- Mental Health
- Depression
Celexa
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.*
Book an appointment
Effective depression relief
Tailored treatment for major depressive disorder
Manage depression with certified online professionals
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. Not all mental health management may be best managed by telehealth or by primary care physicians. If so, our doctors will help guide patients to psychiatrists and/or in-person care through providing referrals and resources.
About Celexa Prescription Antidepressant
Celexa is considered part of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) drug class, which functions by reducing the reuptake of serotonin, a type of neurotransmitter that is naturally present in the brain. Like any of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on the market, this medication can only be used as a long-term treatment option. It is ineffective against acute anxiety attacks because it will not work immediately.
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
There is a single FDA-approved use for Celexa, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your health care provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.
Celexa to manage depression
Celexa is used to treat depression in many patients. It may be used alone or with other drugs to assist with certain types of depression. This includes major depressive disorder (MDD). The medication works to increase serotonin levels in the brain. It does this by reducing the amount of serotonin that is absorbed, which allows more of the neurotransmitters to be available in the brain and may help improve mood.
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:
Dizziness
Drowsiness
A loss of appetite
Constipation or diarrhea
Nausea
A weak feeling
Insomnia
An increase in muscle stiffness or movement
Nosebleeds
Stuffy or runny nose
Sore throat
Yawning
Dry mouth
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: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.
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.
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)
Your doctor will provide you with instructions on how to take your Celexa prescription.
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:
St. John's Wort
Tramadol
Blood thinners
Cimetidine
Lithium
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.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
Celexa antidepressant prescription FAQs
How much does Celexa antidepressant cost?
Generic Celexa, called citalopram, is widely prescribed as a very affordable option, with or without insurance.
What should I know before taking Celexa medication?
Sometimes, your healthcare provider may suggest eating something before you take Celexa. It is important to ensure you take the drug exactly as prescribed to ensure symptoms of your mental illness improve.
What should I avoid on Celexa?
Do not take other antidepressant drugs with Celexa. You should also avoid using the medication under certain medical conditions. Start your medication with a low dose, then have your healthcare provider adjust the dose gradually.
What should I monitor with Celexa?
When you start any medication, it’s important to check in with how you’re feeling, day to day and week to week. Celexa and other SSRI medicines should enter your system and, if they work for you, start to improve things gradually. Additionally, ensure you understand what symptoms that may occur with allergic reactions, serotonin syndrome, which are rare risks associated with these antidepressant drugs as well as other medications.
How long does it take for Celexa to take effect?
Celexa does not have an immediate effect. If you are on Celexa treatment, it usually takes four to six weeks to experience full results. Not every mental health medicine works well for every patient, so it’s important to check in with yourself often during the first month to reflect on how you’re feeling.
How can I refill my Celexa prescription?
Your doctor will instruct you on routine intervals for follow-up visits, usually every one to three months, and provide medication to your pharmacy based on those intervals.
Who should not take Celexa?
People with a high risk of bleeding should be careful about taking Celexa. You should also not take this medication if you use antiplatelet or certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
What happens if I miss a dose of Celexa?
You should not take more of Celexa on your next dose if you have a missed dose. Consider how much time is left for your next dose, then decide whether it is a good idea to take the missed dose.
What happens if I take too much Celexa?
Too much of the drug can lead to a higher risk of developing serotonin syndrome. You may also experience other side effects and withdrawal symptoms once you reduce the dose.
3 simple steps to request your Celexa (citalopram) prescription online
Step 1
Book a Celexa prescription request appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Celexa prescription.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your Celexa prescription, if provided by your doctor.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Celexa prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Celexa prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Celexa prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information
"Celexa: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings." Drugs.com, Accessed October 12, 2023, www.drugs.com/celexa.html
"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
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.