Citalopram (Celexa): Uses and Interactions for Depression

What Is Citalopram (Celexa)?

Citalopram hydrobromide is a prescription medication that treats depression. Citalopram (brand name Celexa) belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs.

This drug works to increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a hormone and neurotransmitter that plays an important role in mood regulation, sleep, learning, memory, happiness, and more.

Citalopram Uses: What Conditions Does It Treat?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Celexa for treating depression.

Depression is a serious mood disorder that affects the way people think, feel, and act. Symptoms of depression may include persistent sadness, sleep difficulties, appetite changes, loss of interest in activities, and concentration problems.

Many people experiencing depression find that their symptoms vary in intensity over time. Citalopram is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.

Major depressive disorder is characterized by persistent, intense symptoms that have a major impact on a person’s ability to work, socialize, and perform normal daily acts of living. The symptoms of MDD are more than just feeling sad some of the time.

A man paces and covers his face as he speaks with a doctor

Sometimes, physicians prescribe citalopram off-label. This means that a doctor may prescribe a drug that’s been approved by the FDA for an unapproved use based on their knowledge of the drug and their judgment that the drug is an appropriate treatment for their patient’s condition.

Citalopram is sometimes used off-label to treat conditions including:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Also known as GAD, generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by symptoms including excessive, persistent worry about a wide range of events. Often, GAD does not have a clear cause. Celexa is sometimes used to treat GAD, as well as other forms of anxiety.

Panic Disorder

People who have panic disorder experience frequent, unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks can include a variety of symptoms, including a sense of impending doom, rapid heart rate, sweating, chills, nausea, faintness, and a feeling of detachment.

Sometimes, citalopram is used to treat panic disorder. Citalopram is not a fast-acting medication, so it’s not used to treat panic attacks in the moment. Rather, citalopram is taken daily to help lessen the likelihood of attacks.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

This mental health condition is characterized by obsessions (unwanted intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or acts completed in an attempt to alleviate anxiety related to obsessions). Some patients find that Celexa relieves some of their OCD symptoms.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Also known as PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition that some people experience following a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD may include nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and more. Celexa may help relieve some PTSD symptoms.

Celexa FAQs

What is the Difference Between Citalopram and Celexa?

Celexa’s generic form is the drug citalopram. Both terms mean the same thing and are used interchangeably.

How Long Does it Take for Citalopram to Work?

Most people who take Celexa (citalopram) notice a difference in their symptoms within a week or two of starting the medication. It can take up to six weeks to feel the full benefits of citalopram.

What are the Most Common Citalopram Side Effects?

The most common side effects of citalopram include:

Insomnia
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Increased sweating
Sexual dysfunction
Anxiety
Muscle aches

In young adults, citalopram is also associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. If you experience these issues, it’s important to reach out for emergency help right away.

Can Women Experience Different Side Effects on Celexa?

In addition to side effects that affect both genders, citalopram side effects in females can include painful periods, breast pain, and unusual lactation. There is also some concern that Celexa could affect fertility in women.

Is Celexa Good for Anxiety?

For many people, Celexa can help ease anxiety. Your reaction to Celexa will depend on several factors, and your healthcare provider can help to determine whether Celexa is a good fit for the management of your anxiety.

Benefits of Citalopram in Mental Health Treatment

Research shows that about half of the people who take Celexa for depression experience a clinically significant improvement in their depression symptoms, which is similar in effectiveness to other types of antidepressant medication.

Research also shows that people who combine antidepressants like Celexa and therapy have better outcomes than those who use antidepressants without engaging in therapy. Specific forms of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can help increase the efficacy of drugs like Celexa by up to 27%.

Celexa may offer several mental health benefits, including:

Improved mood
Reduced anxiety
Fewer panic attacks
Better emotional regulation
Enhanced response to therapy

Celexa Side Effects and What to Expect

Understanding potential citalopram side effects is an important part of starting an SSRI medication. Each person’s experiences with the side effects of citalopram are different. Your doctor or therapist will work with you to help you understand what to expect.

A doctor comforts their patient by laying a hand on her shoulder

Some of the most common side effects associated with citalopram (brand name Celexa) include:

Digestive issues: Some people who take Celexa experience side effects that affect the digestive system, such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, heartburn, and decreased appetite.
Weight changes: Some people experience weight changes while taking citalopram.
Energy issues: Common energy-related side effects of Celexa include difficulty falling or staying asleep, drowsiness, excessive tiredness, and yawning.
Sexual side effects: Some men and women who take Celexa experience a decreased sex drive, and some men who take Celexa experience an inability to get or keep an erection.
General symptoms: Some Celexa side effects affect multiple systems in the body, including dry mouth, shaking, muscle or joint pain, increased thirst, and increased sweating.

There is limited evidence suggesting that Celexa may lead to reproductive dysfunction, including infertility, in women. Celexa may also cause hormonal disruptions that can affect the menstrual cycle. However, many people taking Celexa conceive without issue.

While Celexa can be used during pregnancy, there are potential risks, including an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Babies born to mothers who took Celexa during pregnancy may be at a higher risk for heart and lung problems and may experience withdrawal following birth.

It’s important to keep an eye out for rare but serious risks associated with taking Celexa, including:

Chest pain
Coma
Hallucinations
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Swelling of the face, lips, throat, tongue, hands, feet, ankles, and legs
Unusual bleeding
Seizures
QT prolongation (a change in electrical activity of the heart that can lead to cardiac arrest)

If you experience any serious side effects, reach out for emergency care right away.

Should You Consider Citalopram? Talking to Your Therapist

If you’re interested in Celexa for anxiety or depression, talking to a licensed medical provider is the first step toward learning whether it might be the right fit for you.

Medication decisions are highly individual, and your doctor can help you understand more about Celexa side effects and whether citalopram might be the right fit for you.

The combination of therapy and medication can enhance the ability of both to ease mental health symptoms, and working with your therapist can help you develop an individualized treatment plan to help you feel your best. Use Therapy.com’s online therapist search tool to find a qualified mental health expert in your area.