Exactly the same as Celexa/Lexapro. Esomeprazole magnesium (Nexium) is the left-handed form of Omeprazole magnesium (Prilosec).
Again, I do believe that the two drugs can affect people in different ways. I do have a degreen in chemistry, and the ‘handedness’ of a molecule often does affect its properties. But just because Prilosec is older and now over-the-counter and much much cheaper does not mean it’s an inferior medication.
I recently started on an acid-reflux drug. Went to pick it up and they said “That will be $45”. I said, “Jesus!!! don’t you have a generic?” Unfortunately they didn’t. But I’m a cheap bastard. I’ll choose generic every time it’s available.
Well, sort of (or at least for me). My prescription plan had 3 tiers:
Generic – copay 10
Formulary Brand Name: Copay 20
Non-formulary Brand name: Copay 40
Then, the following year, it switched to:
Generic: 25%, max of $75
Formulary Brand Name: 50%, max of $75
Non-Formulary Brand Name: 75%, max of $75
My medication was something like 400/month retail cost, and the formulary meds were 300/month, so either way I was going to pay $75 (plus $5 for prepapation H), and so I chose the medicine my doc recommended (the non-forumlary).