In the realm of mental health, depression is a common condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide.1 It can have a profound impact on quality of life, relationships, and self-esteem. As individuals seek effective treatment, it is crucial to understand the root causes of these conditions and the appropriate management strategies.
The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) in the United States has increased significantly over the past several decades, reaching approximately 52% in the last 10 years.2-5 The American Psychiatric Association (APA) estimates that approximately 322 million individuals (aged ≥30 years) are affected by MDD globally.6 The condition can manifest in various forms, including social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia-related defense anxiety disorder (SAD; including generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, phobia, phobia-related defense anxiety disorder (PREDGE; including panic disorder, fear of heights, or excessive fear of death), substance abuse, and substance abuse/abuse.7
Celexa, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has emerged as a viable option for the management of depression.7-8
Celexa is primarily used to treat depression, but it may also be prescribed for other conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social phobia-related defense anxiety disorder (PREDGE), or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) when other antidepressants have not been effective or have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).9
Celexa may be considered for individuals who are at higher risk for suicidal thoughts or behavior, for individuals who are unable to attend school due to the stress of a school year due to their fear of a future suicide attempt, or for those with a history of substance abuse.10-12
While effective in managing depressive symptoms, Celexa may also be used for other conditions, such as anxiety or panic disorder.12-15
Celexa may be prescribed off-label for conditions other than depression, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social phobia-related defense anxiety disorder (PREDGE), or GAD.16
Celexa has been approved by the FDA for use in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), as well as for the management of anxiety disorders (ADHD).17
Celexa may also be used to manage symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder in individuals who have not responded to other medications or have not received a psychiatric evaluation.18
Celexa may also be prescribed for use in the management of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, social phobia-related defense anxiety disorder (PREDGE), and social phobia-related defense anxiety disorder (SAD; including panic disorder, fear of heights, or excessive fear of death).19
Celexa is indicated for the management of major depressive disorder in patients with a pre-existing depressive disorder (MDD or mixed depressive disorder), as well as for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in patients with a prior history of anxiety disorders.20-22
Celexa may also be used in combination with other antidepressants in patients with a history of major depressive disorder who have not responded to other antidepressants, in combination with other antidepressants, and/or in individuals with a family history of anxiety disorders or family members with substance abuse or family history of anxiety disorders.
Celexa has been approved by the FDA for the management of depression, as well as for the treatment of anxiety disorders.23
The most common side effects of Celexa include sedation, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, and weight gain.24
Patients should be monitored for excessive nausea, agitation, vomiting, and changes in appetite. If these symptoms persist or worsen, patients should seek immediate medical attention.
Celexa can be administered as an adjunct to other therapies, such as antidepressants or antipsychotic medications.25
Celexa is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in patients with a pre-existing depressive disorder and as a component of a combination therapy to manage symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder in patients with a prior history of depression.26
Celexa may also be used off-label for the management of depression in individuals who have experienced worsening of their depressive symptoms or who are at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Celexa has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these reactions do not disappear within a few days or become severe.
Common side effects reported from Celexa use:
This is not a complete list of adverse reactions. If you experience difficulty breathing, unusual bleeding or bruising, chest pain, a skin rash, hives, fever, joint pain, muscle stiffness, swelling, seizures, hallucinations, hoarseness, or changes in your heart rate while taking Celexa, seek medical attention immediately.
Antidepressant drugs like Celexa increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, so patients taking Celexa should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or unusual changes in mood or behavior.
As with all prescription medications, inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been diagnosed with and any medications or supplements you currently take before starting treatment with Celexa. Celexa can interact with other medicines and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. Before beginning treatment with Celexa, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant.
References:-anticipated side effectsIncreases the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, so patients taking Celexa should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or unusual changes in mood or behavior.kokotelan-celexa.Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmDLast updated on March 26, 2025
Drug Information| | |
Celexa has been approved by the US FDA for the treatment of depression and other mental health conditions.
Celexa is used for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Celexa is also used for the prevention of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks.
The drug treats major depressive disorder with an anti-anxiety effect.
Celexa works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. This hormone helps boost mood.
The side effects of citalopram can be divided into two groups: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating. Some side effects of citalopram are mild and not severe enough to interfere with daily life.
