Citalopram (Celexa®)
Citalopram is a prescription antidepressant that helps regulate serotonin levels in the brain. It is used to treat depression and can support a more balanced mood, improved outlook, and greater consistency in how you feel day to day.
- Get care from a real doctor, without leaving home
- Same-day prescriptions available
- Medication delivered free, straight to your door
Book a visit to meet with a QuickMD doctor for a citalopram prescription or refill
A QuickMD doctor can prescribe medication only after your visit, and prescriptions aren't guaranteed. The listed price covers medication only and doesn't include the cost of your doctor visit.
You deserve to feel good every day
Get citalopram prescribed online from the comfort of home. $99 visit fee—no insurance required.
Getting started with citalopram at QuickMD
Description
Citalopram is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to help stabilize mood, improve emotional balance, and reduce symptoms of depression. When prescribed appropriately, it reduces persistent low mood, improves concentration, supports more stable sleep patterns, and helps patients regain interest in daily activities and maintain a more consistent sense of well-being.
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Take citalopram by mouth with a glass of water, once a day, at the same time each day, or as directed by your QuickMD doctor. It can be taken in the morning or evening, with or without food. Do not take citalopram more often than directed, and do not stop taking it suddenly without speaking to your doctor first. Staying on schedule helps your body maintain consistent levels of the medication, which makes the treatment more effective. Each prescription comes with a patient information leaflet. Be sure to read it carefully, and ask your doctor if you have any questions.
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- Lifted mood and reduced feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness
- More energy and motivation to get through the day
- Improved sleep and appetite
- Greater ability to focus and engage with daily life
- Well tolerated with a simple once-daily dosing schedule
- Fewer drug interactions compared to some other antidepressants
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Serious or adverse side effects from citalopram are rare. However, some patients may experience:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Dry mouth
- Increased sweating
- Drowsiness
- Reduced sex drive
Contact your doctor right away if you experience an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness or fainting, confusion, fever, hallucinations, swelling, or signs of serotonin syndrome (a rare but serious reaction that can include rapid heart rate, confusion, and muscle twitching). Use caution with blood thinners and NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin, as these can raise your bleeding risk when taken alongside citalopram.
This is not a full list of side effects, interactions, or warnings, and it should not replace medical advice. For guidance tailored to your health and medications, always talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
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Citalopram must be prescribed by a licensed doctor. Like any medication, citalopram comes with important safety considerations, including possible side effects, serious risks, and certain conditions where it may not be safe to use. Citalopram should not be taken at doses above 40 mg per day, as higher doses have been associated with an increased risk of abnormal heart rhythms. A consultation with a QuickMD doctor is required to review your health and determine if this prescription medication is appropriate for you.
Citalopram may not be appropriate if you:
- Are taking or have recently taken an MAO inhibitor (such as phenelzine or selegiline)
- Are taking pimozide
- Are taking linezolid or methylene blue
- Have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to citalopram
- Have a history of QT prolongation or are taking other medications that affect heart rhythm
- Have congenital long QT syndrome
- Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, without first discussing risks with your doctor
This is not a complete list of precautions, contraindications, or drug interactions. Always talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about your medical history and any medications or supplements you are taking before starting citalopram.
Citalopram
Start feeling better mentally and emotionally. Meet with a QuickMD doctor and, if appropriate, receive a prescription for citalopram. No insurance required.
- Support your mental health with proven treatment
- Same-day prescriptions available after your visit
- Delivered straight to your door when prescribed
Medication price does not include the cost of your doctors visit.
Frequently asked questions
In the first few weeks of taking citalopram, it is common to notice some mild side effects before the benefits fully kick in. Some patients experience nausea, fatigue, or mild restlessness as their body adjusts to the medication. These effects are typically short-lived and tend to improve within the first one to two weeks. Some patients also notice small shifts in sleep or appetite early on, which can actually be early signs that the medication is beginning to work. If any early side effects feel unmanageable, contact your QuickMD doctor, as adjustments to your dose or timing can often help.
Most patients begin to notice early improvements in sleep, energy, and appetite within the first one to two weeks, but the full antidepressant effects typically take four to six weeks to develop. It is important to keep taking citalopram as prescribed during this time, even if you do not feel a difference right away. You will follow up with a QuickMD doctor to track your progress and adjust your dose if needed.
Weight changes are possible with citalopram, though they are generally modest. Some patients experience a mild decrease in appetite in the early weeks of treatment, while others may notice gradual weight changes with longer-term use. If weight is a concern for you, discuss it with your QuickMD doctor before starting treatment, as there may be other options better suited to your goals and health history.
Start treatment with citalopram online
Book your first visit
Getting started begins with a simple online visit. You'll meet with a licensed QuickMD doctor from the comfort of home, where you can talk openly about what you've been going through and what kind of support you're looking for. The process is designed to feel comfortable, supportive, and pressure-free, so you can move forward with a clear understanding of what to expect and what comes next.
Learn more about citalopram
Your doctor will take time to understand any challenges you're facing, your mental health history, and what you've tried so far. If citalopram is appropriate, they'll guide you through how it works in your body, how to take it, what to expect, and how it can help lift persistent feelings of depression and restore your energy, focus, and interest in daily life. You'll leave your visit feeling informed and confident in your next steps.
Get your medication delivered
If your doctor prescribes citalopram, your prescription is sent directly to our pharmacy partner and shipped straight to your door. You'll receive clear instructions on how to take it, and your care doesn't stop there. Follow-up visits give your doctor a chance to check in on how you're responding, adjust your dose if needed, and make sure you're getting the support and relief you need.