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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 29. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sdb on July 20, 2009, at 8:52:39
these are very popular drugs in the hospital and mainly in Europe. Celexa is still used and clearly not replaced by Lexapro.
is it possible that somebody responds to Celexa but absolutely not (no effect) to Lexapro?
did it happen to somebody?I personally believe that the isomer that doesn't block the reuptake could also regulate something at the receptors. We all know that the efficacy does not just depend of how much a substance blocks something.
Posted by linkadge on July 20, 2009, at 9:06:39
In reply to celexa / lexapro - same molecules, same efficacy ?, posted by sdb on July 20, 2009, at 8:52:39
Personally, I think there was one motivation for the research and promotion of lexapro as the theraptutic isomer of citalopram - to combat the notion that lexapro is a patent extender.
Linakdge
Posted by Phillipa on July 20, 2009, at 11:50:58
In reply to Re: celexa / lexapro - same molecules, same efficacy ?, posted by linkadge on July 20, 2009, at 9:06:39
Celexa made me very tired. Heard lexapro more stimulating? Phillipa
Posted by SLS on July 20, 2009, at 14:56:25
In reply to celexa / lexapro - same molecules, same efficacy ?, posted by sdb on July 20, 2009, at 8:52:39
With Celexa, the drug comes as two forms of the same molecule that are mirror images of each other. These two enantiomers cannot be superimposed. They do NOT act the same in the body. The S- molecule does the good work while the R- molecule actually interferes with this. Lexapro is pure S- molecule.
By most accounts, Lexapro is more effective than Celexa. However, I do remember at least one person here who did better on the Celexa. I would not consider Lexapro to be a patent extender. I think it represents a genuine improvement over Celexa.
- Scott
Posted by Frustratedmama on July 20, 2009, at 19:26:14
In reply to celexa / lexapro - same molecules, same efficacy ?, posted by sdb on July 20, 2009, at 8:52:39
Personally I could handle celexa but not lexapro....
Posted by SLS on July 21, 2009, at 5:39:15
In reply to Re: celexa / lexapro - same molecules, same efficacy ?, posted by Frustratedmama on July 20, 2009, at 19:26:14
> Personally I could handle celexa but not lexapro....
Apparantly, they are different in real life, not just in the laboratory.
What was it about Lexapro that you found difficult to deal with?
I experienced anxiety at two weeks and watched it disappear by the third week.
- Scott
Posted by sdb on July 21, 2009, at 6:28:03
In reply to Re: celexa / lexapro - same molecules, same efficacy ? » Frustratedmama, posted by SLS on July 21, 2009, at 5:39:15
> > Personally I could handle celexa but not lexapro....
>
> Apparantly, they are different in real life, not just in the laboratory.
>
> What was it about Lexapro that you found difficult to deal with?
>
> I experienced anxiety at two weeks and watched it disappear by the third week.
>
>
> - Scottdid you experience anxiety from day one to day fourteen or was the anxiety transient? and did it take more than two weeks until it worked?
in literature it is written that lexapro begins to work faster (which should be a advantage to celexa) say one week. Who knows if thats true in average.best wishes
sdb
Posted by sdb on July 21, 2009, at 6:52:24
In reply to Re: celexa / lexapro - same molecules, }} scott, posted by sdb on July 21, 2009, at 6:28:03
I've just found out that neither Celexa nor Lexapro is approved for anxiety in the us. But in Europe. Quite strange...
Posted by SLS on July 21, 2009, at 14:21:06
In reply to Re: celexa / lexapro - same molecules, }} scott, posted by sdb on July 21, 2009, at 6:28:03
> did you experience anxiety from day one to day fourteen
No.
> or was the anxiety transient?
Yes. The anxiety lasted for 2-3 days.
> and did it take more than two weeks until it worked?
I began to respond to it at 3 weeks. It was a very small response that disappeared in a few days. Thereafter, I felt more fatigued than usual.
> in literature it is written that lexapro begins to work faster (which should be a advantage to celexa) say one week. Who knows if thats true in average.
Have you tried Effexor 300mg yet?
