Is Generic Celexa as Good as the ‘Real Thing’?

Reader’s Question

I have Social Anxiety Disorder and sometimes depression. I do have suicidal thinking sometimes but I will not act on it ever.

I have a question about the effectiveness and safety of citalopram 20mg from Dr (name withheld) in India. I work for Wal-Mart and use one of its pharmacies to fill my prescription. Although my doctor prescribed me Celexa, is this generic form alright? I do not seem to have much in the way of combating my anxiety other than taking 40mg a day, which could be my doctor just giving me more medicine to acheive a result. I really need to know.

My question is, is generic citalprolam as good as the real thing? What is the true cost of Wal-Mart’s $4 meds program?

Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

While I’m a clinical psychologist and not a physician, it’s my understanding that the generic form (citalopram) is as good as the real thing. In many countries, the generic medication must be very close to the original. For this reason, using the generic form should not present problems for you. Both Celexa and the generic form can be increased to achieve the best dosage for your symptoms. The 40 milligram dosage is not unusual in my experience.

The other question — “What’s the true cost of Wal-Mart’s $4 meds program?” — I’d suggest that the program provides Wal-Mart with several extra millions in profit. When customers shop at Wal-Mart for that $4.00 medication, they are also filling medications not covered by that plan — some of which may cost hundreds of dollars in both self-pay and insurance pay. While you’re waiting on your $4.00 prescription, you’re also shopping at the store, adding to their profit. That $4.00 medication program is probably a very profitable business decision for Wal-Mart and a good deal for customers as well.