Key takeaways:
Celexa (citalopram) is a first-choice medication for depression. It belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Celexa works by raising serotonin levels in the brain. It also has other effects that may help depression symptoms. For depression, Celexa may start working within 1 to 4 weeks. But it can take 8 weeks or longer to reach its full effect.
Celexa is an effective treatment for depression, but it doesn’t work for everyone. And it may work better if you combine it with psychotherapy. How long you’ll take Celexa for depression depends on your personal health needs. Your provider will work with you to decide what’s best for you.
Celexa is a brand-name medication. But it’s also available as a lower-cost generic (citalopram). GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the average retail price at certain pharmacies.
Celexa (citalopram) is an antidepressant medication. And it’s a first-choice option for treating depression. But how does Celexa work? And what can you expect while you’re taking it? Let’s take a closer look at how Celexa works for depression.
How does Celexa work for depression?
Celexa belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by raising serotonin levels in your brain. Serotonin is a chemical messenger made by your body that helps regulate mood.
Normally, after serotonin helps send a message in the brain, it’s reabsorbed back into the nerve it came from. SSRIs like Celexa stop serotonin from being reabsorbed. So they keep more serotonin active in the brain.
For more than 50 years, depression has been linked with low serotonin levels in the brain. And Celexa and other medications that raise serotonin levels have had success treating it. But a recent review of 17 different studies found that there’s not a lot of evidence to support the idea that low serotonin levels and depression are connected.
It’s possible that Celexa and other SSRIs have other effects on the brain that help improve depression symptoms. One of these is their effect on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF helps regulate brain signaling. And low levels have been linked with mood disorders. Celexa raises BDNF levels, which may play a role in how it helps treat depression.
Another possibility is that SSRIs such as Celexa also raise the levels of another chemical messenger — cyclic AMP (cAMP). Higher cAMP levels are also linked to antidepressant effects.
Does Celexa treat any other health conditions?
Celexa is only FDA-approved to treat depression. But it’s often prescribed off-label to treat other conditions, too. These include:
Your healthcare provider may also prescribe Celexa for other health conditions. So don’t hesitate to talk to them if you’re wondering if Celexa is an option for your symptoms.
How effective is Celexa for depression?
Celexa and other SSRIs are considered first-choice options for treating depression. This is because they’re effective and most people tolerate them better than other types of antidepressants.
In clinical studies, about 50% of people taking Celexa had a significant improvement in their depression symptoms. Celexa is similar to other antidepressants when it comes to how well it works. Combining Celexa with psychotherapy or other medications may help increase its effectiveness. Your healthcare provider can help you find a treatment plan that works best for your needs.
Keep in mind that everyone’s brain chemistry is different. It may take some trial and error to find a medication that works for you. And remember that Celexa, like most antidepressants, doesn’t work right away — more on that next.
How long does it take for Celexa to work?
Celexa can take 1 to 4 weeks to start working. And it may take 8 weeks or more to reach its full effect. So it isn’t a quick-fix option for most people.
If you've been taking Celexa for a few weeks and haven't noticed any improvements, don't lose hope. It may just take more time for you to respond to the medication. Or you may need a higher dose of Celexa. But if you've been taking Celexa for more than 8 weeks and haven't noticed enough of a change, your healthcare provider may decide it’s time to try a different treatment option.
How long do you need to take Celexa for depression?
How long you’ll take Celexa varies from person to person. For depression, it’s common to take medication for about 6 to 12 months after your symptoms improve.
There’s some evidence that longer treatment may have better results. A clinical study of almost 90,000 people found that stopping antidepressants less than 10 months after starting them was associated with a higher risk of relapse (a return or worsening of symptoms).
Some people take antidepressants long term. Others take them for a short period of time. Your healthcare provider will work with you to decide what makes sense for your specific needs.
Keep in mind: You shouldn’t stop taking Celexa on your own. Suddenly stopping it can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and nausea or vomiting. If you want to stop taking Celexa, talk to your provider. They can give you a plan for tapering off of it safely. You shouldn’t stop taking it on your own.
What are the potential side effects of Celexa?
Celexa is generally well tolerated by most people. Most Celexa side effects are mild, and they usually go away over time as your body gets used to the medication. These include nausea, dry mouth, or sleep changes.
Celexa doesn’t seem to cause significant weight changes in people who take it. SSRIs in general have a lower risk of weight gain than other antidepressants. And among SSRIs, Celexa is considered to have very low risk for this side effect.
If your side effects don’t go away or become bothersome, speak to your healthcare provider. They may want to adjust your dosage to minimize these effects.
While most people do well on Celexa, there are some serious side effects that, although rare, are important to be aware of. These include:
Serotonin syndrome: High levels of serotonin can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include sweating, shivering, and tremor. You also may experience a fast heartbeat or feel anxious. This is more likely if Celexa is combined with other medications that raise serotonin levels.
Suicidal thoughts: Celexa may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in people younger than 25 years old. Be on the lookout for changes in mood or behavior, and let your provider know if they appear.
Bleeding risk: Celexa can increase your risk of bleeding. This risk is greater if you take Celexa with other blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
If you think you may be experiencing a serious Celexa side effect, call your healthcare provider or seek medical attention immediately.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, you’re not alone, and help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
How to save on Celexa
Celexa is a brand-name medication, but it’s also available as a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the average retail price of the generic version. Generic citalopram’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $ with a free GoodRx discount.
The bottom line
Celexa (citalopram) is a popular first-choice medication for depression. It works by raising the levels of several chemical messengers in your brain, including serotonin. Your symptoms may begin to improve after the first week of taking Celexa. But it can take 8 weeks or longer to get the full benefit of the medication.
In most cases, you’ll take Celexa for 6 to 12 months after your symptoms improve. Longer treatment may have better results. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if and when to stop taking Celexa.
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