Effexor vs Celexa: side-by-side comparison
Effexor (Venlafaxine) and Celexa (Citalopram) both belong to the Antidépresseurs class. They share clinical context but use different active ingredients. The choice between them depends on mechanism nuances, side-effect profile and individual response.
| Property | Effexor | Celexa |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Venlafaxine | Citalopram |
| Manufacturer | Wyeth/Pfizer | Forest Laboratories / AbbVie |
| Class | Antidépresseurs | Antidépresseurs |
| Strengths | 37.5mg, 75mg, 150mg | 10mg, 20mg, 40mg |
| Forms | capsule | tablet |
What's the same
Effexor and Celexa both belong to the Antidépresseurs class and are used for partially overlapping indications. The active ingredients — Venlafaxine vs Citalopram — share the same therapeutic approach, so many safety and management points carry across both.
Key differences
Meaningful differences are in active ingredient (Venlafaxine vs Citalopram), strengths (37.5mg, 75mg, 150mg vs 10mg, 20mg, 40mg), forms (capsule vs tablet), and the mechanism, half-life and side-effect nuances that distinguish members of the class.
Mechanism and action
Effexor: Effexor inhibe la recapture synaptique de la sérotonine et de la noradrénaline. Celexa: Le citalopram inhibe sélectivement le transporteur de recapture de la sérotonine, augmentant sa disponibilité synaptique avec une affinité limitée pour les transporteurs de la noradrénaline ou les autres récepteurs.
When Effexor is preferred
Effexor LP est autorisé dans la dépression caractérisée, le trouble anxieux généralisé, l'anxiété sociale et le trouble panique.
When Celexa is preferred
Celexa est autorisé dans la dépression caractérisée.
Questions fréquentes
Is Effexor or Celexa better? ▾
There is no single answer. Effexor and Celexa both belong to the Antidépresseurs class but differ in mechanism nuances, half-life and side-effect profile. Preference depends on the patient, the prescriber and prior response to other therapies.
Can I switch from Effexor to Celexa? ▾
Switching within the Antidépresseurs class is done under supervision, typically using equivalent doses and a follow-up period to confirm response and tolerance. It is not a self-directed decision.
Do Effexor and Celexa have the same side effects? ▾
They share many of the Antidépresseurs class side effects, with differences from mechanism and dose. Each medication's prescribing information lists specifics.
More Effexor comparisons
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