What is the generic Lexapro? I was told by one dr. that there wasn't a generic for it.

My PCP started me off with name brand samples of Lexapro for 2 weeks and then I started the generic which is for Lexapro and Celexa called Citalopram 40MG. My PCP knows I only have Medicare part D so she tries to give me all generic meds since I'm so poor.

I don't have insurance and the Lexapro costs almost $100 a month. I've been paying it because I've had success with it and was afraid to try something else. Neuro suggested Celexa and I can get it through the MS Clinic for $5. I get so confused with all these meds! But when it comes to AD's I want to be careful about changing. I appreciate the info. and by the way.....I'm poor too!

Susan

Susan,

We aren't really poor, we just don't have any money. We can't help it because this MS thing is very expensive.

I have been living on Social Security since 1993. I have told all of my doctor's that I can't afford the expensive meds and I must have either have generic or Patient Courtesy for free from the Pharmaceutical Companies.

I was really embarrased at first but when I had to stop work and start living on SSDI there was no coverage for medication. There were no affordable supplemental plans for anyone but the elderly retired and my company didn't offer coverage since I was only 40ish and not considered "retired".

I discovered during a conversation with my Cardioligist years ago that he had no idea how much the drugs cost. I clued him in and he is the one that told me not to feel bad about my finances and to let the doctors know. He was the first doctor to go directly to the Pharmaceutical Company to get my heart medication for free.

I think you should get the generic Celexa for $5.00. My PCP knew I had been on Zoloft a few years ago and that doctor gave me samples so I wouldn't have to pay. My current PCP said she thought Lexapro generic would be the best for me and she knew it was generic and cheap. I got mine refilled today and my co pay was $6.00 through Medicare D.

We need all the help we can get. Good luck. I hope the Lexapro works as well for you as it does for me.

Thanks for all the advice DOCTORS

My Doc said to cut it in half, and take at night

Who needs doc's when I have you

LOL!!!!

Susan~~ Celexa is the newer form (derivitive) of Lexapro only w/fewer side effects. I was on it, and it helped me.

I now take EffexorXR, but the Celexa did not give me any side effects at all.

Good luck all!

Daisymay, I believe you have this backward. Lexapro is the newer form of Celexa. I ,too, take citalopram, which is the generic form of Celexa. Lexapro is the 'new & improved' version of Celexa, which is why there is not a generic equivalent for it yet (and also why it is much more expensive).

My doctor started me on (1) 20 mg pill/day (for about 2 weeks), then went up to (2) 20 mg pills. I told my doctor that I thought I'd do better on something in between those doses. He has me taking 1 1/2 pills a day (total 30 mg) now, which seems just right.

Oh, and I take mine at night too. With antidepressant/anxiety meds, I have found that you often need to tweak the dosages (with your doctor's approval, of course) somewhat to find what works the way you need it to.

I did the same thing only I can only tolerate 10 mg of the citalopram. Anything more makes me all wired and jittery.

GJ - The citalopram did help me with some of the fatigue. I can now stay awake until almost lunch time on good days. I still take a 1 to 2 hour nap every day but the citalopram has really helped.

The downside, for me, was that AD's were prescribed to me to help me through the pain cycle. The citalopram does not work as well as the Paxil did for pain. I tense up a lot when I am in pain and it causes more pain. You know the cycle. LOL. Anyhow, Paxil took away my personality and gave me a flat affect but being a little subdued during periods of intense pain, it worked well.

My PCP thought Lexapro might help my pain a little bit too. Antidepressants have never worked on the pain problem for me and Lexapro isn't either.

I am taking Lexapro for a diagnosis of "situational depression" to help me through a major family crisis. I also take Valium for dizziness and anxiety.

I think we all need to keep trying until we find the right meds for each of us and the type of depression we have.

I agree, lexapro has not helped with pain. I had a slip and fall on the ice this week and been back on the Vicodin again. I was off for 3 weeks tho

I wish my doc had given me the prozac and the valium (never tried valium). I'm also dx'ed with "Situational Depression" FWIW