Lexapro approved to treat?
Lexapro is an FDA-approved medication used to treat the following conditions:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
It's worth noting that Lexapro, compared to other SSRIs like Celexa, may have a more favorable side effect profile and could be better tolerated by some patients. However, individual responses can vary widely and it's important for each patient to discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider.
How does Lexapro help with these illnesses?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays significant roles in many processes in the body, including mood regulation, digestion, and sleep. Low levels of serotonin have been implicated in depression. Lexapro works by increasing the levels of serotonin available in the brain, thereby alleviating some symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. It does this through selective inhibition of serotonin reuptake (hence being classified as an SSRI or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor), allowing more serotonin to be available for necessary brain functions. Compared to Celexa, another SSRI antidepressant drug, Lexapro is often viewed as more potent and typically requires lower doses for effectiveness. However, it's important to note that each individual's response varies so one may work better than the other depending on personal factors.
How effective are both Celexa and Lexapro?
Both citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) have demonstrated efficacy in treating depression and anxiety disorders, with both drugs receiving FDA approval in the late 1990s to early 2000s. As they are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), their mechanisms of action are similar, targeting the neurotransmitter serotonin to alleviate depressive symptoms.
A direct comparison study conducted in 2004 showed that while both drugs were effective at managing depressive symptoms, patients taking escitalopram exhibited slightly improved remission rates and a faster onset of action than those on citalopram. Neither medication significantly differed from each other when it came to safety profiles.
A meta-analysis published in 2012 reviewed studies comparing the two SSRIs and found that escitalopram was more effective than citalopram for major depressive disorder at comparable doses. This same study also reported that escitalopram had an advantageous side-effect profile compared to many other antidepressants including its counterpart Celexa.
However, a thorough evaluation by the European Medicines Agency concluded that despite these slight differences favoring Lexapro over Celexa, there is no substantial evidence suggesting one drug has significant therapeutic advantages over the other.
Nonetheless, due to its slightly increased effectiveness combined with a favorable side effect profile seen in some studies; along with individual patient factors such as tolerance or response rate; physicians may preferentially prescribe Lexapro over Celexa under certain circumstances.
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At what dose is Celexa typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Celexa usually start at 20 mg/day and could be increased up to a maximum of 40 mg/day. However, most people find that a dosage of 20 mg/day is sufficient for treating depression or anxiety disorder. On the other hand, Lexapro dosage typically starts at 10 mg/day and may increase to 20mg per day as needed. Dosage can be adjusted after a few weeks if there is no response but should not exceed the recommended maximum dose - in this case, it's generally advisable not to exceed more than 20mg per day for adults or adolescents.
At what dose is Lexapro typically prescribed?
Lexapro treatment typically begins at a dosage of 10 mg/day. If necessary, the dose can then be increased to 20 mg/day after at least one week of treatment. The tablets are available in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg strengths, allowing for flexibility in dosing. The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg/day. It's important to remember that it may take a few weeks before you start seeing an improvement in your symptoms with Lexapro. Also bear in mind that this medication should not be stopped abruptly but rather tapered off under medical supervision to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
What are the most common side effects for Celexa?
Both Celexa and Lexapro are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and they share similar side effects. These can include:
- Nervousness
- Insomnia or sleepiness/drowsiness
- Generalized fatigue or weakness (asthenia)
- Tremor
- Reduced appetite
- Nausea, digestive discomfort or pain (dyspepsia), diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Decreased sex drive, difficulty with ejaculation, impotence in males
- Sweating excessively
- Unusual dreams -Infection that resembles flu symptoms (fever, chills) -Sore throat inflammation(pharyngitis) -Sinus inflammation(sinusitis) -Yawning more often than usual
These side effects may not be experienced by all users but if any of them persist or worsen it's important to consult a healthcare provider promptly.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Celexa?
In rare instances, Celexa and Lexapro may cause some serious side effects:
- Increased suicidal thoughts or tendencies: If you have a sudden surge in depressive symptoms or if you are having suicidal thoughts, consult your doctor immediately.
- Allergic reactions: Signs such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in the face or throat could indicate an allergic reaction to either medication.
- Vision changes: Experiencing blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling should be reported to your healthcare provider promptly.
- Cardiovascular issues: Immediate medical attention is necessary if fast heartbeats, fluttering sensations in your chest, shortness of breath and sudden dizziness occur.
- Low sodium levels - Symptoms like headache confusion slurred speech severe weakness vomiting loss of coordination feeling unsteady may indicate low level of sodium in body
- Severe nervous system reactions - Very stiff muscles high fever sweating confusion fast uneven heartbeats tremors feeling like you might pass out must be addressed immediately with your doctor.
