Posted by Larry Hoover on January 20, 2008, at 13:16:28
In reply to lexapro/celexa, is the difference only the price?, posted by sdb on January 16, 2008, at 14:00:21
> what do you think about that after having experiences with these two drugs? 1/4 lexapro/celexa ratio and the same efficacy in spite of removing one isomer?
>
> warm regards
>
> sdbI haven't taken either of these two drugs, but pharmacological studies have shown that the R-enantiomer of citalopram acts as an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (not just its S-enantiomer, i.e. escitalopram, or Lexapro). In other words, Celexa contains a self-inhibitor that has been removed from Lexapro. The magnitude of the R-citalopram inhibitory effect varies, depending on genetic differences in the structure of the serotonin transporter, but the effect is universal. So, Lexapro is a superior antidepressant, which may work in some individuals where Celexa has failed. It's more than just a cynical money-grab patent-extension.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:807013
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080114/msgs/807936.html