Mental health problems can affect a person’s life emotionally and physically. The effects of these kinds of disorders can be cured by taking medicines. There are two drugs namely Prozac and Celexa that help to cure depression and anxiety etc. We will try to deeply analyze the Prozac vs Celexa comparison in this blog that helps you to know which one is better for you to treat these conditions.
So, let’s start the blog and understand their function, similarities, and differences on the basis of different criteria, side effects, and precautions.
Overview of Prozac:
The medicine Prozac is used to treat various mood disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder or MDD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD, Eating disorder or bulimia nervosa, and Panic disorder or PD.
It comprises Fluoxetine as an active substance and a generic drug that is responsible for the therapeutic effect of this branded medicine. A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor is the class of medicines of this medicinal product.
The medicinal uses are validated by the US FDA for adults as well as for children. It is not a controlled substance.
Overview of Celexa:
This medicine is used to treat depression in adults which is sanctioned by the US Food and Drug Administration. Celexa consists of Citalopram which works as an active ingredient in this branded drug and also as a generic medicine.
Its drug class is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It is not classified as a controlled substance under the Controlled Substance Act.
How Do These Medicines Work?
The chemical serotonin regulates the mood. Both medicines consist of active components which act as depressants as well as blockers to inhibit the reuptake of signaling molecules.
These medications help to increase the amount of Serotonin and its sufficient amount helps to be more focused, emotionally stable and stay calm. This is how they help to get rid of depression to some extent.
Similarities Between Celexa & Prozac:
There are some similarities between these drugs which include-
1) Doctors permit these medicines to treat depression in individuals.
2) Both have the same drug class, SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
3) These two are branded medications.
Differences Between Prozac vs Celexa
Let’s see how both drugs differ from each other depending on the following factors-
1) Active Components
Prozac – Fluoxetine
Celexa – Citalopram
2) Dose & Dosage Strength
Prozac
It comes in the form of a gelatinous capsule. Its dosage strengths are as follows:-
- Prozac 5 mg
- Prozac 10 mg
- Prozac 20 mg
- Prozac 40 mg
- Prozac 90 mg (weekly capsule)
There are different doses for depression disorders, panic disorder, bulimia nervosa, and bipolar disorder. The medicinal strength is determined by a doctor after examining the patient’s medical conditions like hepatic problem and age (elderly patient).
For adults, the dose starts with 10 to 20 mg and for children, 10 to 20 mg is a nominal dose. A weekly capsule is a delayed-release capsule which can be started a week after having a dose of 20 mg.
Celexa
It is available in the form of tablet with a score line. The dosage strength are as follows-
3) Uses: Prozac vs Celexa
Prozac
This medicine is helpful in treating various disorders which include-
- FDA-Approved Uses
- Major Depressive Disorder –
When there is a lack of interest in daily activity, then this problem arises.
2) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder –
There is an obsession compulsion and urge to do repetitive behavior.
3) Bulimia nervosa –
It is a severe eating disorder which is done in order to avert overweight.
4) Panic disorder –
There is an unforeseen event related to fear that gets triggered.
5) Bipolar Depression –
There are uncommon mood swings from low level to high level.
6) Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder –
It is a distress condition in which is faced by a woman during monthly periods.
7) Overweight or Obesity
Celexa
The uses of this drug include-
- FDA-Approved Uses
- Major Depressive Disorder –
It is a mood disorder with low self-esteem.
2) Panic Disorder –
There is an episode of extreme fear due to repetitive panic attacks.
- Unapproved Uses
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder – There are unusual thoughts with repetitive behavior.
2) Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder – It is a premenstrual syndrome that occurs in women.
3) Anxiety – It is a mental disorder in which a person becomes anxious.
4) Body Dysmorphic Disorder – In this a person sees flaws in their appearance.
5) Dysthymia –It is a kind of depression which remains for a long duration.
Side Effects of Prozac and Celexa Drug:
Common Side Effects
- Yawning
- Dry mouth
- Feeling tired
- Sleeping disorder
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Drowsiness
- Changes in appetite
- Sexual dysfunction
- Weakness
- sweating
- Dizziness
- Excessive thirst
- Agitation (restlessness, uneasiness and anxious)
- Frequent urination (Celexa)
- Constipation (Celexa)
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (Celexa)
Severe Side Effects
- Raised body temperature
- Palpitation (fast and fluttering heart)
- Headache
- Sweating
- Muscle rigidity
- Uncommon bleeding from gums, nose and female sex organ
- Mood swings
- Unusual behavior like restlessness, impulsive, aggressive and overactive
- Allergic reactions
- Feel the presence of an object which are not in real
- Confusion
- Eye-related problems such as blurry vision, redness and pain
- Difficulty in breathing
- Seizures (Celexa)
- Suicidal thoughts
Precautions:
- Never take these drugs while consuming other medicines, it may cause drug interaction.
- The medical history of the patient should tell to a healthcare expert before starting any treatment.
- If you are allergic to the presence of active salts in these medications then you should stop taking medicine immediately.
Celexa is not recommended to children and it also may restrict or affect their growth. - Keep these drugs at room temperature.
- If after-effects are not going away within a short duration then you should seek medical advice.
Conclusion:
I hope after reading this blog, you get to know about these two antidepressants which are helpful in treating various mood related disorders. Celexa medicine is approved only for adults, whereas Prozac is allowed for both adults and children.
This is an informative blog, to update you about these drugs. It will be helpful and beneficial if a patient takes these medications after getting a prescription from a doctor to avoid any fatal consequences.
