Lexapro (escitalopram) and Celexa (citalopram) sound so alike. I know I will confuse them! Let's talk out the similarities and differences:
BOTH are SSRIs. Yeah, I am focusing on those this week! Remember how those work? They increase available levels of serotonin. That means Lexapro and Celexa are used to treat depression.
What else can SSRIs be used for? Anxiety disorders like GAD, PTSD, SAD, and for panic disorder.
Here's the difference:
Celexa is labeled for use in depression.
Lexapro's primary use is for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
That's the main difference!! SO SIMPLE. They both have "off-label use" for PD, OCD, PTSD, and SAD.
Don't forget their side effects. We should really be learning this by now. SSRIs have a fairly rapid onset, and have side effects like agitation, insomnia, n/v, headache, and GI stuff. As always, don't give these with MAOIs and don't abruptly stop them. Withdrawal can occur. Encourage water intake throughout the day to avoid dry mouth, etc. Oh and remember...they take 1-4 weeks to truly have an effect. (and....SSRI patients always should be assessed for Serotonin Syndrome. That = emergency!!! and includes severe abdominal cramping, diarrhea, sweating, fever, elevated HR and BP, delerium, muscle spasms... even death. Oh dear.) Lexapro and Celexa have minimal interactions with other drugs. MAOIs are their major contraindication. Just remind the patient it is always a good idea to talk to their doctor before beginning any other medication.
**One interesting side effect is the possibility of initial anxiety. Inform the patient of this side effect, and encourage them to let the nurse or doctor know if the anxiety does not subside.
GO RANGERS!
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