Hello Internet People;

This is a confusing forum question...

I few months ago I started taking CIPRALEX (escitalopram oxalate).

At first I felt a HUGE increase in my anxiety. I got through that; and it eventually really helped me

After two months I moved provinces (Hi! I'm Canadian )

I went to see a doctor in my new province to get a NEW prescription (a prescription from one province doesn't work in another)

he gave me a prescription for CELEXA (cilatopram) and told me it was the SAME THING.

I never filled my new prescription. I was feeling good, and I figured my new living situation would keep me from becoming depressed/panicky again. I slowly came off of LEXAPRO.

Well, I was wrong to do that! After a few months I relapsed
Anyway, I recently filled that prescription for CELEXA, and dreaded that terrible increase in anxiety that comes with starting the meds.

I was so confused because IT NEVER CAME! I started feeling super drowsy but not irritated like I did the first time.

I went to the doctor today, and told her how I was on LEXAPRO and it was making me drowsy. She wrote me a prescription for a higher dose of LEXAPRO.

I just returned home and realized I'M NOT ON LEXAPRO I'M ON CELEXA....ARGH! No wonder I was having a different experience!

I feel betrayed that the first doctor I saw told me that it was the same medication. I DO NOT FEEL THE SAME!

Anyway, the real reason I am writing this is because I would like to switch from CELEXA to LEXAPRO now. (since that is what my new prescription is for)

Do I have to wean off of one before starting the other, or can I just start taking it?

Hi Bunny, you might want to get in touch with your Dr. for advice. We're all different. I know that I had a short period where I cut back on one until I was able to start substituting with the other. Only you physician should advise you on this. I hope the confusion is resolved and you start to feel better soon given the right meds and dosage . . . hugs