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What Is Celexa?
Celexa is anSSRI antidepressantthat contains the active ingredient citalopram.
Celexa treatsmajor depressive disorder (MDD)in adults 18 and older.
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It is not typically prescribed to children or adolescents.Celexa is available in both brand name and generic forms.
Off-label uses include:
What Is Lexapro?
Lexapro is an SSRI antidepressant that contains the active ingredient escitalopram.
Lexapro treats MDD in adults and adolescents 12 and older.
It can also treat GAD in adults and children 7 and older.
On a chemical level, escitalopram and citalopram are very similar.
How Do Celexa and Lexapro Work?
Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression.
Serotonin is usually reabsorbed (known as reuptake) by nerve cells in the brain.
SSRI antidepressants work byincreasing serotonin levels in the brain.
They block nerve cells from reabsorbing serotonin, allowing more serotonin to be active in the brain.
When should I take Celexa vs Lexapro?
Your healthcare provider can determine which, if either, medication is appropriate for you.
Both drugs can treat depression in adults.
Lexapro can also treat depression in younger people and anxiety in adults and children 7 and older.
Dosing Guidelines: Celexa vs. Lexapro
The following includes general dosing guidelines for Celexa and Lexapro.
However, a healthcare provider will always determine your exact dosing regimen.
The starting dose is 20 mg once daily.
A healthcare provider may increase the dosage to an adequate dosage after at least one week.
The maximum dosage is 40 mg per day.
General Lexapro dosing guidelines are as follows:
Celexa or Lexapro should not be stopped abruptly.
Is Lexapro stronger than Celexa?
Lexapro is a different isomer (variant chemical structure) of citalopram than Celexa.
It can be given in smaller doses and may be more effective in treating depression.
Side Effects and Safety: Celexa vs. Lexapro
Celexa and Lexapro carryboxed warnings.
A boxed warning is the strongest warning issued by the FDA.
The boxed warning on Celexa and Lexapro applies to all antidepressants.
Both Celexa and Lexapro have the potential to cause slight weight gain in some people.
In general, weight gain is not considered to be a major side effect of either drug.
Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you have a medical emergency.
While taking Celexa or Lexapro, do not start any new medications without approval from your healthcare provider.
Celexa and Lexapro should not be used together.
Other drug interactions may occur with Celexa or Lexapro.
Consult with your healthcare provider regarding possible drug interactions and how they may affect you.
Contraindications
These medications are not safe for everyone.
Are Celexa and Lexapro safe for children?
Celexa is not FDA-approved for use in children.
However, some healthcare providers prescribe Celexa off-label to younger people.
Some healthcare providers prescribe Lexapro off-label in younger people.
Both drugs are taken orally and share similar side effects.
A boxed warning regarding serious side effects applies to both antidepressants.
It can also treat GAD in adults and children 7 and older.
Both are effective concerning their specific indications.
However, some studies have shown that Lexapro works better for treating MDD.
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