According to some statistical data, approx. 22.8% are experiencing mental disorders in the USA. Mental illness creates problems and disturbs our lives. Poor health affects people emotionally and psychologically. Good health is always above wealth. It is important to be physically and mentally fit because it is important for our wellness. There are two psychoactive medicines such as Xanax and Celexa. Both are quite effective medications. So, in today’s blog, you will learn about these psychotropic drugs in detail, their similarities and differences ( Xanax vs Celexa), side effects, and precautions.
What is Xanax?
Alprazolam acts as an active ingredient in this branded medicine Xanax as well as being responsible for therapeutic effects. This permitted drug is used for treating anxiety and panic disorders in adults.
It is classified as a depressant medication of the drug class, benzodiazepine. This benzos drug is considered a controlled substance of Schedule IV.
How Does it Work?
This psychoactive drug enhances the activity of the gamma-aminobutyric acid blocker which binds with the GABA-A receptor. This opens up the chloride channels which increases the effect of GABA. This is how the drug produces a calming effect.
What is Celexa?
It is a branded medicine in which Citalopram acts as a chemical compound to show its pharmaceutical effect. Celexa drug is not considered a controlled substance because it does not belong to benzodiazepines.
This psychotropic medicine is permitted by the US FDA to treat depression disorder in adults only. It is classified under the group class which is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
Mechanism of Action of Celexa
This produces serotonergic activity by preventing the reabsorption of the chemical messenger named serotonin. SSRIs are the blocker that helps to forbid the reuptake of this natural chemical. This increases the concentration of the neurotransmitter in the brain.
Similarities Between Xanax vs Celexa
- Both are branded medicines.
- These medications are sanctioned By the US Food and Drug Administration.
- Both drugs treat depression disorder.
- Both are available in an oral form.
Differences Between Xanax & Celexa
1) Active Components
Xanax – Alprazolam
Celexa – Citalopram
2) Uses: Xanax vs Celexa
Xanax
This medicinal product is sanctioned for treating anxiety as well as panic disorder.
Approved Uses
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder:- It is an anxiety problem, however, when a person gets irrational thoughts about their daily life activities
- Panic Disorder:- It is a panic attack in which a person experiences a wave of fear which is frequent and uncommon. There is a fear of not being able to escape which is known as agoraphobia.
Off-Label Uses
- Premenstrual Syndrome
In this condition a female experiences mood swings, changes in behavior, etc., This mostly occurs before their periods.
- Depression
It is related to mental illness in which there is a lack of interest in everyday life activities.
- Insomnia
It is a sleeping problem that makes it difficult for individuals to fall asleep.
Celexa
Approved Use
It is mainly prescribed to treat depression in adults.
Unapproved Uses
Apart from its approved use, there are some disorders that can be treated off-label. For instance, Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Binge Eating Disorder, Premature Ejaculation, etc.
3) Dose & Dosage Strength
a) Xanax
Xanax comes in the form of oral tablet and solution.
Extended-release Tablet
- Xanax 0.5 mg
- Xanax 1 mg
- Xanax 2 mg
- Xanax 3 mg
Oral Disintegrating Tablet
- Xanax 0.25 mg
- Xanax 0.5 mg
- Xanax 1 mg
- Xanax 2 mg
Oral Solution
- 0.5 mg per 5 mL
- 1 mg per 10 mL
Administration
- For Anxiety Disorder
The dose range from 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg can be prescribed to adults. It can be taken thrice a day. This dose can be raised in the time period of 3 to 4 days. The dose should not be advised more than 4 mg.
- For Panic Disorder
To get maximum benefits of this medicine, the required dose is 10 mg. Its average dose is 5 mg to 6 mg.
b) Celexa
This drug comes in the form of a tablet with dosage strengths-
Oral Solution
- Celexa 10 mg/5 mL
Administration
Patients who are below 60 years can start with an advised nominal dose of 20 mg per day. The medicinal strength can be increased after a week and this can be raised up to 40 mg in a day.
In individuals who are above 60 years old, the maximum dose is 20 mg and can be taken once a day.
Side Effects of Both Drugs (Xanax vs Celexa)
Xanax Side effects
- Seizures
- Vision problem
- Extreme sleepiness
- Hives due to an allergic reaction
- About to pass out (faint)
- Hallucination
- Breathing problem
- Yellowish skin
- Shallow breathing
- Restlessness (agitated)
Side Effects of Celexa
- Irregular heartbeat
- Uncommon bleeding like vaginal and nose bleeding
- Dry mouth
- Seizures
- Nausea
- Allergic reactions
- Agitation
- Muscle stiffness
- Heart palpitation
- Confusion
- Headache
- Sweating
- Vision problem
- Fainting
Precautions of Celexa and Xanax Medicine
- The medication should be swallowed as a whole without chewing or crushing.
- These prescription medicines should not be taken without getting a prescription from a doctor.
- You should avoid taking these medications with other drugs simultaneously. It is to avoid any fatal health consequences.
- The use of alcohol (Celexa) grapefruit and its juice (Xanax) is not suggested.
- The medical history should be shared with a General Practitioner before starting the treatment.
Conclusion
Irrational worrying about life causes depression due to this a patient loses his or her interest in their life. I hope after reading this informative blog, you got to know about these antidepressant medications.
These help to overcome mental illnesses like depression and panic disorder. It is advised to take these medicines under the guidance of a healthcare professional.