What is the difference between Celexa and Lexapro?
Both Celexa and Lexapro belong to the class of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and are FDA approved to treat depression.
The main differences between Celexa and Lexapro are:
- Celexa is a branded version of citalopram and Lexapro is a branded version of escitalopram
- Citalopram is a mixture of two stereo-isomers: R-citalopram and S-citalopram. Stereo-isomers are compounds that have the same chemical formula but differ only in their arrangement of atoms. Escitalopram contains only one isomer, S-citalopram
- Lexapro is also FDA approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Both Celexa and Lexapro may be used off-label to treat other conditions
- Celexa is only available in tablet form whereas Lexapro is available in both tablet and liquid form
- The equivalent dose of Lexapro is approximately half of that of Celexa. This means the dosing range of Lexapro is 10-20 mg/day and the dosing range for Celexa is 20-40 mg/day. In elderly patients, the dosing range for Lexapro is reduced to 5-10 mg/day and for Celexa, 10-20 mg/day
- There are some differences in their side effects with Celexa being more likely at higher dosages to cause QT prolongation (an electrical disturbance in the heart that can trigger some arrhythmias). Lexapro is more likely to cause sleep problems and taste disturbances.
- There is some evidence that Lexapro may be more effective and tolerable than other SSRIs, including Celexa, in the treatment of depression
- Celexa is not recommended for patients with pre-existing heart problems such as bradycardia or congenital long QT syndrome, low potassium or magnesium levels, a recent MI, or with uncompensated heart failure
- Celexa was FDA approved in 1998 and Lexapro was FDA approved in 2002.
Because both drugs are SSRIs, they have many similarities, such as:
- They both work by preventing the reuptake of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that acts as a messenger between nerve cells. SSRIs increase levels of serotonin in the nerve synapse and this has been associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms
- Side effects, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, increased sweating, and dry mouth are common to both Celexa and Lexapro
- Both have been associated with withdrawal symptoms when discontinued
- Both are branded drugs; however, generics are available for each drug which makes costs similar
- Both are prescription medicines, and neither is a controlled drug
- The likelihood of interactions with other drugs (such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pimozide, tramadol, St John’s wort) is similar, but in general, both citalopram and escitalopram have few drug-drug interactions because of their low potential to inhibit hepatic enzymes.
Read next
Why does Lexapro cause weight gain?
Lexapro may cause weight gain because it blocks the serotonin transporter, which increases levels of serotonin in the brain, but also increases appetite and decreases metabolism. Research has shown approximately 40% of people taking antidepressants such as Lexapro will gain 7% or more of their starting body weight. The weight gain experienced with Lexapro is a lot less than that reported with other antidepressants such as paroxetine, mirtazapine, or doxepin but more than fluoxetine. Continue reading
When is the best time to take Lexapro?
Lexapro is usually taken once a day and you can take it either in the morning or at night. Continue reading
How long does it take for Lexapro to work?
Even though it takes Lexapro only a few hours to increase serotonin levels within the brain, it may take several weeks to start working. Signs that Lexapro has started working include an improvement in your sleep, energy, or appetite. In some, this may happen in as little as 1 to 2 weeks. Relief from symptoms, such as a depressed mood or a lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy, may take up to 6 to 8 weeks to fully improve. Continue reading
See also:
Related medical questions
- SSRIs vs SNRIs - What's the difference between them?
- Does Lexapro cause night sweats?
- On Nexito plus for 3 months, stopped 2 days ago, can't sleep. Why?
- What are some common side effects of antidepressants?
- Lexapro vs Zoloft: How do they compare?
- Treatments for Menopause
Drug information
- Escitalopram (3,992 reviews)
- Lexapro (2,391 reviews)
- Citalopram (2,236 reviews)
- Celexa (866 reviews)
Related support groups
- Escitalopram (203 questions, 423 members)
- Lexapro (641 questions, 2,203 members)
- Citalopram (195 questions, 608 members)
- Celexa (141 questions, 654 members)