- Scott
Posted by sdb on July 21, 2009, at 14:47:20
In reply to Re: celexa / lexapro - same molecules, }} scott » sdb, posted by SLS on July 21, 2009, at 14:21:06
> > did you experience anxiety from day one to day fourteen
>
> No.
>
> > or was the anxiety transient?
>
> Yes. The anxiety lasted for 2-3 days.
>
> > and did it take more than two weeks until it worked?
>
> I began to respond to it at 3 weeks. It was a very small response that disappeared in a few days. Thereafter, I felt more fatigued than usual.does that mean that you were tolerant after only a few days? It never worked later?
> > in literature it is written that lexapro begins to work faster (which should be a advantage to celexa) say one week. Who knows if thats true in average.
>
> Have you tried Effexor 300mg yet?no.
Posted by sdb on July 21, 2009, at 15:03:08
In reply to Re: celexa / lexapro - same molecules, }} scott, posted by sdb on July 21, 2009, at 14:47:20
> Have you tried Effexor 300mg yet?
Why?
Posted by SLS on July 21, 2009, at 15:17:45
In reply to Re: celexa / lexapro - same molecules, }} scott, posted by sdb on July 21, 2009, at 15:03:08
> > Have you tried Effexor 300mg yet?
>
> Why?Effexor is a good drug to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder and depression.
With Lexapro, I felt improved for only a few days. Thereafter, nothing, even when the dosage was increased. Maybe you ought to increase the dosage of Lexapro now before playing with any more drugs.
I don't know for sure, but it seems to me that Lexapro is the wrong drug to choose to treat anxiety. For antidepressants, Paxil and Effexor probably have the most evidence for efficacy in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
- Scott
Posted by sdb on July 21, 2009, at 15:44:15
In reply to Re: celexa / lexapro - same molecules, }} scott, posted by SLS on July 21, 2009, at 15:17:45
> > > Have you tried Effexor 300mg yet?
> >
> > Why?
>
> Effexor is a good drug to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder and depression.
>
> With Lexapro, I felt improved for only a few days. Thereafter, nothing, even when the dosage was increased. Maybe you ought to increase the dosage of Lexapro now before playing with any more drugs.
>
> I don't know for sure, but it seems to me that Lexapro is the wrong drug to choose to treat anxiety. For antidepressants, Paxil and Effexor probably have the most evidence for efficacy in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
>
>
> - Scottmaybe you're right, The FDA approved lexapro and celexa for depression but not for anxiety disorders. Whereas in Europe it is said that lexapro has much benefits over Celexa in anxiety disorders.
celexa
http://emc.medicines.org.uk/medicine/1070/SPC/Cipramil+Tablets/#INDICATIONS
lexapro
why are those studies not relevant in the US (for the FDA) that proved Lexapro successful for anxiety disorders (more than Celexa also) ?
Is your belief that Celexa isn't actually good for anxiety disorders consistent in p-babble?
Posted by Frustratedmama on July 21, 2009, at 17:35:51
In reply to Re: celexa / lexapro - same molecules, same efficacy ? » Frustratedmama, posted by SLS on July 21, 2009, at 5:39:15
Lexapro definitely caused me anxiety and irritibility.....
Posted by Phillipa on July 21, 2009, at 21:54:41
In reply to Re: celexa / lexapro - same molecules, same efficacy ?, posted by Frustratedmama on July 21, 2009, at 17:35:51
Celexa had me so tired could barely move took for a month. Lexapro anxiety even with benzos excruciating. Phillipa
Posted by sdb on July 22, 2009, at 6:55:15
In reply to Re: celexa / lexapro - same molecules, same efficacy ? » Frustratedmama, posted by Phillipa on July 21, 2009, at 21:54:41
> Celexa had me so tired could barely move took for a month. Lexapro anxiety even with benzos excruciating. Phillipa
no good effect after a month with lexapro? But with luvox it's better?
