Posted by Cecilia on January 20, 2008, at 23:13:17
In reply to Re: lexapro/celexa, is the difference only the price? » sdb, posted by Larry Hoover on January 20, 2008, at 13:16:28
> > 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
> >
> > sdb
>
> I 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
Larry, is this regardless of dose? Of course Lexapro is supposed to works at a lower dose than Celexa, but if someone takes a full 60 mg of Celexa does this inhibitory effect still exist? I took Celexa for years, at various doses, not because it worked but because it had no side effects. "Augmented" at various times with Wellbutrin, gabapentin, Buspar, Lamictal, clonazepam, without benefit. Could someone really have no benefit from Celexa but benefit from Lexapro, or is it just that someone who responded moderately to Celexa might have a stronger response to Lexapro? Cecilia
poster:Cecilia
thread:807013
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080114/msgs/808059.html