Re: Switching from Citalopram to Escitalopram?
If we accept what Wikipedia tell us then:
citalopram (Celexa): usual dosing is 20 mg initially; maintenance 40 mg per day; maximum dose 60 mg per day.
escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro): usual dosing is 10 mg and shown to be as effective as 20 mg in most cases. Maximum dose 20 mg. Also helps with anxiety.
So on that basis 20mg escitalopram would be at least equivalent to your drug. How the transition should be managed I am unclear. The newer drug seems to always be credited with less side effects and perhaps more effectiveness. So you may well gain from that. I've only had esc' so I cannot really add much.
I've just found this site http://www.globalrph.com/antidepressants.h whose accuracy I cannot vouch for, claims that:
Approximate equivalent dosages of SSRIs:
citalopram 20mg
escitalopram 5 mg
So esc' may well be more effective.
Good Luck
Last edited by alias_kev; 04-12-08 at 01:18.
Reason: Improved quoting from wikipedia
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Kevin, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, UK
Probably GAD & Phobias. Anxiety and renewed Depression medicated (Venlafaxine). Trying to improve.