:: What is Celexa?
Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide) is a FDA-approved oral psychotropic medication, in the class of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), used for the treatment of depression  . Celexa is made by Forest Pharmaceuticals, based in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide) is the predecessor to Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) which was developed by isolating the therapeutically active molecule (known as an isomer) of Celexa.
See What is the difference between Celexa and its successor Lexapro? or, to learn more about Lexapro, see our
Lexapro Drug Info page .
* Be sure to take a look at our comprehensive Depression & Anxiety FAQ to learn more about depression, anxiety disorders, other mood disorders and for a
comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the commonly prescribed antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications .
You can buy Celexa by going to our Celexa price comparison page where
you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Celexa prices, no prior prescription required.
If it's your first time ordering Celexa online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: Who should take Celexa?
Celexa should be used by adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
If you'd like to learn more about depression and other mood conditions, they are discussed in detail in our extensive Guide to Depression and Anxiety .
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:: Who should not take Celexa?
You should not take Celexa if you:
- Are currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within
the last 14 days. (Do not take MAOIs for at least 14 days after stopping Celexa).
- Are currently taking Orap (pimozide).
- Are allergic to Celexa (citalopram) or Lexapro (escitalopram).
It is important to let your doctor know about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking, and if you have or have had other medical conditions especially liver problems, seizure disorder or bipolar disorder (manic or psychotic episodes).
Celexa should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Babies born to mothers taking SSRIs such as Celexa during the third trimester have had serious complications. Celexa is secreted in human milk, which can lead to potential risk to nursing infants. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Celexa.
Celexa should be used cautiously in geriatric patients and patients who have severe liver or kidney disease. If you suffer from liver or kidney problems, tell your doctor before taking Celexa. Depending on your age and your condition's severity, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
The safety and effectiveness of Celexa for use in pediatric patients have not been established.
Only your healthcare provider can tell you for sure if you should or not take Celexa. Inform your healthcare provider, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you are taking, prescription or over-the-counter, and about any medical conditions you have or have had, including allergies.
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:: What is depression?
This question requires its own frequently asked questions page.
Please see our extensive Depression and Anxiety FAQ page for information describing each of the following conditions, its causes, symptoms and treatment options:
- Depression .
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) .
- Anxiety disorders:
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) ,
panic disorder ,
social anxiety disorder ,
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) , and
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) .
- Eating disorder: bulimia nervosa .
There, you will also find clear summary tables listing:
- The different classes of commonly prescribed antidepressant and anti-
anxiety medications
- The various conditions each of the medications is used for
- A comparison of their advantages and disadvantages
- A list of simple things you can do to help improve the symptoms of your
depression and anxiety
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:: How does Celexa work?
Depression and other psychiatric disorders are believed to be caused by an imbalance of the brain’s neurotransmitters, the chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate. Serotonin is one such neurotransmitter.
Celexa is an inhibitor of the reuptake of serotonin, leading to increased levels of serotonin in the brain. Although it isn't known exactly how Celexa works to help patients with psychiatric disorders, it is believed that its effects are a result of its action on serotonin.
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:: How well does Celexa work?
Two clinical studies have shown that Celexa is an effective treatment for major depressive disorder. In these studies, patients receiving Celexa showed significant improvement of the Depressive Rating Scales used to measure depression symptoms compared to sugar pill.
Three additional studies did not show a significant difference between Celexa and sugar pill in treating depression, which may have been the result of too small a study group or too low a dose of Celexa.
Another study showed that patients who had responded to 6 to 8 weeks of Celexa therapy who continued taking Celexa had significantly lower depression relapse rates over 6 months compared to those receiving sugar pill.
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:: How safe is Celexa?
Celexa (citalopram) has been used as an antidepressant since 1998. Its safety and efficacy profile has been maintained by real-world experience as well as clinical trials.
