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Alexis R asked in HealthMental Health · 1 decade ago

Switching from Lexapro to Celexa?

Right now I'm on 10mg of Lexapro for generalized anxiety. My insurance is about to end and Lexapro is very expensive since there is no generic. My dr recommended switching to 20 mg of Celexa, since Walmart offers them at $4- for a 30 day supply. Has anyone done this before with success? I know Lexapro is the better drug and its worked wonders for me. I'm just so worried that switching to Celexa will upset things, but I can't afford the Lexapro. If anyone has experience with this, please let me know.

3 Answers

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  • Az R
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    In chemistry we have things called right and left handed isomers. They have the same chemical structure and makeup, but are rotated in such a way that their mirror images are not superimposable. Purifying a chemical to enantiomeric purity (only one isomer) is rather difficult to do. Most reactions used to produce these drugs will produce both in a mixture.

    Celexa contains both isomers. Lexapro contains only the escitalopram isomer, which is active. In theory, Lexapro has a better side effect profile, but that's kinda murky in the actual clinical data.

    The difference will largely be in dosage. As a general rule, 10mg of Lexapro equals between 20mg and 30mg of Celexa, so that will have to be adjusted. Other than that, this is very frequently done for many people with mental illness and poor health insurance.

    If you try Celexa, and for whatever reason it doesn't work (Rare, but sometimes it doesn't. Tiny differences in dosage and formulation can make a big difference to some people), then go on over to http://www.needymeds.org/ and check out patient assistance programs. Every major manufacturer has a program to get low/no cost meds to people who couldn't otherwise afford them.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    I have OCD and IBS which can both be treated by these drugs. My doctor started me on free samples of Lexapro. When I ran out of the Lexapro, he gave me a prescription for Celexa because it's only $4 at the grocery store.

    I am taking it for different reasons than you, but I can tell you I actually like the Celexa better. I got weird headaches when I was taking the Lexapro...but everyone is different. The Celexa is treating my conditions and I feel great.

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    What is Lexapro?

    Lexapro (escitalopram) is an antidepressant belonging to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Escitalopram affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression or anxiety.

    Lexapro is used to treat anxiety in adults. Lexapro is also used to treat major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents who are at least 12 years old.

    Lexapro may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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