Celexa (citalopram) is a brand-name oral tablet that is prescribed for depression in adults. As with other drugs, Celexa can cause side effects, such as changes in weight or nausea.
Celexa belongs to a drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The drug is available as a generic.
Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. For a general overview of Celexa, including details about its uses, see this article.
Celexa can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Celexa in clinical trials:
- decreased muscle strength
- vomiting
- sleepiness
- dizziness
- delayed ejaculation
- dry mouth*
- nausea*
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
Mild side effects can occur with Celexa use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Celexa’s prescribing information.
Mild side effects that have been reported with Celexa include:
- decreased muscle strength
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- sleepiness
- dizziness
- agitation
- increased sweating, including hot flashes
- anxiety
- loss of appetite
- painful menstrual periods
- tremor
- upper respiratory infection, including the common cold
- swelling in the sinuses
- fatigue
- muscle pain
- joint pain
- nausea*
- dry mouth*
- problems sleeping*
- weight gain or weight loss*
- sexual side effects, such as decreased libido, problems getting an erection, and delayed ejaculation†
- mild allergic reaction*
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Celexa and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† For details about this side effect, see “Celexa side effects in females vs. males” below.
Celexa may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Celexa’s prescribing information.
If you develop serious side effects while taking Celexa, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:
- Serotonin syndrome. Symptoms can include:
- changes in blood pressure
- dizziness
- sweating
- agitation
- Increased risk of bleeding. Symptoms can include:
- nosebleeds
- blood in the stool or urine
- bruising more easily than usual
- Mania or hypomania. Symptoms can include:
- restlessness
- problems sleeping
- increased energy
- racing thoughts
- Seizures. Symptoms can include:
- sudden confusion
- staring into space
- loss of consciousness
- uncontrollable movements of the arms and legs
- Low blood sodium level. Symptoms can include:
- headache
- confusion
- problems concentrating
- weakness
- loss of balance
- Withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug.*
- Sexual side effects.†
- Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors‡
- Severe allergic reaction§
* For more information about this side effect, see the “FAQs about the side effects of Celexa” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Celexa side effects in females vs. males” section below.
‡ Celexa has a
§ An allergic reaction is possible after taking Celexa. However, it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.
Most of Celexa’s side effects are expected to be the same in both males and females* who take the drug. However, in clinical trials of Celexa, females reported having painful menstrual periods. This was a commonly reported side effect.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
Sexual side effects
Sexual side effects were commonly reported in clinical trials of Celexa. The table below shows specific side effects reported by females versus males.
Females | Males |
• decreased libido • delayed orgasm or inability to have an orgasm | • delayed ejaculation or inability to ejaculate • problems getting or maintaining an erection • decreased libido |
Talk with your doctor about any sexual side effect you experience while taking Celexa. They may offer ways to manage this side effect. Or, your doctor may suggest a different treatment option for your depression.
Celexa may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.
If I stop taking Celexa, will I experience withdrawal symptoms?
In clinical trials, withdrawal symptoms have been reported when stopping Celexa cold turkey. Symptoms can include:
- anxiety
- confusion
- headache
- tiredness
- nausea
- sweating
- mood changes
- irritability and agitation
- dizziness
- problems sleeping
- paresthesia (an electric shock sensation)
- hypomania
- ringing in your ears
It’s important not to stop taking Celexa without talking with your doctor first. They’ll lower your dosage slowly over time rather than have you stop the drug all at once. This can help decrease the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Will I experience certain side effects during the first week of treatment of Celexa?
The information about Celexa’s side effects comes from clinical trials that lasted for 6 weeks. The prescribing information does not specify the timing of each symptom during those 6 weeks.
It is also important to look out for any changes in mood, thoughts, or behaviors. Celexa has a
Typically, it takes about a week for Celexa to reach a steady concentration in your body. Talk with your doctor if you notice any side effects that are concerning to you after starting Celexa.
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
Do the different strengths of Celexa, including 20 mg and 10 mg, cause different side effects?
It’s possible. In clinical trials, people taking higher doses of Celexa were more likely to report certain side effects. These side effects include:
- fatigue
- impotence
- problems sleeping
- increased sweating
- sleepiness
- yawning
However, most side effects are expected to be the same with the different strengths of Celexa.
Talk with your doctor if you notice any changes in side effects after taking a new dosage of Celexa.
Can Celexa cause long-term side effects?
Yes, sometimes. Celexa’s side effects may go away on their own, or they may last as long as you take the drug. There have even been reports of people continuing to have certain side effects after stopping Celexa. These include:
- sexual side effects*
- heart rhythm problems
If you are concerned about long-term side effects of Celexa, talk with your doctor.
* For details about this side effect, see the “Celexa side effects in females vs. males” section above.
Is hair loss or tardive dyskinesia a side effect of Celexa?
During clinical trials of Celexa, hair loss was reported as a possible side effect of the drug. However, this side effect was infrequent. This may mean that only one person reported this side effect or that hair loss was caused by something other than Celexa.
Tardive dyskinesia (uncontrollable movements) is not a known side effect with Celexa.
If you have concerns about hair loss or tardive dyskinesia while taking Celexa, talk with your doctor.
Learn more about some of the side effects that Celexa may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Celexa.
Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Celexa has a
As with other antidepressants, Celexa may increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults ages 24 years and younger. This risk was found to be greatest in the first 4 months of treatment. For this reason, doctors typically will not prescribe Celexa to people ages 24 years and younger. (Celexa is not approved for use in children.)
