Lexapro vs Citalopram: brand vs ingredient
Lexapro contains Escitalopram, while Citalopram is a different active ingredient in the Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. This page compares them: when each is used, how the mechanisms and indications differ, and whether the question "Lexapro vs Citalopram" makes sense to ask at all.
What is the relationship?
Lexapro and Citalopram are different things: Lexapro is a branded medication whose active ingredient is Escitalopram (in the Antidepressiva class), whereas Citalopram is in the Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. They share a common therapeutic context and are sometimes weighed in the same clinical decision.
When Lexapro is used
Lexapro ist bei Erwachsenen und Jugendlichen ab 12 Jahren (Depression) sowie bei Erwachsenen (generalisierte Angststörung) zur Behandlung von Major Depression und generalisierter Angststörung zugelassen.
When Citalopram is used
Citalopram ist für die Major Depression zugelassen.
Mechanisms compared
Lexapro: Lexapro wirkt durch selektive Hemmung des Serotonin-Wiederaufnahmetransporters (SERT) an der Synapse und erhöht so die Verfügbarkeit von Serotonin für postsynaptische Rezeptoren. Citalopram: Citalopram hemmt selektiv den Serotonin-Wiederaufnahme-Transporter und erhöht die synaptische Verfügbarkeit von Serotonin bei begrenzter Affinität zu Noradrenalin-Transportern oder anderen Rezeptoren.
When the comparison makes sense
Comparing Lexapro with Citalopram makes sense when both are in the same clinical decision: they belong to the same therapeutic class and may be considered as alternatives. If the question is between two options for the same need, the prescriber decides based on prior response, comorbidities and tolerance.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Do Lexapro and Citalopram treat the same thing? ▾
They treat partially overlapping conditions, both in the Antidepressiva area. The question of which to use is for the prescriber to answer based on the specific indication.
Can Lexapro and Citalopram be combined? ▾
It depends on the interaction profile of Escitalopram with Citalopram. If both are in a single prescription, the prescriber has weighed it. Self-medicating with both is not recommended without pharmacist review.
Which is better, Lexapro or Citalopram? ▾
"Better" doesn't apply between medications for different indications. The sensible question is which fits your specific clinical need — that is the prescriber's call.
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