What is the difference between escitalopram and citalopram hbr

Tolerability of the drugs was similar between the two groups. The nine studies used in the analysis addressed both moderate and severe depression. After accounting for differences between the studies, Lexapro was shown to be superior to Celexa in the treatment of moderate and severe depression. The difference was both statistically and clinically significant.

Ultimately, only your physician can decide which treatment is best for you. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment regimen. Sign up for Lexapro price alerts and find out when the price changes!

Celexa is a prescription medication that is covered by both commercial and Medicare drug insurance plans. Lexapro is also a prescription medication that is typically covered by both commercial and Medicare drug plans. Get the SingleCare prescription discount card. Celexa and Lexapro are similar chemically but vary somewhat in their potential side effects. Somnolence is a consistent side effect amongst all SSRIs. Gastrointestinal side effects are more common with Lexapro. Patients on Lexapro reported a higher incidence of nausea, dyspepsia, and diarrhea than patients on Celexa reported.

The following list is not intended to be a complete list of adverse events. Please consult a pharmacist, doctor, or another medical professional for a complete list of possible side effects.

Due to their chemical similarities, Celexa and Lexapro have a similar drug interaction profile. Both drugs are metabolized through the cytochrome P enzyme system. Celexa and Lexapro may increase the serum concentrations of antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole, through their inhibition of CYP2D6. If concomitant use is necessary, patients should be monitored for the effects of the antipsychotics. In some patients, a dose decrease of the antipsychotic may be necessary. Strong CYP3A4 inducers, such as the antiepileptic agent carbamazepine, may increase the metabolism of Celexa and Lexapro.

Therapy modifications may be necessary to avoid this type of interaction. The following list is not intended to be a complete list of drug interactions.

It is best to consult your doctor or pharmacist for a complete list. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, including Celexa and Lexapro, do not start resolving symptoms immediately. Typically, changes in symptoms take a minimum of two weeks to observe, with most patients needing at least four to six weeks to see if the drug is having an impact on their symptoms. Adults and children who suffer from MDD are more likely to suffer from suicidal ideation. This can get worse if MDD is not adequately treated, or not treated at all.

Some studies have shown that antidepressant drugs, including SSRIs, can increase suicidal ideation in children and young adults. All patients taking SSRIs should be monitored closely, and SSRIs should only be used in children and young adults when the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.

SSRIs should not be stopped abruptly. Additionally, while citalopram has FDA approval to treat adults with depression, Lexapro is FDA-approved to treat depression in adults as well as in children aged years. Citalopram and Lexapro are both available as tablets to swallow, only Lexapro is available in liquid form.

Though both citalopram and Lexapro may pose similar issues with drug interactions , Lexapro may interact with fewer drugs. It may also treat a wider variety of anxiety disorders. Like citalopram, Zoloft sertraline is also an SSRIs and therefore similarly and effectively treats anxiety and depression. Both medications can cause very similar side effects and are typically taken once a day. They each come in different strengths and, more importantly, your doctor needs to determine what starting dosage is right for you and what daily dosage you should gradually work up to.

In addition to FDA approval to treat depression, Zoloft also has FDA approval to treat other disorders , including social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and PTSD, among others, while citalopram is an off-label drug to treat these conditions.

Similar to Lexapro, Zoloft is offered in both tablet and liquid form. Citalopram is currently only available as a tablet. Though we listed common side effects that can occur when taking citalopram, there are also more concerning ones that could occur in rare cases.

You should see your doctor immediately if you suspect you may have serotonin syndrome. Since citalopram is a SSRI, it increases serotonin levels in your brain. While mild forms of serotonin syndrome may disappear within 24 hours of stopping the medication s that cause the symptoms, if severe serotonin syndrome is left untreated, it can be fatal. In addition to serotonin syndrome, the following side effects and symptoms, while not common, are worth knowing about and consulting your doctor over:.

The following signs may be serious symptoms that require emergency medical care. Additionally, if you suspect an overdose , seek emergency medical attention by calling , or call the poison help line at Serious side effects or symptoms of an overdose can include:.

Before you start taking citalopram, be sure to know what potential side effects or allergic reactions may look like. And, after you start taking citalopram, if you experience any feeling or behavior that seems off to you, consult with your doctor immediately. Remember, citalopram has been prescribed to help you feel better, not worse.

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Find out all about light therapy and depression. Major depressive disorder is a mood disorder that interferes with daily life. Learn about symptoms, causes, and treatment. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Health. Celexa vs. Lexapro Cost and availability Side effects Drug interactions Warnings Takeaway Introduction Finding the right medication to treat your depression can be difficult.

Drug Features. Each of these active drugs shares similar safety profiles. Although the efficacy of newer antidepressants has been well established for the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression, there are very few studies concerning severe depression. Objective: To determine if escitalopram is more effective than citalopram in patients with severe depression. This analysis was exhaustive because it included all trials in which the maximum dose for escitalopram 20 mg could be administered.