Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is the Difference between Citalopram and Escitalopram?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Citalopram and escitalopram, often sold under the names Celexa® and Lexapro®, are two antidepressant medications of the selected serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. They are closely related to each other. The same company, Lundbeck®, created both medications, introducing Celexa® in 1989 and asking for approval of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Lexapro® in 2001.

Lundbeck® marketed Lexapro® as an improved version of Celexa® with a lower side effect profile. These improvements were considered due to the creation process, where drug makers used an enatiomer or near mirror-image of citalopram's molecule arrangement to develop escitalopram. As such, the drugs have many similarities but also a few differences.

Strong evidence suggests that escitalopram is more effective than citalopram in treating depression.
Strong evidence suggests that escitalopram is more effective than citalopram in treating depression.

One difference between citalopram and escitalopram are the rates at which both drugs are prescribed. Physicians appear to favor prescription of the newer drug. Presently, Lexapro® is marketed with much greater aggression, building on the company's claims that it is a superior drug. This marketing strategy heavily promotes sales of Lexapro® until its patent expires in 2012. It bridges the gap between the expiration of the patent on Celexa® by less expensively producing another drug very similar to it.

Doctors appear more likely to prescribe escitalopram than citalopram.
Doctors appear more likely to prescribe escitalopram than citalopram.

There is some question of whether there is an appreciable difference between citalopram and escitalopram. Both antidepressants bear similar risk for causing suicidal thoughts in teenagers and young adults. Citalopram has been associated with additional common side effects like nausea, dry mouth, excess perspiration, and sexual dysfunction, among others. Escitalopram's most common side effects are largely the same, though one difference may be their frequency of occurrence in users, with escitalopram potentially having a lower occurrence rate.

Unlike escitalopram, citalopram is sometimes prescribed for treating menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes.
Unlike escitalopram, citalopram is sometimes prescribed for treating menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes.

There are some slight differences between citalopram and escitalopram that may make a difference in how the medicines work. For example, escitalopram has a shorter half-life and has been more indicated for treating general anxiety disorder. Both drugs may be used to treat depression, but either drug might be of use with anxiety disorders, thought citalopram has shown slightly more efficacy in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Citalopram is sometimes used as a non-hormonal treatment for menopause mood shifts or hot flashes. Another difference is price: citalopram can be easily obtained in generic form, but escitalopram doesn't get less expensive until its patent expires.

Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed as antidepressants in the treatment of depression and anxiety conditions.
Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed as antidepressants in the treatment of depression and anxiety conditions.

In terms of citalopram and escitalopram efficacy, there does seem to be strong evidence that in the treatment of depression, escitalopram is more effective. It has been described as increasing the speed at which patients respond, and having more effect on patient symptoms. Clinical studies have compared depressed patients using both drugs and usually conclude that the escitalopram users are more likely to experience a quicker remission of depression.

Escitalopram is also sold and marketed under the brand name Lexapro.
Escitalopram is also sold and marketed under the brand name Lexapro.

In the end, the variable rate of response to most antidepressants suggests that individuals making a choice between one of these drugs may not react to them much differently. Finding the right antidepressant can be an arduous process that takes patience and trial and error. It is possible that citalopram and escitalopram are good choices for the individual, but it can be possible that neither is effective and another SSRI, or an antidepressant in a different class, will yield better personal results.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

fify

The one bad thing about escitalopram is the short half-life. It makes it very difficult while withdrawing from the drug. I had withdrawal symptoms for a month while I quit escitalopram.

fBoyle

@ddljohn-- When it comes to escitalopram vs citalopram, I don't think that there is much difference between them. They're both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and essentially do the same thing in the brain.

Side effects may vary, but people respond differently to the same medications anyway. I have not had any major side effects from citalopram, so I think this is an individual thing.

Escitalopram is just a way for the drug company to keep making money on their drug after the expiration date of citalopram.

ddljohn

I've used both citalopram and escitalopram in the past for anxiety. I was first prescribed citalopram but I used it for a short time -- about three weeks. Citalopram caused many side effects. I had severe fatigue, mood swings, headaches and a weird urge to yawn. When I went back to see my doctor about these side effects, he switched me to escitalopram.

I used escitalopram for three years and I think it's a great drug. I didn't experience any of the side effects I had with citalopram, and it treated my anxiety. I agree with the makers of these drugs that escitalopram is superior to and has less side effects than citalopram. I think if anyone is given the choice of taking citalopram or escitalopram for anxiety, escitalopram is the better choice.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Strong evidence suggests that escitalopram is more effective than citalopram in treating depression.
      By: ivolodina
      Strong evidence suggests that escitalopram is more effective than citalopram in treating depression.
    • Doctors appear more likely to prescribe escitalopram than citalopram.
      By: Brian Jackson
      Doctors appear more likely to prescribe escitalopram than citalopram.
    • Unlike escitalopram, citalopram is sometimes prescribed for treating menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Unlike escitalopram, citalopram is sometimes prescribed for treating menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes.
    • Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed as antidepressants in the treatment of depression and anxiety conditions.
      By: Alliance
      Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed as antidepressants in the treatment of depression and anxiety conditions.
    • Escitalopram is also sold and marketed under the brand name Lexapro.
      By: themalni
      Escitalopram is also sold and marketed under the brand name Lexapro.