Luvox is quite unpopular in Germany, France etc.
warm regards
sdb
Posted by beebob on July 22, 2009, at 18:53:25
In reply to Re: celexa / lexapro - same molecules, same efficacy ?, posted by linkadge on July 20, 2009, at 9:06:39
I tried taking celexa in place of lexapro because it is cheaper. The lexapro has worked for years to contain my anxiety, but I could no longer afford it. I tried doses of celexa ranging from 20-60mg and none worked for my depression or anxiety. Lexapro doesn't work for my depression but is a saint for my anxiety. I am now going back onto 20mg of lexapro, and have signed up for financial assistance. Hope this helps.
Posted by Phillipa on July 22, 2009, at 20:34:37
In reply to Re: celexa / lexapro - same molecules, to Phillipa, posted by sdb on July 22, 2009, at 6:55:15
sdb really? Interesting as was the first SSRI from Europe developed for depression worked very well with benzos ativan at the time in the beginning. I felt great for about three weeks on dose of 250mg then it pooped out on me. I do continue to take the low dose planning on weaning off it also as dose is so low. Never made a month on lexapro. Love Phillipa
Posted by sdb on July 23, 2009, at 19:50:20
In reply to celexa / lexapro - same molecules, same efficacy ?, posted by sdb on July 20, 2009, at 8:52:39
Posted by sdb on August 3, 2009, at 6:20:25
In reply to Re: celexa / lexapro - same molecules, to Phillipa » sdb, posted by Phillipa on July 22, 2009, at 20:34:37
> sdb really? Interesting as was the first SSRI from Europe developed for depression worked very well with benzos ativan at the time in the beginning. I felt great for about three weeks on dose of 250mg then it pooped out on me. I do continue to take the low dose planning on weaning off it also as dose is so low. Never made a month on lexapro. Love Phillipa
bad it pooped out for you. It seems that some drugs can be forget depending on where the trend goes.
Have you ever taken paroxetine in a lower dosage maybe 10mg? this one is said to be an ssri with anti-anxiety properties although some more sideeffects (most FDA indications for anxiety among the ssris).
love sdb
Posted by Phillipa on August 3, 2009, at 11:56:23
In reply to Re: low dosage paxil to Phillipa, posted by sdb on August 3, 2009, at 6:20:25
sdb first one I was on at 10mg with low dose xanax and 25 lopressor sick for three months and then okay. Took for two years went off then the doc switched to luvox the paxil was working don't know why. Phillipa
Posted by sdb on August 3, 2009, at 14:57:54
In reply to Re: low dosage paxil to Phillipa » sdb, posted by Phillipa on August 3, 2009, at 11:56:23
> sdb first one I was on at 10mg with low dose xanax and 25 lopressor sick for three months and then okay. Took for two years went off then the doc switched to luvox the paxil was working don't know why. Phillipa
the paxil did work two years (anxiety or/and depression), never pooped out and the doc switched you anyhow to luvox but the luvox pooped out. Is that correct?
Did you change other meds at the same time?
love sdb
Posted by Phillipa on August 3, 2009, at 20:25:23
In reply to Re: low dosage paxil to Phillipa, posted by sdb on August 3, 2009, at 14:57:54
sdb it's a long story for your ears only. I was in the hospital at the time can't say why on here. You know how to get me. But from paxil l0mg and xanax .25 TID to luvox 250mg and ativan 5-6mg and chloral hydrate at bedtime. Love Jan
Posted by Phillipa on August 3, 2009, at 20:26:42
In reply to Re: low dosage paxil to Phillipa, posted by sdb on August 3, 2009, at 14:57:54
Yes worked great and no lopressor at that time either. Love Jan
Posted by sdb on August 4, 2009, at 14:35:07
In reply to Re: low dosage paxil to Phillipa » sdb, posted by Phillipa on August 3, 2009, at 20:25:23
> sdb it's a long story for your ears only. I was in the hospital at the time can't say why on here. You know how to get me. But from paxil l0mg and xanax .25 TID to luvox 250mg and ativan 5-6mg and chloral hydrate at bedtime. Love Jan
They should have told you why they changed to luvox, ativan and chloral hydrate. Did they tell you any reasons? Did you feel better with the old combo?
love sdb
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