What Is Celexa Used for? (Plus, 4 More Celexa FAQs)

There are many antidepressants available on the market. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are some of the most well-known. These antidepressants can help treat health conditions beyond depression.

Celexa (citalopram) is one of the most commonly prescribed SSRIs. It’s normal to have questions about a medication, especially if you’re just starting it. If that’s you, then you’ve come to the right place. From what Celexa is used for to when to expect benefits, you’ll find answers to five commonly asked questions here.

1. What is Celexa used for?

Celexa is used for depression and other mental health conditions. It’s FDA-approved only to treat major depressive disorder (“depression”) in adults. But it’s commonly prescribed off-label for other mental health conditions, too.

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A healthcare provider may prescribe Celexa for off-label treatment of the following conditions:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (“anxiety”)

• Panic disorder

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Binge eating disorder

But this isn’t a complete list. SSRIs are used for a wide range of conditions, including general health conditions such as chronic pain and menopausal hot flashes. Discuss whether Celexa is an appropriate treatment option for your symptoms with your healthcare provider.

2. How does Celexa work for depression?

Celexa is an SSRI antidepressant. Celexa and other SSRIs work by raising the amount of serotonin in your brain.

Serotonin is a chemical that your body makes naturally. Among other functions, it plays an important role in regulating our moods and emotions. Studies have shown that people with depression have lower levels of serotonin. Medications that boost serotonin levels, such as Celexa, seem to relieve symptoms of depression.

But scientists now think SSRIs may have a more complex effect in the brain. A 2022 review — which included 17 separate studies — found little evidence of a link between depression and serotonin levels.

One theory is that SSRIs help with depression by raising levels of a brain protein called BDNF — or brain-derived neurotrophic factor. BDNF makes the brain more adaptable by helping brain cells communicate better.

3. How long does it take Celexa to work?

Although Celexa goes to work after your first dose, it takes time to feel its effects. How soon you notice a benefit will depend on what you’re taking it for.

For depression, it may take about 4 to 8 weeks to get the full benefits from Celexa. But some people may notice that symptoms begin improving after 1 to 2 weeks. If you’re taking Celexa for anxiety, you can expect a similar pattern — it may take up to 6 weeks to feel a benefit.

During the first 2 weeks after starting Celexa, some people feel mild side effects, such as nausea, sleep changes, or anxiety. Shifting serotonin levels are usually the cause. The good news is that these initial side effects generally fade as you adjust to the medication.

After 4 weeks, if you don’t notice any improvement in your condition — or you’re bothered by Celexa side effects — talk to your healthcare provider. They might recommend giving Celexa more time to work. Or they may suggest changes to your current medication regimen.

4. Does Celexa cause weight gain?

Some studies show that weight gain with Celexa and other SSRIs is possible, but results on this are mixed. It’s unclear if medications are the only cause for weight changes. A person’s lifestyle and other health conditions may also play a role. Weight gain also is a common symptom of depression.

When looking at all SSRIs, Celexa appears to have a low risk of side effects, including weight gain. This side effect tends to happen slowly over time. People who smoke, eat processed foods, or get less physical activity may have a greater risk for weight gain with Celexa.

One study found that people taking SSRIs gained up to 1 pound more than people who didn’t take antidepressants over a 12-month period. This same study estimated that over a 5-year period, people taking an antidepressant would be nearly 10% more likely to gain more than 5% of their body weight. In general, weight gain is more of a concern when taking an SSRI for more than one year.

Keep in mind that not everyone gains weight while taking antidepressants. If you’re concerned about weight changes, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you incorporate healthy eating and exercise into your daily routine.

5. Is Celexa safe to take?

Yes, Celexa has a long track record of being safe and effective. It was FDA-approved over 20 years ago and remains a commonly prescribed medication. Be sure that your healthcare provider and pharmacist have a list of all your medications so that they can screen for interactions. It’s also a good idea to discuss with your provider before drinking alcohol while taking Celexa.

Although rare, it’s important to know that Celexa has a boxed warning (the FDA’s strictest medication warning) for suicidal thoughts. The risk is higher for young adults under 24 years old. Regardless of your age, it’s important to tell your provider if you notice any sudden, unexpected changes in your mood or behavior while you’re taking Celexa.

Other rare but serious side effects include a higher risk for bleeding and heart rhythm problems. It’s important to take Celexa as prescribed and tell your provider about your other health conditions.

These aren’t the only possible Celexa side effects. Be sure to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider. They can help you decide if the benefits of taking Celexa outweigh the risks for you. Don’t stop taking Celexa without talking with your provider first. They can instruct you how to safely taper off your medication.

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 available as a brand-name medication. But you can also find it as a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the average retail price of the generic version of Celexa. Generic citalopram’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $5.66 with a free GoodRx discount.

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Written by:

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh, has 10 years of experience as a pharmacist. She has worked in a variety of settings, including retail, hospital, and ambulatory care.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Daphne Berryhill, RPh

Daphne Berryhill, RPh, has two decades of experience as a clinical pharmacist. She spent most of her career in the Chicago area practicing in-home infusion.

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