What's the difference between Efexor and Cipramil?

Question

I was just wondering what differences there are between Efexor and Cipramil. Is there anything different about a person that would make a doctor choose one over the other?

Answer 1

Both Cipramil and Effexor are used to treat depression.

Cipramil (citalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, which helps to improve certain mood problems.

Effexor (venlafaxine) is in a group of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). Venlafaxine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.

Venlafaxine is used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety, and panic disorder.

Usually a doctor would start treating depression with Cipramil as it is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor only and if this doesn't help then the next line therapy may be Effexor, as it works by inhibiting both serotonin and norepinephrine uptake.

It would just depend on what works best for the patient.