Celexa vs. Lexapro: Opting for Top Depression Treatment

Depression is a rather spread condition, which frequently appears in different people due to various factors, including stress, anxiety, excess tiredness and others. Finding the proper treatment of this condition is an exacting task, as you may try several medications before you opt for the one, suitable for your health state. Being aware of different treatments is inevitable during doctor’s consultation and selection of proper remedy for your instance.

While the pharmaceutical market is filled with diverse options, Lexapro and Celexa are two top effective and demanded depression treatments appreciated both by patients and medical specialists. Belonging to the same group of antidepressants, the medications have both similarities and differences, so you need to consider them before choosing a single one.

Main Features and Peculiarities of Celexa and Lexapro: Similar Points

As a rule, people with the signs of depression usually suffer from accompanying anxiety disorders. In such instances, Lexapro will be a better choice, as it is prescribed for both issues. However, Celexa and Lexapro are in the same group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, which promote a potential influence on the brain. The innovative formulas of both drugs help to control the mood and balance the serotonin amount, which manages depressive disorders.

Taking into account other similarities of the drugs, it is inevitable to mention that they are both available in generic versions. Lexapro and Celexa are recommended for long-term treatment and are available in the forms of oral pills and oral solutions. Sudden shop of antidepressant intake can lead to serious withdrawal reactions, such as anxiety, irritability, confusion, insomnia, agitation, and others.

It is vital to pay due attention to contraindications, warnings, and precautions for both remedies. They are very similar and drug misuse can lead to serious health disorders, most commonly being weakness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, anxiety, sweating, decreased appetite, sexual dysfunction, abnormal bleeding, symptoms of serotonin syndrome and others.

Key Differences between Similar Medications

Despite the remedies belong to the same group of drugs, they have many differences, which help you make the right decision and opt for a more effective and safe treatment.

  • Use in children. Celexa is considered to promote a more significant influence on the brain and overall health state, so it is not approved for children under 18 years old, while Lexapro can be taken by patients over 12 years old. Definitely, the dose, duration of the course and related intake peculiarities will depend on your individual health state, though it is advised to start with the lowest dose increasing it with the time. On average, the therapy lasts for 8-12 weeks;
  • Composition. Celexa contains Citalopram as an active ingredient, while Lexapro is characterized by Escitalopram as an active component;
  • Use. Celexa is approved for depression treatment. Contrary to it, Lexapro can be used for the treatment of both depression and anxiety issues. You can sometimes take both medications for the purposes not listed in the safety guide, but such an intake should be guided by a medical specialist;
  • Strength. Both Celexa and Lexapro are available in the forms of oral tablets and solutions, though their strengths differ. While Celexa is offered in tablets of 10 mg, 20 mg and 40mg and solutions of 2 mg/mL, Lexapro can be purchased in tablets of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg, as well as the solution of 1mg/mL.