Just want to know if they are the same drug, or if there is a differance because of the spelling.
What is the difference between Citalopram and Escitalopram?
Question posted by adolph on 7 Feb 2013
Last updated on 8 February 2013 by Delila
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Official Answer
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 5, 2020.
Escitalopram and citalopram refer to the generic drugs escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro) and citalopram hydrobromide (Celexa). Escitalopram and citalopram both help treat major depression, but escitalopram has additional utility in general anxiety disorder.
Chemically they are very similar. Escitalopram is the S-enantiomer of citalopram.
They both belong to the same class of drugs called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).
Delila
8 Feb 2013
Hi Suzanne is right. I just wanted to add that Citalopram is used most commonly for depression, while Escitalopram is used most commonly for anxiety. This description i took from ehow website is good:
"Escitalopram and citalopram refer to the generic drugs escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro) and citalopram hydrobromide (Celexa). Rx List notes that escitalopram and citalopram both help treat major depression, but escitalopram has additional utility in general anxiety disorder".
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