Celexa has been approved by the FDA to successfully and safely treat major depressive disorder. However, Celexa may not be right for everyone. Make sure to read about Who should not take Celexa? .
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:: What is the difference between Celexa and its successor Lexapro?
Lexapro (escitalopram) is a different chemical form of Celexa (citalopram) called an isomer. Lexapro is more selective at targeting serotonin than Celexa, which makes it more potent and better tolerated.
In a study of patients with depression, 47% of those patients who did not respond to Celexa treatment, did respond to treatment with Lexapro. That said, each person responds differently to a medication. If you have been taking Celexa and it is working for you, there is no reason to switch to Lexapro.
Both Celexa and Lexapro are approved for the treatment of major depression ,
but Lexapro is also approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
To learn more about Lexapro, see our Lexapro drug information page .
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:: What is the difference between Celexa and other
antidepressants?
Studies comparing the effectiveness of various antidepressants such as Celexa have shown that, when properly dosed, they are equally effective in treating depression and other disorders. Therefore medications like Celexa should be chosen based on different side effects profiles and different drug or disease interactions.
See What are the advantages and disadvantages of commonly prescribed antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications? for a table comparing the different drugs and their classes,
in our Depression and Anxiety FAQ .
Celexa and other SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) share similar side effect and drug interaction profiles, but differ in the type of conditions they are approved to treat.
See What conditions do various antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications treat? in our Depression and Anxiety FAQs
It's important to keep in mind that not everyone responds the same to individual drugs. A different drug in the same or different class may work for you when the first did not. It may take more than one try to find the right medication for you.
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:: What does Celexa look like?
Celexa (escitalopram oxalate) manufactured by Forest Pharmaceuticals is available as 10mg, 20mg, and 40 mg tablets.
Celexa 10mg tablets are oval, beige, film-coated, with the imprint F P on one side and 10 MG on the other side.
Celexa 20mg tablets are oval, pink, scored and film-coated, with the imprint F P on the scored side, and 20 MG on the other side.
Celexa 40mg tablets are oval, white, scored and film-coated, with the imprint F P on the scored side, and 40 MG on the other side.
Celexa is also available as a 10mg/5mL solution. Generic formulations of Celexa 10mg, 20mg and 40mg are available as well from various manufacturers.
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:: How do I take Celexa?
Celexa comes in 10mg, 20mg and 40mg tablets.
Celexa can be taken with or without food. Celexa should be taken once daily either in the morning or the evening. Take your tablet at the same time everyday so it is easier to remember.
You should take Celexa as directed by your doctor. Do not take more medication than prescribed.
Major Depressive Disorder
- Usual Adult Dose:
Oral dosage form (Tablets) – Initial dose is 20mg once daily, which may be increased to 40mg once daily at least one week later. The usual maximum daily dose recommended is 40mg, but occasionally doses up to 60mg once daily may be prescribed.
- Adults over age 60 and Patients with liver or kidney disease:
Consult your physician. A reduced dose of Celexa may be necessary.
* It usually takes several weeks for Celexa to start working. Some symptoms may improve during the first couple weeks, but the medication's full effects may not be felt until 4 or more weeks. Once you feel better, keep taking Celexa as directed by your doctor. Do not change your dose or stop taking it without consulting your doctor.
Your doctor may have a plan that varies from above, always follow your doctor’s recommendations.
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:: What should I do if I miss a dose of Celexa?
If you miss a dose of Celexa, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT double the dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not take more tablets than your doctor prescribed.
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:: How long should I continue to use Celexa?
The initial treatment of major depression is 6 to 8 weeks to reduce and eliminate symptoms. After the initial treatment, medical guidelines recommend that you continue antidepressant therapy for 4 to 9 months. This is important because continuing Celexa can lower your risk of relapse (getting depressed again).
Therapy beyond this period may be recommended if you have a history of multiple recurrent depressive episodes. Your doctor will let you know how long you should continue your Celexa therapy; make sure to follow your doctor's instructions.
