Question 1

when switching from celexa to lexapro (escitalopram), (escitalopram) will the lexapro (escitalopram) still need to build up in my system before it starts to work or will it work almost right away?

Accepted Answer

It depends.: If you have already been on Celexa for several weeks, and your symptoms partially resolved or stabilized, then you will likely not have to wait a long time for  Lexapro (escitalopram) to start working, as Celexa has already had time to start modulating the serotonin system in your brain. However, if you only took Celexa for a few days, then you will have to wait a full 2-4 wks to notice an effect.

Question 2

switching from celexa to prozac (fluoxetine). what can i expect?

Accepted Answer

Celexa (citalopram): Under supervision, most likely u will tolerate the switch well.

Question 3

switching from celexa to paxil (paroxetine). feeling anxious. this normal?

Accepted Answer

Anti anxiety medicat: If you have discontinued Celexa or reduced the dose significantly your symptoms are recurring, as expected.  It will take some time before the effect of Paxil (paroxetine) s felt and my require dose adjustments.

Question 4

what are the pros and cons of switching from celexa to zoloft (sertraline)?

Accepted Answer

Celexa/zoloft: Pros may include some response as antidepressant if Celexa was not working at optimum dose for several weeks, or was not tolerated well, and also some withdrawal symptoms until zoloft (sertraline) kicks in. Cons may include the opposite, with more symptoms of depression, especially since it takes time for the zoloft (sertraline) to work.

Question 5

is it true that if i have no side effects with lexapro, (escitalopram) i should have none with celexa?  for $$ reasons, i'm thinking of switching.

Accepted Answer

Lexapro/Celexa: Possible since every person's tolerance differs from another. When Lexapro (escitalopram) first came out, it was the improved form of celexa, with less stomach & bowel side-effects, but I have seen patients that did not tolerate Lexapro (escitalopram) & did ok on celexa. Also bear in ming, Celexa recently came out in generic form which is cheaper than the brand name. Your doctor can give you good suggestions regarding switch.

Question 6

hello, when switching from lexapro to celexa, should i begin celexa right away? or do i wean off the lexapro first? my doctor said to take them simultaneously for a while, and then stop the lexapro after 2 weeks. my pharmacist disagrees and says you can d

Accepted Answer

How : How about both of these are ways to change medications. Both belong to a class of antidepressant medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. They have a similar mechanism of action. Depending on the dose, a provider may recommend decreasing the Lexapro (escitalopram) while at the same time starting the Celexa at a low dose and increasing it.  A provider could also recommend stopping  the Lexapro (escitalopram) and then starting the Celexa the next day. Your psychiatrist  / doctor is the individual who is actually responsible for the quality of care you receive. Your provider develops your treatment plan and it is his or her medical license that is on the line when she  or he renders you care. 
  I applaud pharmacists picking up on things that are of potential danger such as being prescribed a medication that you might be allergic to or pointing out possible drug - drug interactions or medication contraindications. That is a very important part of their job. I would be dissappointed, if your pharmacist told you that the psychiatrist / doctor was prescribing incorrectly, since these are simply two different options.

Question 7

i'm on celexa 20mg can switch from taking it at night to taking it in the morning without any problems? been on it for almost 3 weeks.

Accepted Answer

Drugs like: Celexa are taken before sleep because they can cause drowsiness....No absolute reason  why they can not be taken in AM.

Question 8

can you switch from celexa to lexapro (escitalopram) without any side effects?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes you absolutely can. They belong to the same group of antidepressants called ssri.

Question 9

prozac (fluoxetine) is making me sick. do you think i should switch back to celexa?

Accepted Answer

Prozac (fluoxetine): Not sure why u switched from Celexa to prozac, (fluoxetine) but u need to talk to your prescribing doctor first.

Question 10

only concern is zoloft (sertraline) was not the "logical" choice after celexa (gp let me choose), that there's a definitive ssri (say paxil) to try bef snri switch?

Accepted Answer

Half and half: There are few definitive anythings when it comes to psychotropic medications. If you're thinking about switching to an SNRI anyway, you can try something that works on both Serotonin and also Norepinephrine, like Effexor (venlafaxine). That might give you an idea whether you're going in the right direction.

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Doctor answers about:

Switching off of celexa

A member asked:

When switching from celexa to lexapro (escitalopram), (escitalopram) will the lexapro (escitalopram) still need to build up in my system before it starts to work or will it work almost right away?

A member asked:

Switching from celexa to prozac (fluoxetine). what can i expect?

A member asked:

Switching from celexa to paxil (paroxetine). feeling anxious. this normal?

A member asked:

What are the pros and cons of switching from celexa to zoloft (sertraline)?

A member asked:

Is it true that if i have no side effects with lexapro, (escitalopram) i should have none with celexa? for $$ reasons, i'm thinking of switching.

A member asked:

Hello, when switching from lexapro to celexa, should i begin celexa right away? or do i wean off the lexapro first? my doctor said to take them simultaneously for a while, and then stop the lexapro after 2 weeks. my pharmacist disagrees and says you can d

A member asked:

I'm on celexa 20mg can switch from taking it at night to taking it in the morning without any problems? been on it for almost 3 weeks.

A member asked:

Can you switch from celexa to lexapro (escitalopram) without any side effects?

A member asked:

Prozac (fluoxetine) is making me sick. do you think i should switch back to celexa?

A member asked:

Only concern is zoloft (sertraline) was not the "logical" choice after celexa (gp let me choose), that there's a definitive ssri (say paxil) to try bef snri switch?

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