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Celexa vs Lexapro

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Posted 2/7/2009 3:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone~

I am now successfully off of Effexor, thank goodness for that!  However, I feel I will need to be on an AD because my hormonal problems have definitely caused me to have an anxiety disorder.  I don't want to go on the bcp, hrt, or bhrt, I just want to deal with the anxiety.  I'm going to try it on my own, though I want a back-up plan in case that doesn't work.

After a lot of research, I have found that Celexa and Lexapro work best for anxiety (as opposed to depression).  My doctor insists that these two meds are basically the same, they have the same active ingredients.  I know that Lexapro is a lot more money, so I'm thinking that Celexa would be my first choice.  Does anyone have any experience being on both meds, and if so could you please advise me on the difference (if in fact you noticed any)?

Thanks so much,

Hugs,

Karen

Posted 2/7/2009 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
My insurance won't pay for Lexapro, only Celexa.  My pdoc gives me Lexapro samples and I take those until they're gone then I take Celexa.  He says that's fine but he also says that Lexapro is the best antidepressant in general and is supposed to work on anxiety.  I found that neither Celexa or Lexapro help my anxiety. 
Posted 2/7/2009 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
Oh dear, neithor helped you, that's discouraging :(
Posted 2/7/2009 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
hekofaride

I have heard good about both........but Celexa would be my choice if you have not tried either as they are very close in composition and my insurance would not pay for Lexapro either.

The decision has to be yours and I would talk it through with your physician including the price of the drug if that is an issue for you.

Good Luck and great job coming off of the Effexor.

Kitt

 

Posted 2/7/2009 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
HI Im on celexa still early days but have had no side effects so far so beleive its doing its job.
Posted 2/7/2009 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I took Celexa for over a year and had no side effects and was on the highest daily dose but unfortunately it did not help my anxiety but every one is different and I know people who have had great success with Celexa. I wish you all the best and hope you find something which will help with your anxiety have you tried therapy?
Posted 2/7/2009 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on lexapro for about 2 years and it has worked fairly well for my depression and seemed to help with my anxiety somewhat. Recently my doc added buspar for anxiety which has already helped a ton. I thank god I have good insurance and I know I am one of the lucky ones because of it. Good luck.

Posted 2/9/2009 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
According to my doctor, they are essentially the same.  I am on Lexapro right now - I'm actually not having great success, BUT I was on it before (several years ago, I think prior to baby #1?  Can't remember), and she said that sometimes the same drug won't necessarily work as well again.  I started on 10mg in November and was still having some drowsiness/lethargic issues after 2 months, so I went down to 5mg a few weeks ago.  The side effects are less, but, on the flip side, I'm having to compensate with 1 or 2 small doses (.25mg) of klonopin to compensate for the return of some panic. (background - panic disorder cropped up when I was 10 years old and still have panic attacks with general anxiety now)

I would try Celexa first if that's what insurance covers - from what I have read, I believe that your results would most likely be identical from either Lexapro or Celexa.

Good luck!

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