Are Lexapro and Citalopram the same medication?

Answer by  sadiesmom (254)

Yes, they are. Your pharmacy has provided you with a generic drug. It is the same medication as the name brand of Lexapro, but is cheaper for you. It should work the same because it contains the same ingredients. After a certain amount of time has passed, they are able to produce generic versions of more expensive name brand drugs.

Answer by  Mrscmrn (1449)

Lexapro is the name brand of a Escitalopram which is an antidepressant. Citalopram is the generic name of the drug Celexa. They are not the same medication.

Answer by  jsmith (2067)

Citalopram is an SSRI whose patent expired in 2003. The company that produced citalopram, not wanting to lose valuable market-share in the anti-depressent market slightly re-formulated the active chemical and changed the name to Lexapro. In short, they are the same medically, but they are different legally.

Answer by  Sheila (147)

Lexapro is very similar to citalopram, but it is not the same drug. Citalopram is generic for celexa. Patients tend to have less side effects with Lexapro, but it is much more expensive and does not have a generic.