Other suspected differences between Celexa and Lexapro might include: elimination half-life therapeutic efficacy incidence of specific side effects and/or tolerability.Īs was mentioned, citalopram (Celexa) was first synthesized in 1972 and approved for medical use in 1998 within the U.S. General differences between Celexa and Lexapro include: release dates authorized (FDA) medical uses (U.S.) dosing and pharmacodynamics. Lexapro: What are the general differences?Īlthough Celexa and Lexapro are similar (in that each contains S-citalopram), they are not identical medications. Should you have any questions regarding Celexa and/or Lexapro – consult a licensed medical doctor and/or pharmacist. Note: The information included within the above chart may be outdated and/or subject to inaccuracies. Modestly agonizes sigma-1 and sigma-2 receptors.Įjaculation disorder. Modestly modulates activation of H1 (histamine) receptors and 5-HT2C receptors. Interacts with the serotonin transporter (SERT) to prevent reabsorption of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron. Social anxiety disorder.īody dysmorphic disorder. Dementia-related behavioral disturbances. SSRI (Selective-Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor)īody dysmorphic disorder. Reviewing this chart should help in identifying basic similarities and differences between these chemically-similar selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Lexapro (Escitalopram)īelow is a chart in which general attributes of Celexa (citalopram) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are documented. Lexapro received FDA approval for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in 2002 and generalized anxiety disorder in 2003 – within the United States. Celexa eventually received FDA approval in 1998 for the treatment of major depressive disorder in the United States.ĭevelopment of “escitalopram” (Lexapro) began in 1997 as a collaboration between pharmaceutical companies Lundbeck (developer of Celexa) and Forest Laboratories. The chemical “citalopram” (Celexa) was originally synthesized in 1972 by scientists at the pharmaceutical company Lundbeck whereafter it was released in 1989 for medical use in Denmark. Chemically, Celexa contains enantiomers S-citalopram and R-citalopram – whereas Lexapro solely contains S-citalopram (hence its chemical name “es-citalopram”). Celexa (citalopram) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are chemically-analogous medications within the selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor ( SSRI) classification that are regularly prescribed for the management of neuropsychiatric disorders.