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What Do Patients Say About Lexapro and Celexa?

Lexapro and Celexa are both prescription antidepressants categorized as serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Celexa, which was created first, is composed of both the R and S enantiomers of citalopram. Lexapro does not contain the R enantiomer, only the S. So although both Lexapro and Celexa are used to treat depression, Lexapro is also used to treat anxiety, which is not necessarily the case for Celexa. Although some patients may experience less anxiety from taking Celexa, it is not a proven treatment. Having been prescribed Celexa for 1 year, I have compiled the following research based on my own experience, as well as that of my peers who have taken Lexapro, Celexa or both during their lifetime.

  1. History

    • Citalopram, the drug from which both Lexapro and Celexa are derived, was created in 1989 by Lundbeck, a Danish pharmaceutical company founded by Hans Lundbeck. The patent Lundbeck held for citalopram expired in 2002, allowing any drug company to create a version of it. Citalopram is the generic version of Celexa, and they can be given to patients interchangeably. The generic version of Lexapro is Escitalopram, which was created in 1997 by Lundbeck and issued by the FDA in 2002. It is argued that the very similar escitalopram was Lundbeck's way of regaining control of citalopram.

    Function

    • Individuals who suffer from depression--and sometimes the added symptom of anxiety--can be prescribed Celexa or Lexapro. In my case, Celexa took approximately 3 weeks to take effect. After 3 weeks of taking 40mg daily, I experienced a rise in mood and irritability, as well as a rise in exhaustion. My dose was lowered to 30mg, and I then experienced normal sleeping patterns with little to no exhaustion. According to Askapatient.com, many Lexapro patients experienced relief from symptoms within the first 2 weeks of taking Lexapro.

    Effects

    • Common side effects of Celexa include tiredness, loss of libido, weight gain and yawning. I personally experienced most of these side effects during the first month of taking Celexa, but they eventually subsided. During the first few days of taking Celexa, I experienced hiccuping and a rash on my back. According to Askapatient.com, Lexapro users also experienced tiredness, loss of libido, weight gain and yawning, but many also included nausea as one of their side effects.

    Time Frame

    • The monitoring of my Celexa use took place over 1 year. Askapatient.com surveyed Lexapro and Celexa patients who had taken their respective prescription from 2 days to 3 years. According to most long-term patients who have been taking Celexa or Lexapro for a year or longer, most side effects subside after several months, with the exception of low sex drive and tiredness. Individuals who are decreasing or completing their dosage of Lexapro or Celexa are suggested to taper off very slowly as recommended by their doctor, or suffer more severe side effects, including headaches and mood swings.

    Warning

    • Only take Celexa or Lexapro if a doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not experiment with doses without first consulting your doctor. Do not stop taking Celexa or Lexapro, and do not skip doses. Skipped doses may result in headaches, nausea and irritability. Do not stop taking Celexa or Lexapro without your doctor's permission. Read in full the literature that accompanies your prescription. If you are having suicidal thoughts or your depression worsens, call your doctor immediately.

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