There are many types of medication formulated to help treat depression. But many people are puzzled with comparison of these medications. For instance, there are questions surrounding the difference of Celexa vs. Lexapro. These two anti depressant drugs are licensed for the treatment of depression. They both belong under the category of SSRI or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and so they possess similarities in their chemical components but at a closer look, they are different from each other too. It is not just the branding that is the matterof difference. They vary in some chemical components as well as the side effects. For instance, Lexapro is a certified drug for anxiety disorders. Celexa on the other hand, is perhaps the only drug that has a generic counterpart. Below is a closer look at their major differences.
Celexa vs. Lexapro: A Matter of Differences
People cannot sometimes make a difference between Celexa vs. Lexapro. This is because they have similar molecular components. Celexa was made available first. What is notable is that Celexa is a combination of citalopram R and S enantiomers while Lexapro consists of citalopram S enantiomers. Simply put, enantiomers have essential similarities but they also possess notable differences. To provide further explanation, specialists use the left and the right hand as point of comparison. This means that although they are similar in so many ways, they are also very different and may also be considered as opposites. There are researches and data on depression that explain further the importance of the S factor in citalopram for enantiomer. It is regarded as a more active component in treating depression as compared to the R enantiomer. This is the main reason that Lexapro is formulated to consists the S enantiomer.
Celexa vs. Lexapro: Defining The Differences
In layman’s terms, Lexapro and Celexa are both qualified drugs in medication of depression. Lexapro however, is much more suitable and recommended for treating anxiety disorder. Although this does not imply in any way that Celexa does not have the capability to treat anxiety as well, it may not be prescribed for such. The main reason is that there is a lack of research studies that prove Celexa is effective in the treatment of anxiety.
When it comes to the effectiveness of the medication, some people claim that one is more superior than the other. But this is just a matter of experience. There is no conclusive study that proves Celexa is much more effective than Lexapro or the other way around. Although patients may suffer from the same condition of depression, they have different reactions to each of the medication too. This simply means that what is effective in one may not be as recommended for another.
This may mean that there is no real answer to the debate over Celexa vs. Lexapro. To note the effectiveness of these medications, a patient has to try them to know for sure with the recommendation of a specialist of course. The decision cannot just be based on other people’s experiences as patients differ as individuals and their reactions to the drug vary too.
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