If any symptoms indicative of serotonin syndrome (such as agitation hallucinations fever sweating shivering fast heart rate muscle stiffness twitching loss of coordination nausea vomiting diarrhea) develop contact emergency services right away.
What are the most common side effects for Lexapro?
When taking Lexapro, the following side effects may be experienced:
- Dry mouth or throat
- Nasal congestion
- Blurred vision occasionally
- Nausea, upset stomach, constipation or decreased appetite
- Difficulty sleeping or unusual dreams
- Sweating more than usual and feelings of nervousness or restlessness
- Fast heartbeat in some cases
- Some patients might experience confusion or irritability
- Skin rash is rare but can occur
- Weight changes (loss or gain)
- Increased urination at times
-Dizziness, headache -Muscle aches and joint pain.
Always remember that each person reacts differently to medication so it's important to communicate with your healthcare provider if you're experiencing any unmanageable side effects.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Lexapro?
While Lexapro is typically well-tolerated, it can also produce some serious side effects in some individuals. These may include:
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or lips, tongue or throat
- Symptoms related to changes in sodium levels: headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness or muscle cramping
- Serotonin syndrome symptoms: agitation, hallucinations (seeing things that are not there), fast heartbeat
Also be alert for more common but less critical side effects like drowsiness and dry mouth. If you notice any unusual changes in mood or behavior including early signs of depression or suicidal thoughts; unexpected bleeding; blurred vision; pounding heartbeats; a seizure (convulsions); easy bruising; tremors shaking; decreased interest in sex; impotence difficulties with memory concentration and coordination please contact your doctor immediately.
Contraindications for Celexa and Lexapro?
Both Celexa and Lexapro, like most other antidepressants, might worsen symptoms of depression in some individuals. If you notice your depression intensifying or an increase in suicidal ideation, thoughts or behavior while on these medications, it's crucial to seek immediate medical help.
Neither Celexa nor Lexapro should be taken if you are currently using or have recently used monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. Always inform your physician about any medication you're taking; MAOIs will require a period of about 2 weeks to clear from the system before starting Celexa or Lexapro to avoid potentially dangerous interactions.
How much do Celexa and Lexapro cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price for 30 tablets of Celexa (20 mg) averages around $300, which works out to about $10/day.
- The price for 30 tablets of Lexapro (10 mg) is approximately $200, translating to roughly $6.67/day.
Therefore, if your prescription calls for a higher dosage range of Celexa (i.e., 40 mg/day or higher), then brand-name Lexapro can be less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. However, it's important to note that cost shouldn't be the primary factor in determining which drug is suitable for you.
For the generic versions, citalopram and escitalopram respectively:
- Citalopram (20 mg tablets) is available in packs from 15 up to hundreds with costs starting as low as about $0.10/day if you buy larger quantities upfront and not exceeding roughly $0.50/day.
- Escitalopram also comes in similar pack sizes with prices ranging from around $0.15 to just under a dollar per day depending on quantity purchased and daily dosage required.
Popularity of Celexa and Lexapro
Citalopram, in generic form as well as under the brand name Celexa, was estimated to have been prescribed to approximately 23 million people in the US in 2020. Citalopram accounted for nearly a quarter of SSRI prescriptions in the US, signifying its wide acceptance and use among healthcare professionals.
Escitalopram, commonly known by its brand name Lexapro, was prescribed to around 16.7 million people within that same year. Making up close to 18% of SSRI prescriptions and just over 9% of overall antidepressant prescriptions nationwide. Like citalopram, Escitalopram has maintained steady prevalence over recent years.
It's vital to note that both medications are classified as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) used primarily for treating depression and anxiety disorders. The key difference between them is their chemical makeup: escitalopram is an S-enantiomer of citalopram which means it may be more potent with fewer side effects and drug interactions.
Conclusion
Both Celexa (citalopram) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are widely used in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders, with numerous studies suggesting their efficacy over placebo treatments. In some cases, these drugs may be used in conjunction, but a physician's careful consideration is necessary due to potential drug interactions. As they both belong to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), their primary action involves increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
Celexa has been around longer than Lexapro and it is considered a first-line option for treating major depressive disorder. On the other hand, Lexapro might be generally preferred due to its more favorable side-effect profile and because it requires lower doses compared to Celexa.
Both medications are available as generics which can lead to significant cost savings for patients paying out of pocket. An adjustment period where effects may not be immediately noticeable is common when starting either medication.
The side effect profiles of both Celexa and Lexapro are similar; however, Lexapro tends to have fewer unwanted side effects like sexual dysfunction or weight gain compared to Celexa. It’s imperative that patients closely monitor their mood changes while undergoing treatment - any worsening depression or thoughts about self-harm should prompt immediate medical attention.
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Refrences
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