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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by AntiTrust on January 2, 2004, at 16:12:54
Isn't Lexapro just a newer and better verion of Celexa??
Posted by Mariposa on January 2, 2004, at 19:15:16
In reply to Isn't Lexapro a better form of 'celexa'??, posted by AntiTrust on January 2, 2004, at 16:12:54
> Isn't Lexapro just a newer and better verion of Celexa??
>It's supposed to be *cleaned-up* version, some of the *extaneous chemicals* removed.
Posted by SLS on January 2, 2004, at 22:08:32
In reply to Isn't Lexapro a better form of 'celexa'??, posted by AntiTrust on January 2, 2004, at 16:12:54
> Isn't Lexapro just a newer and better verion of Celexa??
>That is an excellent question. On paper, theoretically, it should be. In fact, however, some people here who have taken both drugs report doing better on Celexa while others do better on Lexapro. I have only taken Lexapro, so I can't offer a personal account. One thing that I have learned about psychotropics - different is different. Trial and error is, for the most part, still a necessary evil in psychiatric medicine.
The citalopram molecule comes in two varieties: a right-handed version and a left-handed version. Celexa contains both versions. Lexapro contains only one of these; what is known as the s-citalopram molecule (r-citalopram being the other). Supposedly, the s-citalopram does most of the good work, leaving the r-citalopram to render only unwanted side-effects. However, scientists are not sure how any of these drugs work with certainty, so no one can exclude the possibility that r-citalopram is necessary for some people to respond.
- Scott
Posted by metalflipflop on January 3, 2004, at 14:39:42
In reply to Re: Isn't Lexapro a better form of 'celexa'??, posted by SLS on January 2, 2004, at 22:08:32
oh man, i thought they were supposed to be really similar too--if anything i thought lex might have fewer side effects, but was i ever wrong! just my own idiosyncratic brain chemistry i guess, but whereas i found celexa calming and good for anxiety, lexapro drove me up the walls! i was so agitated i couldn't sleep, eat, or think. perhaps that other side of the molecule is just a little sedating, but it was definitely helpful for me.
ugh. trial and error.
liz
Posted by almondjoy on January 3, 2004, at 18:44:33
In reply to Re: Isn't Lexapro a better form of 'celexa'??, posted by metalflipflop on January 3, 2004, at 14:39:42
The side effects are supposed to be less in lexapro because of cutting out the extra stuff. i tried celexa earlier this year, but it made me so nauseaous for two days, i had to stop taking it. on the other hand, the lexapro made me nauseous for a few days, but after the first day it was tolerable...i had other s/e too but they eventually went away and i was able to stay on lex...been taking for a few months nowd
This is the end of the thread.
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