If someone was taking 20mg of Escitrolopram and ran out could they take Citalopram for a couple of days untill Escitolopram was available again? What is the difference between these two and is there anything in the contents that would clash and cause bad side effects?
2007-11-12 05:57:44 · 6 answers · asked by Crazy Diamond 6 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Citalopram consists of two optical isomers. The active molecule of the two is escitalopram, so essentially, they are very similar drugs. They shouldn't be taken together though, as there is a risk of "serotonin syndrome" Going a couple of days without escitalopram really isn't a problem, and is more advisable than taking citalopram to fill the gap.
2007-11-12 08:35:17 · answer #1 · answered by Moofunk 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These drugs are very similar. As a cynic I might suggest that the only reason for the existence and marketing of Escitalopram was the expiration of the patent on citalopram!
2007-11-12 07:50:17 · answer #2 · answered by Dr Frank 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be fine. Escitalopram is a stereoisomer of the same molecule as Citalopram. You'll be fine for a few days. Just don't take them TOGETHER, as you could creating a problem with seratonin syndrome.
2007-11-12 06:07:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the same medication. I was taking cipralex 20mg per day and the pharmacist always put labels on that said escitalopram. You will be fine they are the same.
:-)))
2007-11-12 09:58:24 · answer #4 · answered by Teejay 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not advise alternating these even though they act in a similar way. Long term use of cipralex has caused severe joint pain for me and is very difficult to come off without nasty side effects. Flue-like symptoms and giddiness along with shooting pains in the head. Try not to stay on them too long.
2007-11-12 06:07:13 · answer #5 · answered by Spiny Norman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
escitalopram & citalopram are both the same drug.
2007-11-12 06:17:43 · answer #6 · answered by willy wom bat 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