Key takeaways:
Celexa (citalopram) is a medication that’s commonly prescribed for depression. It’s generally well tolerated, but it has some side effects to be aware of.
Common side effects of Celexa include nausea, dry mouth, and sleep changes. Sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, are also possible.
Serious side effects of Celexa include suicidal thoughts, serotonin syndrome, and abnormal heart rhythms. Contact your prescriber if you believe you’re experiencing a serious side effect of the medication.
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Celexa (citalopram) is a commonly prescribed antidepressant. It belongs to a medication class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). And it works by raising serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical messenger believed to play a role in mood, energy, and sleep, among other functions.
Celexa is well tolerated by many people. However, it still has potential side effects.
Celexa side effects at a glance
Most side effects of Celexa are mild and manageable with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter (OTC) medications. And many improve or resolve after your body adjusts to the medication. While rare, more serious side effects are possible.
Common or mild side effects of Celexa include:
Nausea
Dry mouth
Drowsiness
Trouble sleeping
Increased sweating
Tremor
Diarrhea
Sexual problems
Indigestion
Weight changes
Fatigue
Cold-like symptoms
Vomiting
Nervousness
Loss of appetite
Menstrual cramps
Agitation
Muscle or joint pain
Withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop Celexa or lower your dose too quickly
Rare but serious side effects of Celexa include:
Serotonin syndrome
Higher risk of bleeding
Low sodium levels
Seizures
Manic (high energy) episodes for people with untreated bipolar disorder
Worsening of certain types of glaucoma
Celexa also has a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This is the FDA’s strictest warning for medications. While rare, this side effect can be life-threatening. Tell your prescriber if you experience worsening depression. Seek immediate help if you have thoughts of hurting yourself.
Below is more information on 10 side effects of Celexa you should know about and how to manage them.
1. Nausea
Nausea is a common side effect of Celexa. Besides having potential mood-boosting benefits, serotonin is also involved in digestion. So raised levels can sometimes trigger nausea and other gut-related side effects.
Nausea should gradually get better as your body gets used to Celexa. But in the meantime, try these tips to help lessen the severity this side effect:
Take the medication with food.
Stay hydrated.
Avoid greasy, spicy, and high-fiber foods.
Limit or avoid alcohol.
Eat smaller meals several times a day, instead of larger meals two or three times a day.
Ask your prescriber or pharmacist about over-the-counter (OTC) nausea medications, if needed.
If your nausea isn’t better after a few weeks of taking Celexa, it’s time to talk to a healthcare professional.
What to avoid: Read about Celexa (citalopram) interactions that can worsen certain side effects.
Is there a best time to take Celexa? Pharmacists discuss this and other tips for taking Celexa.
Get the facts: Physicians discuss key facts about depression and antidepressants.
2. Dry mouth
Dry mouth is about as common as nausea for people taking Celexa. SSRIs can lower the amount of saliva you make, which can cause your mouth to feel dry. In addition to being frustrating, over a long period of time, uncontrolled dry mouth can lead to dental problems.
There are many ways you can help manage your dry mouth at home:
Sip on water and other cool liquids throughout the day.
Chew or suck on ice chips.
Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candy.
Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.
Try an alcohol-free mouthwash.
Try saliva substitutes, such as Biotene.
If these strategies don’t help relieve your dry mouth, let your healthcare team know. They may have other suggestions that can help.
3. Sleep changes
Celexa can cause changes to your sleep. This may include causing you to have trouble falling asleep or to feel extra sleepy. Keep in mind that sleep changes are also common symptoms of depression. So these sleep-related issues may not be solely caused by Celexa.
Most people take Celexa once a day. Changing the time you take your dose — with your healthcare team’s OK — can help manage the effects of sleep changes related to the medication. If Celexa makes you drowsy, take your dose in the evening. If it keeps you up at night, try taking it first thing in the morning. Optimizing your sleep routine and eating nutrient-filled foods are also good tips for managing this side effect.
4. Sweating
Celexa can also cause you to sweat more than usual. Your body uses serotonin to help regulate your temperature. Higher levels of serotonin can sometimes lead to a slightly higher body temperature — and more sweating to help regulate it. This could be problematic during hotter weather, in warmer climates, and while exercising.
Stay hydrated and wear clothes made from moisture-wicking fabrics if you experience unusual sweating while taking Celexa. For some people, taking a lower dose or switching to another antidepressant may be an option to help relieve this side effect. But there are also prescription medications that help reduce sweating. Talk with your healthcare team to see what options might be right for you.
Good to know: Sweating can also be a symptom of serotonin syndrome, a potentially serious side effect of Celexa. If you experience sweating along with fever, tremors, or a fast heartbeat, seek medical care.
5. Tremors
Tremors are another common side effect of Celexa. This often shows up as shaky hands. Like the side effects listed above, higher serotonin levels are likely a driving force behind these tremors.
If you’re having tremors related to Celexa, they might improve as your body adjusts to the medication. If not, talk with your prescriber about alternative options. Tremors typically go away once you stop taking Celexa. And you may tolerate a different SSRI or other antidepressant better.
Good to know: Similar to sweating, tremors can also be a symptom of serotonin syndrome. So you should seek medical attention if you experience fever, muscle spasms, or a rapid heart rate in addition to tremors.
