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Compare Prozac vs. Celexa

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Prozac (fluoxetine) and Celexa (citalopram) are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used to treat depression, but they have some differences. Prozac is also approved for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia, panic disorder, and to help treat depression from bipolar 1 disorder, while Celexa is only approved for depression. Prozac can be taken as an immediate-release pill or liquid daily, or as a delayed-release capsule weekly, whereas Celexa is typically taken once daily. Common side effects of Prozac include headaches, difficulty sleeping, and tiredness, while Celexa commonly causes nausea and dry mouth. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly and have a risk of worsening depression and suicidal thoughts, especially in those 24 and under. Additionally, both can lead to a rare but serious condition called serotonin syndrome if taken with other medications that raise serotonin levels.

  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
    Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
    Citalopram (Celexa)

  • Summary of Prozac vs. Celexa

    Summary for SSRI
    Prescription only

    Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's used to treat several mental health conditions, including depression and panic disorder. The immediate-release pill and liquid are taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. The delayed-release capsule is taken weekly, but it's approved only for depression. Some common side effects of fluoxetine (Prozac) include headaches, difficulty sleeping, and tiredness. Don't suddenly stop this medication if you've been taking it for a while; doing so can lead to symptoms of withdrawal.

    Summary for SSRI
    Prescription only

    Citalopram (Celexa) is a first-choice medication for treating depression in adults. This antidepressant belongs to the drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Citalopram (Celexa) is typically taken by mouth once daily. It typically takes a few weeks or longer of consistent treatment to notice an improvement to your mood. Common side effects include nausea and dry mouth. There's a low risk for weight gain, but suddenly stopping the medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms (e.g., upset stomach, trouble sleeping, anxiety).

  • Indications of Prozac vs. Celexa

    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD)
    •Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
    •Bulimia
    •Panic disorder
    •Depression from bipolar 1 disorder
    •Treatment resistant depression
    Indications for
    •Depression

  • Pros and Cons of Prozac vs. Celexa

    Pros and Const for SSRI
    Pros
    •Good choice for treating depression, OCD, and panic disorder
    •Less likely to make you sleepy compared to some other antidepressants, such as paroxetine (Paxil)
    •Taken by mouth, typically once daily (IR capsules and liquid) or once weekly (DR capsules, for depression only)
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Can take up to 2 months for you to feel the full effects of the medication
    •Can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and/or behavior in those age 24 or younger
    •Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it
    Pros and Const for SSRI
    Pros
    •A first-choice option for treating depression
    •One of the safest antidepressants for older adults
    •Available as a tablet, capsule, and a mint-flavored liquid
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    Cons
    •Can take a couple months before you feel the full effects of this medication
    •Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels or heart rhythm
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it
    •Not FDA-approved for children

  • Common Side Effects of Prozac vs. Celexa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Difficulty falling asleep (up to 33%)
    •Nausea (up to 29%)
    •Headache (21%)
    •Weakness (up to 21%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 18%)
    •Low appetite (up to 17%)
    •Drowsiness (up to 17%)
    •Anxiety (up to 15%)
    •Nervousness (up to 14%)
    •Tremor (up to 13%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 12%)
    •Throat pain (up to 11%)
    •Yawning (up to 11%)
    •Low sex drive (up to 11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (21%)
    •Dry mouth (20%)
    •Sleepiness (18%)
    •Trouble sleeping (15%)
    •Sweating (11%)
    •Tremor (8%)
    •Diarrhea (8%)
    •Ejaculation problems (6%)

  • Warnings of Prozac vs. Celexa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Anxiety and trouble sleeping
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Glaucoma
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Withdrawal
    •Risk factors: Stopping citalopram (Celexa) suddenly
    •Higher risk of bleeding
    •Not for use in bipolar disorder by itself
    •Glaucoma
    •Low sodium levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Prozac vs. Celexa

    Learn more about Fluoxetine
    Learn more about Citalopram

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