Lexapro vs. Celexa
See how Lexapro and Celexa compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Lexapro and Celexa are both SSRIs, but Lexapro has FDA approval for adolescent depression and generalized anxiety disorder, while Celexa is approved only for adult depression.
Celexa carries a boxed warning for dose-dependent QT prolongation and caps its maximum dose at 40 mg daily, a risk profile Lexapro's labeling doesn't share.
Celexa typically costs less than Lexapro without insurance, though both are available as low-cost generics.
Lexapro vs. Celexa Drug Summary
Lexapro
Lexapro (escitalopram) is an SSRI antidepressant FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents ages 12-17, and generalized anxiety disorder in adults. It's taken as a tablet or oral solution once daily, usually starting at 10 mg.
Celexa
Celexa (citalopram) is an SSRI antidepressant FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults. It's taken once daily as a tablet or oral solution, starting at 20 mg for one week before increasing to a 40 mg maintenance dose.
Lexapro vs. Celexa Side Effects
Lexapro
Celexa
Lexapro vs. Celexa Dosage
Lexapro
Celexa
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 10 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg once daily | Week 2 onward |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every week |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 40 mg once daily | Week 2 onward |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every week |
Lexapro
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 10 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg once daily | Week 2 onward |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every week |
Celexa
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 40 mg once daily | Week 2 onward |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every week |
Lexapro vs. Celexa Indications
Lexapro
Lexapro is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents ages 12 to 17, as well as generalized anxiety disorder in adults. It is not approved for depression in children under 12 or for anxiety disorders in pediatric patients.
Major depressive disorder in adults
Major depressive disorder in adolescents (12-17 years)
Generalized anxiety disorder in adults
Celexa
Celexa is FDA-approved only for major depressive disorder in adults. It is frequently prescribed off-label for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, though these uses aren't part of its FDA labeling.
Major depressive disorder in adults
Off-label: generalized anxiety disorder
Off-label: panic disorder
Lexapro vs. Celexa Pros and Cons
Lexapro
Lexapro is FDA-approved for both major depression and generalized anxiety disorder, including use in adolescents, giving it a broader label than Celexa. It carries a higher typical list price and, like other SSRIs, can cause sexual side effects in some patients.
Pros
FDA-approved for depression in adolescents ages 12-17, not just adults
FDA-approved for generalized anxiety disorder, an on-label option Celexa lacks
No dose-dependent QT-prolongation warning, unlike Celexa's boxed caution
Simple once-daily maintenance dosing without a separate titration week
Cons
Costs roughly $440 to $603 per month without insurance, more than Celexa's typical range
Sexual side effects, including ejaculation disorder, reported in up to 9% of men
Fewer years of real-world prescribing history than citalopram, used since 1998
Celexa
Celexa is FDA-approved only for major depression in adults, though it's widely prescribed off-label for anxiety-spectrum conditions. It carries a distinct boxed warning for dose-dependent heart rhythm changes and is generally the less expensive option.
Pros
Typically costs $15 to $300 per month without insurance, often less than Lexapro
Long, well-established safety record as one of the most prescribed SSRIs since 1998
Widely available as a low-cost generic, easing access for many patients
Off-label use is common and well-documented for anxiety, panic, and OCD
Cons
Boxed warning for dose-dependent QT prolongation and sudden death risk, not shared by Lexapro's label
Maximum dose capped at 40 mg/day, and just 20 mg/day for people over 60 or poor metabolizers
Not FDA-approved for anxiety disorders, adolescents, or any pediatric use
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.