Citalopram is a generic drug that’s prescribed for depression. The medication is available as the brand-name drug Celexa. The cost of citalopram with and without insurance can depend on several factors, such as whether the drug has a savings program.

Citalopram is available in these forms: oral tablet, oral capsule, and oral solution. The medication belongs to a drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Read on to learn about citalopram and cost, as well as how to save money on prescriptions. If you’d like other information about citalopram, refer to this article.

As with all medications, the cost of citalopram can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include your treatment plan, insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.

To find out what the cost of citalopram will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Note: If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers citalopram. This means the company and your doctor will discuss citalopram in regard to your treatment. The insurance company will then determine whether the medication is covered. If a drug requires prior authorization but you start treatment without the prior approval, you could pay the full cost of the medication. You can ask your insurance company whether citalopram requires prior authorization.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and citalopram.

How much does citalopram cost without insurance?

In general, the cost for drugs, including citalopram, may be higher if you don’t have health insurance. However, generic drugs such as citalopram, are usually less expensive than the brand-name drug.

If you don’t have insurance coverage, you may be able to find coupons online to help with the cost of citalopram. See the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below for more information.

Is there a cost difference between citalopram 40 mg and citalopram 20 mg?

The amount you pay will depend on several factors. Dosage strength may be one of them. It may also depend on whether you pay out of pocket or use an insurance plan. Insurance plans can vary in how they cover citalopram and the amount they charge as a copay.

Citalopram comes in different forms and strengths. The oral capsule is 30 milligrams (mg). The oral tablet comes in three strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg. The oral solution comes in one strength, 10 mg per 5 milliliters (10 mg/5 mL). The form and strength of citalopram may affect its price.

Contact your pharmacist or insurance provider to learn more about the cost of your citalopram prescription.

Citalopram is a generic drug, which means it’s an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. A generic drug is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Citalopram is available as the brand-name drug Celexa. If your doctor has prescribed citalopram and you’re interested in taking Celexa instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider, as it may only cover one or the other.

To find out how the cost of this brand-name drug compares with the cost of citalopram, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

If you take citalopram long term, you may be able to lower its cost in the following ways.

Getting a 3-month supply

You may be able to get a 90-day supply of citalopram. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Using a mail-order pharmacy

Citalopram may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.

If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need financial support to pay for citalopram, consider looking into websites that offer cost resources and information. Two such organizations are:

These sites can provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services.

Now that you’ve learned about cost and citalopram, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance about cost issues related to citalopram. However, if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you would pay for citalopram.

Here are some other resources you may find helpful:

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.