Lexapro Vs. Celexa On The Treatment Of Anxiety And Depression

When we speak of anxiety and depression problems, various drugs are concerned. These have all been carefully developed to promote wellness on patients who need it. Some of these come in branded forms while others are available using generic names. Two of the most common forms of medication would be that of Lexapro and Celexa.

            It should be duly noted that the two above-mentioned drugs should not be confused to be one and the same. These are completely unique from one another and are developed and produced by different pharmaceutical laboratories and companies – specifically for the generic form. Let us take a closer look at both these drugs for us to better understand their purpose.

            Celexa is a trade name that uses the generic name Citalopram. This was initially introduced in the market in 1989. However, the patent for the trade name expired in 2003; thus the reason for it to be produced and marketed by other manufacturers in generic form. It is widely available in generic form in Canada and in the United States. This particular drug is approved to treat the general symptoms of social anxiety and panic disorders as well as that of major depression that is mostly associated with mood disorders. This form of medication is rather simplified in its formulation. With this, it is common and advisable for it to be used for elderly and comorbid patients. It should also be noted that there are some off-label usage of this drug to treat other conditions though is not officially approved by the FDA.

            On the other hand, Lexapro is a trade name that uses the generic name of Escitalopram. This is an updated formulation of Citalopram. It was developed and produced upon FDA approval in 2002. It should be noted that this brand of drug is not available in generic versions anywhere in the world as the patent is solely granted to the pharmaceutical company that produces it. This drug’s patent is effective until March of 2012. As this bears an updated formulation that is meant to be more potent and effective in the treatment of specific psychological concerns, the FDA or the Food and Drug Administration has approved it to be used to treat generalized anxiety disorders and major depressive disorders. This was granted the official approval for the use for treatments as deemed fit by qualified physicians.

            The battle goes on between these two drugs. The concern of which one is better and which one is more efficient is a common issue. One advantage of Lexapro over Celexa is the simple fact that it is not available in generic versions. With this, the formulation is secure and safe to use as it is exclusively produced using the precise formula. The latter on a different note is available in generic versions where the exact formulation may vary. The efficiency of the drug may not be the same as the original version. Both are not generally approved or prescribed to pregnant women and children. However, there are cases when these are given to these individuals provided that the physician sees the benefits to weigh more than those of the potential risks as dictated by the condition of the patient.