6. Sexual problems
As discussed, Celexa helps boost serotonin activity. This can affect levels of hormones, such as testosterone, in the body and cause sexual side effects for some people.
With antidepressants such as Celexa, commonly reported sexual problems include:
Delayed ejaculation
Absent or delayed orgasm
Lower sexual desire (libido)
These sexual side effects might get better on their own over time. But it’s possible you may experience them the entire time you’re taking Celexa.
In some cases, a lower dose of Celexa may resolve or improve these side effects. Switching to a different antidepressant may also help some people. Bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL) and mirtazapine (Remeron), for example, have a lower risk of sexual side effects. So talk to your prescriber about your options.
7. Weight changes
Weight gain is a common concern people have when they first start taking antidepressants. Although weight gain is possible, Celexa has a low risk of this side effect. And when it happens, the degree of weight gain is usually minor. During clinical trials, very small amounts of weight loss were also noted with citalopram.
Everyone’s experience with weight changes related to SSRIs is unique. Eating a nutritious diet and including regular exercise in your routine are steps you can take to help prevent or manage weight changes. But let your healthcare team know if you’re experiencing weight changes you’re uncomfortable with.
8. Suicidal thoughts
All antidepressants, including Celexa, carry a risk of suicidal thoughts, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. Children and young adults under age 25 are more likely to experience this serious side effect. If you or a loved one taking Celexa is experiencing unusual mood or behavioral changes, seek medical help right away.
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.
9. Serotonin syndrome
As discussed, Celexa works by increasing serotonin levels. But too much serotonin in the body can lead to serotonin syndrome. This is a rare but potentially life-threatening side effect.
Mild symptoms of serotonin syndrome include sweating, tremors, and a fast heart rate. More severe symptoms include a high fever and uncontrollable arm or leg movements. If you believe you might be experiencing serotonin syndrome, contact your prescriber. Serious cases may require treatment in a hospital setting.
It’s rare for Celexa to cause serotonin syndrome on its own. Taking Celexa with other serotonin-raising medications increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Ask your pharmacist and prescriber to review your medication list to help identify and manage this potential interaction.
10. Higher risk of bleeding
Celexa can raise your risk of bleeding. Serotonin plays a role in blood clot formation. Higher serotonin levels can interfere with your body’s natural ability to form blood clots. However, it’s rare that citalopram causes serious bleeding on its own.
There’s a higher risk of this side effect if you take other medications that can cause bleeding. Examples include blood thinners and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Sharing a medication list with prescriber and pharmacist can help you avoid or limit this type of interaction.
Possible symptoms of serious bleeding to watch for include:
Excessive, large, or unexplained bruises
Menstrual periods that are much heavier than usual
Blood in vomit, which can appear as vomit that’s red or looks like coffee grounds
If you experience any of the above symptoms, seek emergency medical attention right away. For more mild bleeding, such as gum bleeding and unusual or long-lasting nosebleeds, reach out to your healthcare team to let them know.
Frequently asked questions
The most common side effects of Celexa are nausea and dry mouth. They typically improve or go away as your body gets used to the medication. More serious side effects of Celexa are rare but still possible. These include suicidal thoughts, abnormal heart rhythms, and serotonin syndrome. These side effects can be life threatening and require medical attention.
There are several medications, supplements, and substances you should avoid while taking Celexa. Notable Celexa interactions include monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), blood thinners, and St. John’s wort. Certain antibiotics and antifungal medications also interact. You should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking Celexa. Discuss these and other Celexa interactions with your prescriber and pharmacist.
Celexa is FDA approved only to treat major depressive disorder (depression) in adults. But it’s common for healthcare professionals to prescribe it off-label for anxiety and other mental health conditions. Studies suggest that Celexa works well to treat anxiety.
Celexa is unlikely to cause headaches. Research suggests that most SSRIs don’t typically cause this side effect. If you experience headaches after starting Celexa, tell your prescriber. They can review your health and medication history to determine the most likely cause. They can also recommend headache treatments if needed.
The most common side effects of Celexa are nausea and dry mouth. They typically improve or go away as your body gets used to the medication. More serious side effects of Celexa are rare but still possible. These include suicidal thoughts, abnormal heart rhythms, and serotonin syndrome. These side effects can be life threatening and require medical attention.
There are several medications, supplements, and substances you should avoid while taking Celexa. Notable Celexa interactions include monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), blood thinners, and St. John’s wort. Certain antibiotics and antifungal medications also interact. You should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking Celexa. Discuss these and other Celexa interactions with your prescriber and pharmacist.
Celexa is FDA approved only to treat major depressive disorder (depression) in adults. But it’s common for healthcare professionals to prescribe it off-label for anxiety and other mental health conditions. Studies suggest that Celexa works well to treat anxiety.
Celexa is unlikely to cause headaches. Research suggests that most SSRIs don’t typically cause this side effect. If you experience headaches after starting Celexa, tell your prescriber. They can review your health and medication history to determine the most likely cause. They can also recommend headache treatments if needed.
The bottom line
Celexa (citalopram) is a commonly used antidepressant. Common side effects of Celexa include nausea, dry mouth, and sleep changes. Sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, are also possible.
More serious side effects are rare with Celexa. They include suicidal thoughts, serotonin syndrome, and abnormal heart rhythms. Be sure to discuss any bothersome or uncomfortable Celexa side effects with your healthcare team.
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