Celexa and Lexapro are two frequent psychiatrist prescribed drugs for psychological well being points. Each are FDA-approved to deal with melancholy, though Lexapro can be used for adults with anxiousness. They each belong to a category of medication known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Whereas Celexa or Lexapro have comparable results on the physique, there are some key variations between them:

• Lexapro is accredited to deal with anxiousness — although each are used off-label for different situations
• Lexapro could also be more practical than Celexa in treating signs of melancholy
• Lexapro is a barely newer drug — it was FDA-approved in 2002, whereas Celexa was accredited in 1998
• Lexapro is accredited to deal with melancholy in adults and youngsters 12 years and older; Celexa is simply used with adults

Proceed studying as we discover extra on this comparability of Celexa vs Lexapro. We’re shining a light-weight on how every of those drugs works, what they deal with, what Celexa and Lexapro uncomfortable side effects try to be conscious of, and the way to decide on which one could also be best for you. 

“Each of those drugs are labeled as SSRIs and prescribed for temper and anxiousness problems. Celexa is FDA accredited and indicated for MDD and OCD. Lexapro is FDA accredited and indicated for MDD and GAD. Nevertheless, psychiatrists might prescribe these for different medical situations or as an off label remedy.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir, MD, DFAPA

How They Work

When taking a look at Lexapro vs Celexa, it’s essential to grasp how these medication work. They each belong to a category of medication known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs enhance serotonin ranges within the mind, which is believed to assist regulate temper.

Similarities between Lexapro vs Celexa:

• Each stop the reuptake of serotonin by rising ranges, which improves depressive signs
• Each have generic variations
• Each have comparable uncomfortable side effects
• Each have withdrawal signs
• Each have comparatively few issues about drug interplay with different remedy 
• Each are solely obtainable by prescription, however neither is classed as “managed medication”

Variations between Celexa and Lexapro:

• Dosage is totally different
• Lexapro will be administered in both liquid or pill kind, however Celexa therapy solely comes as tablets
• Unwanted effects might differ 
• Celexa is extra prone to trigger QT prolongation — a coronary heart disturbance — at increased doses

Situations They Deal with

Celexa and Lexapro are each FDA-approved to deal with main depressive dysfunction (MDD), and Lexapro can deal with generalized anxiousness dysfunction (GAD) in adults. They might even be used off-label for different psychological well being situations. 

Celexa antidepressant remedy can be utilized off-label to deal with:

Lexapro antidepressant remedy can be utilized off-label to deal with:

Does Lexapro work higher than Celexa for anxiousness?

A big distinction between Celexa and Lexapro is efficacy. Some research counsel that sufferers with generalized anxiousness dysfunction (GAD) reply higher to Lexapro than Celexa for his or her situation. 

Nevertheless, it’s necessary to notice that every individual responds otherwise to drugs. All the pieces from the efficacy to how lengthy it takes for Lexapro to work will be totally different throughout people. It’s all the time greatest to debate your choices along with your physician or healthcare supplier so you can also make one of the best selections about which remedy is best for you and your ​​anxiousness and melancholy signs.

“A number of uncomfortable side effects are dose-dependent, at increased doses. These embody delayed ejaculation, fatigue, sleepiness, insomnia, sweating, and yawning.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir, MD, DFAPA

Does Celexa have much less uncomfortable side effects than Lexapro?

Generally, most individuals discover that the uncomfortable side effects of both drug are gentle in comparison with the advantages they see. That mentioned, some folks do report experiencing fewer uncomfortable side effects when taking one over the opposite. 

When you really feel you’re having too many hostile reactions from any remedy, communicate along with your physician to allow them to modify your dosage or swap drugs.

Dosage 

Dosage is one other distinction between Celexa and Lexapro. Dosage can differ relying on components resembling age and medical historical past of sufferers, however the usually really helpful beginning doses are: 

• Celexa: 20 mg per day 
• Lexapro: 10 mg per day  

“The dose increment is completed at totally different intervals and over totally different period. There’s a distinction within the signs response, the dosage prescribed is totally different Celexa 10/2/40 mg vs Lexapro 10/20 mg.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir, MD, DFAPA

Decide if Celexa or Lexapro Is Proper for You with Talkspace

Deciding which remedy is best for you will be troublesome. Even when taking the identical kind of antidepressant—like an SSRI resembling Celexa or Lexapro — drugs can have an effect on folks otherwise. Regardless, most individuals discover remedy is more practical when mixed with remedy. That’s why Talkspace provides on-line psychiatry and remedy providers, the place licensed psychological well being professionals will help you identify one of the best therapy plan for you and your particular scenario. 

With Talkspace, you obtain personalised care tailor-made particularly in the direction of serving to you handle your psychological well being situation so you’ll be able to obtain long-lasting outcomes. Don’t hesitate to achieve out and begin your journey in the direction of higher psychological well being in the present day.