Citalopram Vs Escitalopram: What to order in 2023 for Depression treatment?

Citalopram Vs Escitalopram

Major depressive disorder, often known as depression (Citalopram Vs Escitalopram), is estimated to impact 216 million individuals or 3% of the world’s population. It is characterized by a negative mood lasting at least two weeks in most scenarios. People with depression do not have an interest in doing anything, they always seem to be very weak, and unhappy and they may also endure discomfort for no apparent reason.

Depression can be treated in several ways. Counseling and exercise may be useful on their own in a wide range of situations. Other patients could need medicine. Antidepressant medicines are classified into numerous kinds, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most widely used drugs for treating depression. Several medications fall within this category, including Citalopram and Escitalopram. In this article we will know about these two medicines and the best among Citalopram vs Escitalopram.

Because they are both SSRIs, they have many characteristics, including:

• They both work by blocking serotonin reuptake, a neurotransmitter in the brain that acts as a messenger between nerve cells. SSRIs enhance serotonin levels in the neuron synapse, which has been linked to a decrease in depression symptoms.
• Both Citalopram and Escitalopram have frequent side effects such as headache, nausea, vomiting, increased perspiration, and dry mouth.
• These two medicines have been linked to withdrawal symptoms when stopped.
• Both are branded medications; however, generics for each are available, making the pricing comparable.
• The chance of interactions with other medications (such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pimozide, and tramadol) is comparable, but because of their poor ability to inhibit hepatic enzymes, both citalopram, and escitalopram have few drug-drug interactions.
• Citalopram and Escitalopram both are prescribed drugs.

Some key differences between Citalopram and Escitalopram:

Even though they both belong to the same class of drugs and act by the exact mechanism there are some differences in those both medicines. Here is the list of those differences

• Citalopram comprises two stereoisomers: R-citalopram and S-citalopram. Stereo isomers are substances that have the same chemical formula but differ solely in the way their atoms are arranged. Whereas Escitalopram only has one isomer, S-citalopram.
• Escitalopram is also licensed by the FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Both Citalopram and Escitalopram can be used off-label to treat additional disorders.
• Citalopram is exclusively available as a pill, but Escitalopram is available as both a tablet and a liquid.
• Escitalopram’s corresponding dose is around half that of Celexa. This indicates that the Escitalopram dose range is 10-20 mg/day and the Celexa dosing range is 20-40 mg/day. The escitalopram dose range for older people is 5-10 mg/day, and the Celexa dosing range is 10-20 mg/day.
• We can observe some differences in their adverse effects, with Citalopram being more likely to induce QT prolongation (an electrical disruption in the heart that can cause certain arrhythmias) at higher doses. Thus Citalopram is not advised for individuals who have a history of cardiac abnormalities such as bradycardia or congenital long QT syndrome, low potassium or magnesium levels, a recent MI, or uncompensated heart failure.
• Escitalopram has a higher risk of causing sleep issues and taste abnormalities. According to some research studies, Escitalopram may be more successful and acceptable in the treatment of depression than other SSRIs including Citalopram. 
• Citalopram was authorized by the FDA in 1998, while Escitalopram was approved in 2002.

What to order Citalopram or Escitalopram in 2023 for depression treatment?

Both Citalopram and Escitalopram are helpful at alleviating depressive symptoms. However, studies have suggested that Escitalopram may be more effective than Citalopram in treating depression. 

A meta-analysis of nine trials in 2011 compared these two medicines. This is considered high-quality scientific evidence since it analyzes the findings of several investigations. A total of 2,000 persons were examined. Escitalopram was shown to be more effective than Citalopram in improving depressive symptoms in people. Escitalopram users were also more likely to have remission (the absence of depressive symptoms).

Even though studies suggest that Escitalopram is more effective than Citalopram, both drugs are useful for depression. Certain variables may influence your choice of medicine. Buy Escitalopram can be used in children aged 12 and above, but Citalopram is only FDA-approved for depression in adults. Citalopram is also more likely to cause QT interval prolongation (which might lead to heart rhythm disorders).

If you’re on Citalopram vs Escitalopram and it’s not working or producing negative effects, speak with your doctor. They may advise you to try another type of antidepressant.