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:: Why do I have to stop taking Celexa gradually?
Celexa and other SSRIs and SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) have been reported to cause side effects when stopped suddenly. Some of these side effects can include sad mood, irritability, sensory disturbances (electric shock sensations), agitation, dizziness, anxiety, confusion, headache and insomnia. When they occur, these effects usually go away on their own, but your doctor may recommend a gradual lowering of your Celexa dose to reduce the chance of experiencing these side effects.
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:: How should I store Celexa?
Keep Celexa and all medications out of children's reach.
Store Celexa at room temperature in a tight container. Store away from moisture, heat and direct light. Do not keep medicine past the expiration date, dispose of properly.
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:: What are the possible side effects of Celexa?
The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, tremor, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, sweating and sexual side effects. These side effects are usually mild and will often go away after a few weeks. If you have nausea, take Celexa with food.
Stop taking Celexa and contact your doctor immediately if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as a rash or hives.
There is a rare chance that people taking Celexa will have a seizure. If you experience a seizure while taking Celexa, stop taking the tablets and contact your doctor immediately.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that seem unusual or that are especially bothersome.
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:: Will I gain weight while taking Celexa?
Celexa does not usually cause weight gain, but it can cause weight loss. Some people may have significant weight loss, but the average weight loss for patients in studies was only approximately 1 pound.
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:: Will Celexa affect my sex drive?
Changes in sexual desire, sexual performance, and sexual satisfaction are commonly experienced when a depressive episode occurs. SSRIs like Celexa may also lead to sexual side effects.
It's difficult to estimate how frequently these side effects occur because patients and physicians don't always discuss them. In clinical trials, a low percentage of patients taking Celexa have reported sexual side effects such as delayed ejaculation, impotence and decreased libido in men, and decreased libido and anorgasmia in women.
If you have questions about sexual dysfunction, speak with your healthcare professional.
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:: What other precautions should I take when taking Celexa?
In addition to the above possible side effects of Celexa, please be aware of the following as they apply to you.
Driving and Hazardous Work:
Although Celexa has not been shown in studies to impair your thinking or affect your coordination, other similar medications have been known to cause these effects. Use caution before driving a car or engaging in hazardous work until you know how Celexa affects you.
Consumption of Alcohol:
It is recommended that you avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking Celexa.
Medication Interactions:
Before taking Celexa, inform your doctor about all the medicines you use and do not start taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications without asking your doctor first. See What are the possible drug interactions of Celexa?
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding:
Celexa should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Babies born to mothers taking SSRIs such as Celexa during the third trimester have had serious complications. Celexa is secreted in human milk, which can lead to potential risk to nursing infants. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Celexa.
Sensitivity to Sunlight:
SSRIs like Celexa may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Use sunscreen and avoid extended exposure to sunlight until you know how Celexa affects you.
Liver and Kidney Disease:
The side effects may be more likely due to potential for higher blood levels of Celexa. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
Mood Changes:
You and your family should watch out for sudden or severe changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, severely restless, hyperactive, overly excited, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, not being able to sleep, worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. These symptoms should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Do NOT share your Celexa prescription with others; this can be a very dangerous practice.
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:: What are the possible drug interactions of Celexa?
Inform your doctor, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you use, (prescription and nonprescription). Certain medicines should never be used together. Some medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may change the dose, monitor the effects or take other precautions.
When you are taking Celexa, it is especially important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors: Furoxone (furazolidone), Nardil (phenelzine), Eldepryl (selegiline), Marplan (isocarboxazid), Matulane (procarbazine), Parnate (tranylcypromine)- there should be at least 14 days between stopping a MAO inhibitor and starting Celexa and at least 14 days between stopping Celexa and starting a MAOI.
- Orap (pimozide) and Celexa should not be used at the same time.
