answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The short answer is they are basically the same. The Long answer, they are very similar, but not exactly the same. Escitalopram, which is the trade/brand name of Lexapro is a “purer” form of Celexa (generically known as Citalopram). Lexapro (i.e. Escitalopram) is the (S) enatntiomer of racemic Citalopram (i.e. Celexa). In chemistry, enantiomers are compounds (such as crystals or molecules) which are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. They share the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms, but differ structurally. The chemical formula (i.e. recipe) of both Lexipro and Celexa is the same: C20 H21 F N2 0 (20 carbons, 21 hydrogens, 1 fluorine, 2 nitrogens, and 1 oxygen molecule). But the way they are assembled is slightly different. Your hands (and feet) are examples of Enantiomers. Left and right hands are "the same" but opposite in their structure. Enantiomers have the same chemical and physical properties (such as melting points, boiling points, heat of combustion etc.), but the way they interact may be different. The left handed molecule may be more potent than the right. Maybe the right handed molecule does not work at all. In some cases one molecule may even be harmful, while the enantiomer is beneficial. Think about how your feet feel if you put them in the wrong shoes. You can wear a left shoe on your right foot or a left glove on your right hand, but it won’t fit well. In chemistry, a racemic mixture is a mix of both left- and right-handed molecules. Getting back to Lexapro vs Celexa. Celexa is a mix of both R-citalopram & S-citalopram. While Lexapro is just S-citalopram. In studies, Lundbeck, the pharmaceutical company which makes both Celexa and Lexapro showed that the S-citalopram molecule has a higher affinity for the serotonin receptor. So by removing the R-citalopram from the mixture, Lundbeck created a more efficient drug. In theory, a smaller dose of Lexipro would have the same effect as a larger dose of Celexa. In reality, pharmaceutical companies do this to extend the market life and squeeze as much profit out of a drug. The patent for Celexa expired in 2003, so Lundbeck “purified” Celexa and were able to re-patent the formula as a new drug, Lexapro. The patent for Lexapro expires in 2012. Although Lundbeck showed Lexapro works (a little) better than Celexa (and gained a new patent) most independent “real life” studies (i.e. asking humans, not following monkeys in a lab) show Celexa works pretty much just as well as Lexapro. I tried to be concise without being confusing. It is very similar in nature, yes. As a matter of fact, Lexapro is sort of "the better half" of Celexa, litteraly. It is the most potent part of what is found in celexa which is why smaller a dose is necessary to achieve same effect generally speaking. You can also expect less side effects from Lexapro (although Celexa already is one of the antidepressant with the less side effects available). Ultimately, they do the same job though.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

The short answer is they are basically the same. If cost/money is an issue, go with Celexa. If your meds are covered by insurance, or you don't mind paying the higher price, go with Lexapro. The Long answer, they are very similar, but not exactly the same. Escitalopram, which is the trade/brand name of Lexapro is a “purer” form of Celexa (generically known as Citalopram). Lexapro (i.e. Escitalopram) is the (S) enatntiomer of racemic Citalopram (i.e. Celexa). In chemistry, enantiomers are compounds (such as crystals or molecules) which are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. They share the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms, but differ structurally. The chemical formula (i.e. recipe) of both Lexipro and Celexa is the same: C20 H21 F N2 0 (20 carbons, 21 hydrogens, 1 fluorine, 2 nitrogens, and 1 oxygen molecule). But the way they are assembled is slightly different. Your hands (and feet) are examples of Enantiomers. Left and right hands are "the same" but opposite in their structure. Enantiomers have the same chemical and physical properties (such as melting points, boiling points, heat of combustion etc.), but the way they interact may be different. The left handed molecule may be more potent than the right. Maybe the right handed molecule does not work at all. In some cases one molecule may even be harmful, while the enantiomer is beneficial. Think about how your feet feel if you put them in the wrong shoes. You can wear a left shoe on your right foot or a left glove on your right hand, but it won’t fit well. In chemistry, a racemic mixture is a mix of both left- and right-handed molecules. Getting back to Lexapro vs Celexa. Celexa is a mix of both R-citalopram & S-citalopram. While Lexapro is just S-citalopram. In studies, Lundbeck, the pharmaceutical company which makes both Celexa and Lexapro showed that the S-citalopram molecule has a higher affinity for the serotonin receptor. So by removing the R-citalopram from the mixture, Lundbeck created a more efficient drug. In theory, a smaller dose of Lexipro would have the same effect as a larger dose of Celexa. In reality, pharmaceutical companies do this to extend the market life and squeeze as much profit out of a drug. The patent for Celexa expired in 2003, so Lundbeck “purified” Celexa and were able to re-patent the formula as a new drug, Lexapro. The patent for Lexapro expires in 2012. Although Lundbeck showed Lexapro works (a little) better than Celexa (and gained a new patent) most independent “real life” studies (i.e. asking humans, not following monkeys in a lab) show Celexa works pretty much just as well as Lexapro. I tried to be concise without being confusing.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: I am thinking of switching from lexapro to Celexa' is there any difference I was told by my pharmacist it is the same drug?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What are the side effects of taking Lexapro and Trimodal?

