celexa

as once again i change antidepressants to gain some relief from "double depression" i have a question about the new choice. i have been on paxil before, without effect, or side effects that could not be tolerated, i cant remember which at this point. i am to begin taking celexa in two days after my dosage reduction of serzone is complete. if paxil was intolerable or ineffective, wont celexa have basically the same effect since they are from the same group of medications? both are ssri's, arent they?
                         thanks, ml

[HFHS MD-JM]

ML,

  Paxil and Celexa are both antidepressants from the same class , SSRI's, which primarily increase the availability of serotonin in the brain.  Each drug is chemically unique and even though they act in  a similar manner in regards to mechanism of action, there are some differences.  You are right that if someone fails a class of agents, we usually choose one from another class.
  Sometimes a patient may respond to one SSRI and not another.  Side effects also tend to be similar within the same class but do have some important differences. A different class of antidepressant should be considered if possible.
  Remember that this information is intended for educational purposes only.  Please see your personal physician for specific health concerns.

Sincerely,

HFHS MD-JM

Keywords: SSRI, antidepressants

[ml another question]

several days into the medication now, and it is causing alot of nausea and headaches. will these tend to go away as the meds get into my system? also, i am taking prevacid for acid reflux and esophagitis, should this be helpful in controlling the nausea? i do ok until i try to eat, even hard candy for dry mouth makes me want to throw up. any suggestions? is this just another one i probably can't take?   thanks, ml