Celexa Vs. Lexapro: Drug Comparison

Celexa^® (citalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression by increasing available serotonin levels in the brain, which helps improve mood and emotional balance. It is FDA approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), and it is sometimes used off-label for conditions including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and panic disorder. Celexa comes in tablet and liquid forms, typically taken once daily. Common side effects include nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, and sexual dysfunction, and it can interact with other serotonergic drugs, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome, as well as medications that affect heart rhythm. Celexa carries a boxed warning for an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults, especially during the initial treatment period.

Lexapro^® (escitalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat anxiety and depression by increasing available serotonin levels in the brain, which helps improve mood and reduce anxiety. Its FDA-approved indications include the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults and adolescents. Off-label uses may include treating panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety disorder. Lexapro is available in tablet and oral solution forms, taken once daily. Common side effects include nausea, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction, and it carries a boxed warning for an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults, particularly during the initial stages of treatment.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

Celexa (citalopram) is indicated:

• For the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults

Lexapro (escitalopram) is indicated for the:

• Treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older

• Treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults and pediatric patients 7 years and older

• Typically taken orally once daily

• Comes in 10 mg, 20 mg (scored), and 40 mg (scored) tablets

• Typically taken orally once daily

• Comes in 5 mg, 10 mg (scored), and 20 mg (scored) tablets

Most common adverse reaction (incidence ≥5% and twice placebo) is:

• Ejaculation disorder (primarily ejaculation delay)

Most commonly observed adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5% and at least twice the incidence of placebo patients) are:

• Insomnia

• Ejaculation disorder (primarily ejaculatory delay),

• Nausea

• Sweating increased

• Fatigue and sleepiness

• Decreased libido

• Inability to orgasm

• Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use within 14 days of discontinuing a MAOI

• Concomitant use of pimozide

• Known hypersensitivity to citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients of Celexa

• Drug interactions: CYP2C19 Inhibitors

• Do not use MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with Lexapro or within 14 days of stopping treatment with Lexapro. Do not use Lexapro within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders. In addition, do not start Lexapro in a patient who is being treated with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue

• Concomitant use of pimozide

• Known hypersensitivity to escitalopram or citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients

• Drug interactions: SSRIs, SNRIs, tryptophan, drugs that affect hemostasis (NSAIDs, aspirin, warfarin)

• QT-prolongation and Torsade de pointes

• Serotonin syndrome

• Increased risk of bleeding

• Activation of mania/hypomania

• Seizures

• Angle-closure glaucoma

• Low blood sodium

• Sexual dysfunction

• Pregnancy: SSRI use, particularly late in pregnancy, may increase the risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension and symptoms of poor adaptation (respiratory distress, temperature instability, feeding difficulties, hypotonia, tremor, irritability) in the neonate

• Serotonin syndrome

• Discontinuation syndrome

• Seizures

• Activation of mania/hypomania

• Low blood sodium: Can occur in association with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion

• Increased risk of bleeding

• Interference with cognitive and motor performance

• Angle closure glaucoma

• Use in patients with concomitant illness

• Sexual dysfunction

• Pregnancy: SSRI use, particularly later in pregnancy, may increase the risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension and symptoms of poor adaptation (respiratory distress, temperature instability, feeding difficulties, hypotonia, tremor, irritability) in the neonate

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients taking antidepressants. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Celexa is not approved for use in pediatric patients.

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients taking antidepressants. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Lexapro is not approved for use in pediatric patients less than 7 years of age.

*This information is from the label for brand name Celexa^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Citalopram, the active ingredient in Celexa, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient citalopram.

*This information is from the label for brand name Lexapro^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Escitalopram, the active ingredient in Lexapro, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient escitalopram.