The most common side effects of citalopram are sedation, weight gain, and nausea. Some others are more serious and should not be taken unless advised by your doctor.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood, emotions, and behavior. However, it has not been established if the drug helps with all types of depression.
The medication is prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The side effects of citalopram can be sedation, anxiety, weight gain, and nausea. Some other side effects of citalopram have been research tested and over 300,000 patients were treated with the drug in the study.
A study looking at the side effects of citalopram was published in the January 2020 issue ofAnnals of Acute Psychiatry. It showed that 15% of patients taking the drug experienced nausea, and 5% experienced vomiting. The nausea was more commonly seen in patients taking a higher dose than patients on a lower dose.
The medication is available as an over the counter drug without a prescription under the brand name Citalopram.
The side effects of citalopram have been reported in detail in the product information leaflet.
The most common side effects of citalopram include sedation, weight gain, and nausea. The sedation was the most reported side effect of the drug.
The nausea was also reported in patients taking an antihistamine, a medicine used to treat nausea and vomiting.
Nausea and vomiting have also been reported after taking citalopram. In the study, the nausea was seen in 2% of patients taking an antihistamine and 3% of patients taking an antidepressant. The nausea was also seen in patients taking an anti-anxiety medicine, like a medicine used to treat nausea and vomiting.
Serotonin syndrome has been reported with the use of citalopram. It can cause severe skin rash, itching, dizziness, and trouble sleeping.
The medication is available without a prescription without a prescription under the brand name Citalopram.
The side effects of citalopram have been described in the product information leaflet.
The most common side effects of citalopram have been described in detail in the product information leaflet.
The most serious side effects of citalopram have been described in detail in the product information leaflet.
The side effects of citalopram have been described in detail in the product information leaflet.
The most serious side effects of citalopram were nausea, sedation, dizziness, and sleepiness.
The nausea has been reported to occur in patients taking the drug.
1October 2025by|Updated:5:01 PM CDT4:59 PM CDT5:11 PM CDT4:39 PM CDT5:02 PM CDT5:04 PM CDTCopyright © 2025Reproduced from provided by Drugs.com
Citalopram side effects are usually mild. They may take several weeks to become severe. It may also take some time before the side effects go away. Citalopram may be less effective than the older antidepressants, such as Prozac. In some cases, doctors may prescribe more potent drugs to treat the side effects. (See.)
Some studies have found that some patients who have trouble taking Citalopram side effects have an increased risk of suicidal thinking or behavior. That risk has been found in a small number of studies.
In addition to the increased risk of suicidal thinking or behavior, some studies have found that some patients who have trouble taking Citalopram side effects have an increased risk of other mental health problems.
Citalopram may also cause a number of other problems, including suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety and other mood disorders. If you are a candidate for Citalopram therapy, you should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this treatment.
These side effects are typically mild and temporary. Most patients who experience side effects of Citalopram are well-informed about the possible side effects of the medication and can make an informed decision about how to respond to the treatment. The most common side effects of Citalopram include drowsiness, headache, muscle aches and tiredness. Some patients may experience more severe side effects such as decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, sexual abuse or other sexual problems.
You can find more information about side effects of Citalopram on Drugs.com. Please call or email for more information about side effects of Citalopram.
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved of the use of Citalopram for the treatment of depression.SSRIs work by increasing the amount of a neurotransmitter, serotonin, in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. When serotonin is released, it changes mood.
Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is taken once daily.
The effects of Citalopram are typically mild and transient. They may last about three to seven weeks. The drug takes effect within 30 minutes after ingestion.
Citalopram does not affect serotonin levels in the brain. As a result, it is less likely to cause serotonin syndrome.
Citalopram is available in generic forms. The brand name Citalopram is from the brand name Celexa. Generic versions of Citalopram are also available.
Citalopram is the first antidepressant to be approved by the FDA. The drug is available in several different forms: tablets, capsules, oral suspension, and intravenous (IV) solutions. Citalopram is also available in both tablet and liquid form, which means that it can be taken on an empty stomach.
The most common side effects of Citalopram are mild and usually reversible. In some cases, the side effects may go away within a few days. It may take about one day to get a full response from the drug.
Serotonin syndrome has been reported with many medications. Citalopram can cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:
Serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening. If you or someone you know has had symptoms of serotonin syndrome, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.