Celebrex vs Lexapro: side-by-side comparison
Celebrex (Pain Relief Medications) and Lexapro (Anti-Depressants) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely interchangeable. This page compares the medications' purposes, mechanisms and the situations where each is used.
| Property | Celebrex | Lexapro |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Celecoxib | Escitalopram |
| Manufacturer | Pfizer | Forest/Allergan |
| Class | Pain Relief Medications | Anti-Depressants |
| Strengths | 50mg, 100mg, 200mg, 400mg | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg |
| Forms | capsule | tablet |
What's the same
Celebrex and Lexapro are used in very different patients, and the points in common are limited. The main shared element is that both meet regulatory standards for efficacy and safety and benefit from pharmacist oversight.
Key differences
Celebrex belongs to Pain Relief Medications while Lexapro belongs to Anti-Depressants. Indications, mechanisms and target populations differ. The comparison is most useful when a clinician has mentioned both medications and the patient wants to understand where each fits.
Mechanism and action
Celebrex: Celecoxib selectively inhibits COX-2, the inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase upregulated at sites of inflammation, while sparing the constitutive COX-1 that maintains gastric mucosal integrity and platelet aggregation. Lexapro: Lexapro acts by selectively inhibiting the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) at the synapse, increasing serotonin availability for postsynaptic receptors.
When Celebrex is preferred
Celebrex is approved in adults for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (in some markets), ankylosing spondylitis, primary dysmenorrhoea and acute pain.
When Lexapro is preferred
Lexapro is approved for major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder in adults and adolescents 12 years and older (depression) and adults (generalised anxiety).
Frequently asked questions
Is Celebrex or Lexapro better? ▾
Celebrex and Lexapro are not interchangeable — they treat different conditions. Asking which is "better" is meaningful only when a clinician has weighed both for the same specific clinical scenario.
Can I switch from Celebrex to Lexapro? ▾
Switching between Celebrex and Lexapro is rarely an appropriate decision since they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. The real question is usually whether the diagnosis calls for one medication or the other — which the prescriber resolves.
Do Celebrex and Lexapro have the same side effects? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each medication has its own prescribing information.
More Celebrex comparisons
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.