switching from lexapro to celexa because of my insurance?

Question

I was having major anxiety and maybe even a panic attack or two. My physician gave me lexapro samples to try (4 weeks worth). I am also seeing a psychologist/counselor. Lexapro started working right away. After about 2 weeks my body got used to the medicined (no more side effects). Well, now that I went back to get the prescription, my insurance won't cover it but it will cover Celexa. Today would be my first day of taking the celexa, I'm already having a anxiety of what side effects I may have for switching, I don't need this right now after Thanksgiving, I have a test in my grad class tonight and am flipping out?

Answer 1

I beg to differ quite strongly with the doctor who answered previously. Celexa and Lexapro are NOT the same medication, as my psychiatrist confirmed to me. If they were the same, the same company (Forest Laboratories) wouldn't be making them both! Forest bills Lexapro as "The next generation of Celexa," so that should also tell you something. See http://www.celexa.com/. The difference, as you've noticed, and as Forest advertises, is that Lexapro treats both depression AND generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Celexa only treats depression. If your insurance won't cover Lexapro, have your doctor submit a "prior auth" stating that Celexa was tried on you and doesn't work because of your GAD, and that should (hopefully) get your insurance company to OK Lexapro for you. [Your doctor's office should know how this prior auth business works to get an insurance override. They do it all the time; I heard this from my mother, who works in a psychiatrists' clinic.]

Answer 2

I think that you're certainly taking the right approach through meds and therapy.

In some cases, I believe that you're psychiatrist can put a call into your insurance company to gain approval for Lexapro - indicating the you're experiencing SSRI discontinuation syndrome and is affecting your quality of life.

Lexapro is the new and improved version of Celexa and has not been released as a generic yet, which is probably why your insurance won't cover it.

In the past, I was prescribed Straterra and it was rejected by my insurance, however, my psychiatrist called the insurance company to discuss my condition and it was immediately approved.

Good luck, I hope you get well.

By the way, there is no way this dude above is an MD. I've checked some of his answers and he can bearly spell and form gramatically correct sentances -

Answer 3

How should I take Lexapro?

Take Lexapro exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Try to take Lexapro at the same time each day. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
It may take up to 4 weeks or longer before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
Do not stop using Lexapro suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.


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Answer 4

We all make this substitution as citalopram hydrobromide (Celexa) is the pro drug of escitalopram (Lexapro) although the mg dosing is not equivalent. I have yet to have a failure or have patients with side effects due to this change. If we were offered samples of Celexa you would have started on that and there would have been no reason to upset you. I hope that your transition goes well and bear in mind that they are really the same medication.

Answer 5

Sounds interesting

Answer 6

that's a tricky question..