Celexa and Lexapro are the branding names for the drug named Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which is used to treat the disorder known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Depression. Depression has become a major concern as about 3% of the world’s population is facing it. Depression is a disorder where the person feels low almost all the time, they lack interest in many social activities, and hence they tend to take medications or therapy sessions.
Celexa vs Lexapro
The main difference between Celexa and Lexapro is their generic names. Celexa represents its generic name which is Citalopram while on the other hand, Lexapro has a different generic name which is known as Escitalopram.
Celexa is an oral antidepressants medication that contains a mixer of R-enantiomer and S-enantiomer of Citalopram and works great upon the patients. Generally, these medications are available in two variants and that is in oral pills and oral liquids. The strengths of each type also vary from the other.
On the other hand, Lexapro is a more significant medication and it contains a single variant of enantiomer which is S-enantiomer and this works as the active isomer and hence results from a great serotonergic effect. The strengths are availed in two forms and they are in pills and liquids. There are three strengths for the pills and one strength in liquids.
Comparison Table Celexa and Lexapro
| Parameters of Comparison | Celexa | Lexapro |
| Generic Name | Celexa is the generic name for Citalopram. | Escitalopram represents a generic name for the brand Lexapro. |
| Usage | Celexa is majorly used for unipolar depression. | Lexapro mainly treats two types of disorders and these include Unipolar Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. |
| FDA | FDA approved Celexa on 17th July 1998. | On 27th November 2002, Lexapro was certified by FDA. |
| Side-Effects | Some common side-effects for Celexa are nausea, sleepiness, insomnia, dry mouth etc. | Diarrhea, headaches, decreased sex drive, sleepiness, etc are the most common side-effects of Lexapro. |
| Effectiveness | Celexa is a bit less effective than Lexapro. | It has been noticed that Lexapro quickly shows its effect upon the patient. |
What is Celexa?
Celexa is one of the antidepressant medications and is the brand name for the drug named Citalopram. It is found in invariants which are in oral tablets and oral liquids. One can choose any of these variants accordingly. Celexa is available in three oral pill strengths those includes 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg. And on the other side, the liquid strengths are 10mg/5ml and 20mg/5ml. And generally, the doctors prescribe the standard dosage for Celexa as 20mg once daily and not more than that.
Celexa works perfectly upon everyone but, in general, the drug named Citalopram (Celexa) is not prescribed to children below the age of 18 years, but if the doctors approve it in some cases then even these children have it. Without consultation, you should never consume such medicines as they can lead to side effects and therefore they can majorly affect the body.
Celexa came into the market after the final approval by FDA on 17th July 1998. Since then doctors recommended it to the patients. Even though Celexa is highly beneficial for depression but it can have some side effects as well like headache, stomach ache, nausea, insomnia, etc. If such signs are seen then immediately consult the doctor.
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro is a medications brand for Escitalopram. It is specifically designed to treat Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorders. It is also one of the essential drugs, as per the World Health Organization’s list. For the first time, Lexapro was approved by FDA for medicinal purposes on 27th November 2002. Lexapro is available in two different variations and they are in pills and liquid. It not only helps for Depression but other concerns like insomnia, symptoms of menopause, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. And Lexapro is highly efficient than the other Antidepressants in the market.
Since we have come to know that Lexapro is found in two types and hence its strengths are like 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg are the main strengths for oral pills and for the oral liquids the strengths comes in a single 5mg/5ml form. And the dosage for it is 10mg once daily.
Some people might experience side effects as well and those are diarrhea, headaches, decreased sex drive, sleepiness, etc. Hence such medications should only be consumed as per the doctor’s guidance since these drugs are strong. Children from age between 12years to 17years and adults are prescribed Lexapro.
Main Differences Between Celexa and Lexapro
- Celexa has been chosen as the generic name for Citalopram while on the other hand, the generic name Lexapro is known for the drug name Escitalopram.
- The Unipolar Depression types are cured using Celexa while on the other hand, Lexapro treats two variants of depressions which include Unipolar Depression and Generalized Anxiety Depression.
- On the date 17th July 1998, Celexa was approved for the first time by FDA while on the other hand, Lexapro was initially approved by FDA on 27th November 2002.
- Celexa includes varieties of side effects and they are nausea, sleepiness, insomnia, dry mouth etc while on the other hand, Lexapro gives side effects such as diarrhea, headaches, decreased sex drive, sleepiness, etc.
- Celexa works great but it lacks a bit than the Lexapro while on the other hand, Lexapro is highly effective.
Conclusion
Celexa and Lexapro are medications that are highly efficient and used to treat Depression. These drugs are available in both tablets as well as in liquid form, also their strengths vary from each other. Celexa and Lexapro also include side effects that are almost similar to each other. If any side effects are seen then the patient is immediately asked to discontinue the medication and should consult a doctor. As a whole, both work great, but it has been identified that Lexapro works quicker and hence leading in the race.
References
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-002-1364-z
- https://journals.lww.com/behaviouralpharm/Fulltext/2003/09000/R_citalopram_counteracts_the_antidepressant_like.10.aspx