Ask your pharmacist or doctor.


Are Adderall and Lexapro a safe combination?

If your doctor and pharmacist aren't concerned, you are probably OK.


Can you take Lexapro with Claritin d?

I asked my pharmacist this very same question and he says you can but by taking the claritin d you may get more anxiety


Is missing a period a side effect of stopping lexapro?

Ask your Doctor that prescribed the Lexapro. Your local Pharmacist is also a good resource. Also, you should always check with your Doctor before stopping medications.


How to switch Lexapro to Prozac?

I just saw my Dr. Today because I am switching from Lexapro to Prozac because of weight gain on Lexapro. This is coming from my Dr. You MUST NOT MIX LEXAPRO and PROZAC. They are not compatible chemically. You must allow at least 3 or more days for the one drug to "wash out" of your system before you start the new one. You may need more time than that. Confirm this with your Dr.


Is bad to have Strattera and lexapro prescribed for adhd and elavil for sleeping problems and can they mix?

you better see your pharmacist about that... that's what they specialize in (what can be mixed)


Would a reaction to Lexapro happen right away or could it happen after a week or more?

it depends on whether or not your switching to lexapro from celexa for example...but mostly if you start taking lexapro and after a week dont notice anything your probably fine. Upset or painful achy stomach was acually the catalyst to me stopping the drug


Can you take flagyl and Lexapro together?

These two medications should be safe to take together. To be certain that it is a good combination for you, check with your doctor or pharmacist.


Can you take lexapro with sinus medication containing pseudoephedrine hcl?

Typically, yes you can. But, the link below is a drug interaction checker, where you enter lexapro and the sinus medicine, and it tells you if there is a known interaction between the two. I always check this site, unless my pharmacist tells me otherwise.


Taking 20 mg of lexapro for 2 years but having fatigue dr recommended switching from lexapro to 30 mg of Cymbalta for 2 weeks and then 60 mg has anyone switched and what was your experience?

I switched from 10mg lexapro to 30 mg cymbalta for 2 wk and then 60 mg. Have had good results. For one thing I quit gaining weight, as I did on lexapro. Cymbalta also helped my muscle aches and pains as an added plus.


Can Lexapro cause dyskinesia?

I don't know but I'm wondering the same thing. My mom is taking lexapro and I'm noticing little things that I'm thinking may be dyskinesia...please let me know what you find out.


Can you take stemetil and Prozac?

I have been taking lexapro for two years and have finally decided to stop. The tapering off process has been difficult with the dizziness and all..my pharmacist recommended stemetil and it is really helping with the dizziness and brain zaps associated with tapering off of the dreaded lexapro!!