Symptoms may include:
- any sudden or unusual changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings
- problems sleeping
- thoughts about suicide or dying
- anxiety that is new or getting worse
- depression that is getting worse
- restlessness or agitation
- aggression, anger, or violent behavior
- mania (increased activity or talking)
- suicide attempts
- acting out on dangerous impulses
- irritability
- panic attacks
What you can do
It’s important to monitor how you’re feeling while taking Celexa. Also, have friends or family watch out for changes in your behavior. Call 911 or talk with your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms or have thoughts of harming yourself while taking Celexa.
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Weight gain or weight loss
During clinical trials of Celexa, weight gain was reported as a frequent side effect of Celexa. This may mean that only one person reported this side effect or that weight gain was caused by something other than Celexa. In some cases, weight loss of about 1 pound was also reported.
What you can do
Talk with your doctor if you notice any weight changes while taking Celexa. They can suggest ways to maintain a weight that is healthy for you.
Nausea
Nausea was a common side effect in Celexa’s clinical trials. Some people stopped taking Celexa because of this side effect.
Symptoms of nausea can include:
- feeling like you’re going to throw up
- lack of appetite
- sweating
- stomachache
- pressure in your abdomen or throat
- retching
What you can do
Talk with your doctor about any nausea that does not clear up on its own or becomes bothersome. In some cases, they may recommend a different treatment for your depression. To help manage nausea, you can try:
- eating bland foods
- avoiding greasy fried foods
- eating smaller, more frequent meals
- drinking small sips of cold beverages
- avoiding exercise after a meal
Problems sleeping
In clinical trials of Celexa, sleeping problems were a common side effect. Some people stopped taking the drug because of this side effect. Symptoms can include:
- problems falling asleep
- problems staying asleep
- waking up too early
- feeling tired or sleepy during the day
- problems focusing or remembering
What you can do
If you have problems sleeping while taking Celexa, talk with your doctor. They may adjust your dosage or suggest a different treatment option for your depression.
If you have problems sleeping, along with any changes in your mood or behavior, let your doctor know right away. Celexa has a boxed warning about suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. (See “Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors” above for more details.)
Dry mouth
In Celexa’s clinical trials, dry mouth was a common side effect. Some people stopped taking the drug because of this side effect. Symptoms can include:
- dryness or stickiness in your mouth
- thick saliva
- sore throat or hoarse feeling
- change in your sense of taste
What you can do
If you notice dry mouth after starting Celexa, talk with your doctor. To help manage this side effect, they may suggest:
- taking frequent sips of water or a sugar-free beverage
- chewing sugar-free gum
- using an over-the-counter saliva replacement product, such as Biotene
Allergic reaction
As with most drugs, Celexa can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:
What you can do
For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Celexa. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Celexa has several precautions.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
This drug has a
Other precautions
Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Celexa. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are considered drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:
Angle-closure glaucoma. If you have angle-closure glaucoma, your doctor may recommend that you not take Celexa. That’s because Celexa can make your pupils expand, which may bring on an attack of angle-closure glaucoma. Tell your doctor if you have this condition before starting Celexa. They may ask you to get an eye exam to check for angle-closure glaucoma before prescribing Celexa.
Bleeding problems. Celexa can increase your risk of bleeding. If you take other medications that increase bleeding, such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), tell your doctor. They can tell you whether Celexa is a safe option for you.
Seizures. If you’ve had seizures in the past, taking Celexa may increase your risk of seizures. Tell your doctor if you’ve been treated for seizures or take any medications to treat seizures.
Low blood sodium levels. Before taking Celexa, let your doctor know if you’ve had low blood sodium levels in the past. Celexa can also cause low blood sodium levels. Your doctor may monitor you more closely and check your sodium level while taking Celexa.
Heart rhythm conditions. If you have certain problems with your heart rhythm, taking Celexa may make them worse. These include QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Tell your doctor if you’ve been diagnosed with these conditions or if you take any medications to manage them. They may recommend a different treatment option for your depression.
Bipolar depression. If you have bipolar depression and take Celexa, you have an increased risk of mania or hypomania. Your doctor may screen you for bipolar depression before starting treatment with Celexa.
Serotonin syndrome. If you take certain medications, such as tramadol (ConZip, Qdolo) along with Celexa, you may be at a higher risk of serotonin syndrome. Tell your doctor about any prescription medications or over-the-counter products you take.
Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Celexa or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Celexa. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.
Alcohol with Celexa
There’s no known interaction between Celexa and alcohol. However, drinking alcohol may make your depression worse. Alcohol may also worsen some of Celexa’s possible side effects, such as sleepiness.
Talk with your doctor about how much, if any, alcohol is safe for you to drink while taking Celexa.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Celexa
It isn’t clear whether Celexa is safe to use in pregnancy. In animal studies, Celexa caused fetal harm when given at high doses. In humans, Celexa may increase the risk of pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. It can also cause poor feeding, unstable temperature, or irritability in a child after birth.
However, stopping antidepressants, such as Celexa, during pregnancy may make depression worse. If you become pregnant while taking Celexa, talk with your doctor. They can help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of taking Celexa during pregnancy.
There is a pregnancy registry for people who take antidepressants during pregnancy. You can register for the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants on its website or by calling 866-961-2388.
Celexa passes into human breast milk. A child who is breastfed by someone taking Celexa may experience the following symptoms:
- irritability
- restlessness
- excessive sleepiness
- weight loss
Talk with your doctor about safe ways to feed your child while taking Celexa.
As with all medications, Celexa may cause side effects. Usually these are mild and may go away over time. However, some are serious. If you’d like to learn more about Celexa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.
Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:
- More information about Celexa. For details about other aspects of Celexa, refer to this article.
- Drug comparison. Learn how Celexa compares with Lexapro and Zoloft.
- Dosage. For information about the dosage of Celexa, view this article.
- Interactions. To find out about Celexa’s interactions, see this article.
- A look at depression. For details about depression, see our depression and mental health hubs.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.