Is Cipralex the same as Citalopram hexal?
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Dear Ask The Doctor: I need to know if Cipralex is the same as Citalopram hexal? If I m running out of Cipralex, can I continue the treatment by taking Citalopram hexal istead? I m out of the country now and where I am now I cannot find Cipralex and a local doctor is suggesting to continue the medication by taking Citalopram hexal and saying that they are the same. I need to make sure. Please someone advise. Thanks.
Dear Shawn: Escitalopram (Cipralex) and Citalopram are not exactly the same from a chemical point of view. Nonetheless, they are both used in depression, panic disorders, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorders. They are both SSRIs (serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors). Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that helps to regulate everything from mood and behaviour, sleep and appetite. When the amount of serotonin in the brain is lowered or not in balance, people experience symptoms of depression. This rebalance is what is corrected by Cipralex and Citalopram. Both drugs are very related to each other. In chemical terms Cipralex is an enatiomer of Citalopram. Which really means that Cipralex is the mirror image of citalopram. You can almost see them as being twins but not identical. The are some differences such that Cipralex is a more selective drug for serotonin which may make it work faster with less side effects. Switching from one drug to another should technically not be done because your body recognizing these differences in chemicals. Both drugs generally are discontinued over a 1-2 week period before starting another. Also keeping in mind that one drug may be better tolerated to one individual then another. Nonetheless, if you are on a low dose of Cipralex and you only have citalopram on hand it is almost better to take it since you might notice side effects of abruptly stopping Cipralex. What I would recommend is that the remaining Cipralex tablets that you have can be cut in half -so take 1/2 a tablet of Cipralex along with Citalopram. You will notice a lot less side effects since one medication is being discontinued in the body while one is being introduced. However, you still might notice that Citalopram as being "less effective" since it optimally takes 1-2 weeks to notice the full benefit. This would be your best option under your circumstance. Hope this helps you with your question. |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 29 November 2010 )
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