What Is Celexa?

Celexa (Citalopram) is a prescription antidepressant in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class, used to treat major depressive disorder in adults.

Originally manufactured by Forest Pharmaceuticals (now Allergan/AbbVie), Celexa was approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Its generic form, Citalopram Hydrobromide, is now widely available and is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the United States. Celexa is not a controlled substance.

What Is Celexa Used For?

FDA-Approved Use

Celexa is FDA-approved for one indication:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults

Off-Label Uses

Doctors also prescribe Celexa off-label for several other conditions, meaning these uses aren't FDA-approved but are supported by clinical evidence:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
• Alcohol Use Disorder
• Post-stroke emotional lability
• Postmenopausal flushing

If your doctor prescribes Celexa for something other than depression, that's not unusual — off-label prescribing is common and legal when supported by medical evidence.

How Is Celexa Taken?

Dosage Forms

Celexa comes in two forms:

• Oral tablets: 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg
• Oral solution: 10 mg per 5 mL

Typical Dosing

• Starting dose: 20 mg once daily
• Typical dose range: 20 mg to 40 mg per day
• Maximum dose: 40 mg per day for most adults
• Maximum dose for patients over 60: 20 mg per day (due to QT prolongation risk)
• Maximum dose for CYP2C19 poor metabolizers or hepatic impairment: 20 mg per day

How to Take It

Take Celexa once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day. It doesn't matter whether you take it in the morning or at night — choose whatever works best for you. If it makes you drowsy, take it at bedtime. If it causes insomnia, switch to morning.

Important: Do not stop Celexa abruptly. Stopping suddenly can cause discontinuation syndrome — symptoms like dizziness, nausea, irritability, and "brain zaps." Always taper off gradually under your doctor's supervision. For more on what to expect, see our guide to Celexa side effects.

Who Should Not Take Celexa?

Celexa is not right for everyone. You should not take it if you:

• Are allergic to Citalopram or Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Are currently taking or have taken an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days (risk of fatal serotonin syndrome)
• Are taking Pimozide (risk of dangerous heart rhythm changes)
• Have congenital long QT syndrome
• Are taking other medications that prolong the QT interval

Celexa also carries an FDA black box warning about increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18–24). Close monitoring is essential, especially during the first few months of treatment.

For a complete list of medications to avoid, see our Celexa drug interactions guide.

How Does Celexa Work?

Celexa belongs to the SSRI class of antidepressants. It works by selectively blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, which increases the amount of serotonin available in the synaptic cleft. This helps regulate mood, sleep, and emotional responses.

Unlike some other antidepressants, Celexa has minimal effects on norepinephrine and dopamine — it's one of the most selective SSRIs available. For a deeper explanation, read our plain-English guide to how Celexa works.

It typically takes 1–4 weeks to start feeling the full effects, though some people notice improvements within the first week or two.

How Much Does Celexa Cost?

Cost depends on whether you're getting brand-name or generic:

• Brand-name Celexa: $200–$400 per month (largely discontinued; most pharmacies only stock generic)
• Generic Citalopram (with discount coupons): $4–$15 per month
• Generic Citalopram (retail cash price): $10–$50 per month
• With insurance: $0–$10 copay (generic Citalopram is typically Tier 1 on most formularies)

Citalopram is one of the most affordable antidepressants available. It's included on many pharmacy $4 generic lists, including Walmart's. Even without insurance, discount coupons from GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver can bring the cost down to just a few dollars.

For a complete breakdown of savings options, see our guide to Celexa coupons, discounts, and patient assistance programs.

Alternatives to Celexa

If Celexa isn't right for you — whether due to side effects, cost, or availability — there are several alternatives in the same drug class:

• Escitalopram (Lexapro): The S-enantiomer of Citalopram. Considered more potent and selective, with potentially fewer side effects.
• Sertraline (Zoloft): Another widely prescribed SSRI approved for depression, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, and more.
• Fluoxetine (Prozac): The first SSRI approved, with a long half-life. Good for people who occasionally miss doses.
• Paroxetine (Paxil): More sedating, but carries a higher risk of discontinuation syndrome and weight gain.

Read our full guide to Celexa alternatives for more details.

Final Thoughts

Celexa is a well-established, affordable antidepressant that's been helping people manage depression for over two decades. As a generic, it's one of the cheapest medications you can fill — often just $4 per month. It's widely available, covered by virtually all insurance plans, and can be prescribed by primary care doctors, psychiatrists, and telehealth providers alike.

If you're starting Celexa or considering it, talk to your doctor about whether it's the right fit for your situation. And if you need help finding it at a pharmacy near you, Medfinder can help.