Celexa (Citalopram) prescription available online
If you are living with depression, Celexa can help. Get a same-day prescription or refill of Celexa from a caring, board-certified primary care doctor online.*
About Celexa Prescription Antidepressant
Some conditions that Celexa is known to treat include major depressive disorder. Celexa is an antidepressant that is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation as well as under different brand names, including citalopram.
Celexa may be prescribed as a capsule. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage that you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed Celexa, be sure to continue to take it daily unless you discuss stopping the medication with your doctor or they specifically tell you to stop.
Celexa is a prescription medicine that’s FDA approved to treat major depressive disorder, which means someone has been experiencing signs or symptoms of depression for at least two weeks. Celexa may also be used off-label for many other conditions, including obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among others. Off-label means that it’s safe and can be effective, but hasn’t been formally studied by the FDA.
Celexa uses
Celexa to manage depression
As with other SSRI medications, you’ll start at a low dose and check in frequently with your doctor to see if it should be increased. This allows the best chance of the medicine to not cause side effects. Generally, SSRI medications take about 4-6 weeks to fully work at any given dose, but many patients notice improvement starting within a few weeks.
Celexa side effects
The side effects associated with taking Celexa are typically mild or moderate for most patients. Celexa has some common side effects. They may include:
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Dizziness
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Drowsiness
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A loss of appetite
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Constipation or diarrhea
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Nausea
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A weak feeling
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Insomnia
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An increase in muscle stiffness or movement
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Nosebleeds
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Stuffy or runny nose
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Sore throat
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Yawning
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Dry mouth
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Increase the risk of excessive sweating
There are also cases where the medication causes sexual function problems in the patient. In female patients, the medication may also lead to bleeding problems, such as heavy menstrual bleeding.
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
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Serotonin syndrome: Patients who take Celexa to treat depression should ensure they know the symptoms of serotonin syndrome. When symptoms of serotonin syndrome occur, tell your doctor immediately. This can lead to new or worsening symptoms of depression. The complication happens when there is too much serotonin in your brain. It can cause hallucinations, a fast heart rate, twitching, muscle stiffness, nausea, severe dizziness, and several other symptoms. It’s very rare, and usually is caused by combining Celexa with other medications that increase serotonin levels. Be sure to talk with your doctor about all the other medicines you’re taking when starting Celexa.
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Mania: Whether treating depression, bipolar disorder, or another mental illness, some patients experience a manic episode as a complication. This can cause racing thoughts, a reduction in the need to sleep, and a boost in energy. It also increases risk-taking behaviors and can lead to serious complications.
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Nervous system reaction: There have been cases where patients experienced nervous system reactions while taking serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Patients also need to ensure they take the medication as advised. Withdrawal symptoms can occur if they suddenly stop using the drug. It is important to tell your doctor about a personal or family history of serotonin syndrome or other similar conditions too. Take note that allergic reactions have been detected in patients who use Celexa to help increase the natural serotonin substance during depression treatment.
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. Celexa treatment is generally only used to treat depression in adult patients and is not advised for children. In pediatric patients, there may be a greater risk for serotonin syndrome or worsening symptoms of depression and, rarely, causing suicidal thinking.
How to take Celexa (citalopram)
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Celexa can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. It is typically prescribed only once a day. Some specific instructions may include the ideal timing and starting with a low dose. The dose and instructions will depend on the condition. For example, a person with a major depressive disorder may receive a different dose compared to one with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What to avoid while taking Celexa
Celexa has potential drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
Drug interactions that can occur with Celexa can sometimes increase the risk of bleeding problems, alter the concentration of either drug, or possibly even raise the chances of developing serotonin syndrome. Some potential drug interactions can occur with the following medicine:
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St. John's Wort
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Tramadol
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Blood thinners
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Cimetidine
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Lithium
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Tryptophan
It is important to tell your doctor about any other drugs you use when taking Celexa. Other drugs may also cause specific drug interactions. Your doctor can help to prevent problems like persistent pulmonary hypertension, worsening symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD), and other issues by analyzing the other drugs that you take.
Medication alternatives to Celexa
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or an antidepressant in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Unresolved major depressive disorder (MDD)
In some cases, using an SSRI, like Celexa, does not seem to provide the patient with significant improvements in their symptoms - even after a couple of weeks. In this case, tell your doctor. They can look at making dose adjustments, but you cannot exceed the maximum dose. There are also cases where other drugs may provide you with more benefits in this case. This can help to reduce the risk of worsening depression, for example.
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Tricyclic antidepressants
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Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
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Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
Celexa antidepressant prescription FAQs
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3 simple steps to request your Celexa (citalopram) prescription online
Book a Celexa prescription request appointment.
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Celexa prescription.
Pick up your Celexa prescription, if provided by your doctor.
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Celexa prescription resources
Antidepressant prescription online
Read moreSources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
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"Celexa: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings." Drugs.com, Accessed October 12, 2023, www.drugs.com/celexa.html
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"Celexa Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing." WebMD, Accessed October 12, 2023, https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-8603/celexa-oral/details
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