- Tricyclic antidepressants such Elavil (amitriptyline), Anafranil (clomipramine), Asendin (amoxapine), Sinequan (doxepin), Aventyl/Pamelor (nortriptyline), Surmontil (trimipramine), Norpramin (desipramine), Tofranil (imipramine) and Vivactil (protriptyline) - Celexa may increase these medications’ potency.
- Tagamet (cimetidine) - may increase Celexa’s potency.
- Tegretol (carbamazipine) - may decrease Celexa’s potency.
- Lithium, Zyvox (linezolid), Ultram/Ultracet (tramadol), Meridia (sibutramine), Reglan (metoclopramide), St John’s Wort - adverse reaction may occur.
- Tryptophan and Triptans such as Imitrex (sumatriptan), Relapax (eletriptan), Frova (frovatriptan), Zomig (zolmitriptan), Amerge (naratriptan), Maxalt (rizatriptan) or Axert (almotriptan)- adverse reaction may occur.
- Other SSRIs such as: Lexapro (escitalopram), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine) - adverse reaction may occur.
- Coumadin (warfarin) - coagulation changes may occur.
- Aspirin and NSAIDs such as Motrin/Advil (ibuprophen), Aleve (naproxen), and others - increased risk of stomach bleeding.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Celexa.
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:: Can I drink alcohol while taking Celexa?
It is recommended that you avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking Celexa. Studies have shown that Celexa does not increase the effects of alcohol, but taking Celexa with alcohol is not advised.
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:: Can I become dependent on Celexa?
While Celexa has not been specifically studied for its potential for dependence, extensive studies of Celexa’s safety and effectiveness have not shown that it is addictive or habit-forming.
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:: What are the symptoms of a possible overdose of Celexa?
Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting, extreme sleepiness, dizziness, tremor, sweating and fast heartbeat.
If overdose is suspected, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS) 911, or the poison control center immediately.
National Poison Control Center Telephone Number: 800-222-1222
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:: Is Celexa available over the counter?
No. Celexa is currently available by prescription only.
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:: How can I get an Celexa prescription online?
Go to our Celexa price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Celexa prices, no prior prescription required.
Our featured US-based online pharmacies work with US-licensed doctors and pharmacists to provide you with your prescriptions through an online consultation.
If this is your first time ordering Celexa online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: How much does Celexa cost?
Some companies charge less per pill but charge you separately for their consultation and pharmacy dispensing fees. Others include these fees into their final pricing.
RxPriceCheck's featured pharmacies give you a free online medical consultation with your order. Be sure to compare Celexa prices before buying.
Usually, the more tablets you buy, the cheaper the price per tablet.
See our Celexa price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Celexa prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: What is generic Celexa and is it available?
The generic name for Celexa is citalopram hydrobromide. Generic Celexa recently became available for sale in the US.
We currently feature brand Celexa. See our Celexa price comparison page , where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Celexa prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: Is it safe to order Celexa or other drugs from non-US
pharmacies?
Purchasing Celexa from non-US pharmacies can be potentially dangerous. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recommend ordering medications online from pharmacies located outside the US, because it cannot guarantee the origin, quality or safety of the medication, or regulate the manufacturers. Therefore, it may be filled with other ingredients that may harm you, or it may be fake, sold as Celexa, but not contain the active ingredient citalopram hydrobromide.
RxPriceCheck.com only affiliates with online US pharmacies that work with US licensed physicians and pharmacists, and sell brand Celexa approved by the FDA and manufactured by Forest Pharmaceuticals. You can therefore choose from our list of online pharmacies with confidence.
See our Celexa price comparison page to choose among online US pharmacies with the lowest Celexa prices, no prior prescription required.
Also see our extensive Guide to Depression and Anxiety to learn more about mood disorders, and to see our comparison of Celexa to other antidepressants.
If this is your first time ordering Celexa online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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* The information contained in RxPriceCheck.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider regarding your medical condition. All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View our terms of use .
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