Celexa has a
Highlights
- Celexa can be prescribed in person or online after a consultation with a healthcare provider.
- Celexa is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder in adults.
- Celexa has several contraindications and precautions, including a prior allergic reaction to ingredients in Celexa or taking certain medications including pimozide or monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
Brand name: Celexa
Generic name: Citalopram
Drug class: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Dosage forms: Tablets, capsules, orally disintegrating tablet, oral solution
FDA-approved uses: Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Major depression is a common mental health condition, with about
Get individualized treatment for depression, including an online Celexa prescription, if deemed necessary.
What Is Celexa (Сitalopram)?
Celexa is a prescription medication FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). The active ingredient in Celexa is citalopram, and it is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Brand-name Celexa and generic citalopram are both available as tablets. However, generic citalopram is also available as a capsule, orally disintegrating tablet, and an oral solution. Celexa is usually given at a dose of 20 mg to 40 mg once daily.
Who Might Benefit From Celexa?
Celexa is FDA-approved and often used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). It may also be prescribed off-label to treat some other conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
It is possible to get a prescription for Celexa online and in person. To receive a prescription for Celexa, you need to see a licensed healthcare professional who will assess your health status and determine if it’s the correct medication for you.
How to Get a Prescription for Celexa Online (Step-by-Step)
Your online depression treatment at MEDvidi will start with an initial video consultation. During this appointment, your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and health history to create a treatment plan that will work for you. As a part of this plan, they will decide if prescribing an antidepressant is something that you may benefit from.
To consult a healthcare provider at MEDvidi and receive a Celexa prescription online, if needed, follow these steps:
Step 1: Book an Appointment and Prepare for the Consultation
Create an account on MEDvidi to book a virtual appointment with a licensed telehealth provider at a time that is convenient for you. You will need to fill out an intake questionnaire before your initial visit. It’s important to provide relevant details of your symptoms and medical history. Remember to accurately answer all the questions, including the ones about any medications or supplements you take, family health history, and your lifestyle.
Step 2: Undergo Evaluation and Get a Treatment Plan
Your healthcare provider will review your intake questionnaire, health history, and symptoms to establish your treatment goals and share appropriate recommendations. If they believe Celexa or a different treatment would be suitable for you, they will talk with you about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects. You will also discuss any medication or non-medication alternatives.
It’s important to note that not every appointment will result in a medication being prescribed. Your healthcare provider will only provide a prescription if it is medically appropriate, and their priority is to determine the most effective and safe option for you.
Step 3: Prescription and Pharmacy Fulfillment
If you receive an online prescription for Celexa or another medication, it will be electronically sent to your chosen pharmacy. Depending on the pharmacy you choose, you will either pick up the medication or have it delivered.
Step 4: Follow-Ups and Treatment Adjustments
You will have scheduled follow-up visits with your healthcare provider so they can monitor your symptoms and any side effects of the medication. This will also allow them to provide additional refills or adjust your dosage if needed.
What to Expect When Starting Celexa?
Most people start by taking 20 mg of Celexa once daily, but it’s important to follow personalized instructions from your healthcare provider. If the starting dose doesn’t help to adequately control your symptoms, it is possible that the dosage would be increased up to 40 mg of Celexa once daily. If you miss a dose of Celexa, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medication as planned.
Celexa
It’s important to talk with your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects from Celexa. This will allow them to determine if it’s safe for you to continue taking the medication. You should also talk with them if you want to stop taking Celexa — your healthcare provider will develop a plan for you to do it safely and avoid or minimize withdrawal symptoms. Do not stop taking Celexa without talking with your healthcare provider first.
Celexa Side Effects, Contraindications, and Precautions
Celexa is an approved treatment for major depression. Its safety and efficacy were studied in
Common Side Effects
Some of the most common side effects of Celexa include:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Sexual problems and delayed ejaculation
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects of Celexa are rare, but still possible. They may include:
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Heart rhythm problems
- Serotonin syndrome
- Increased risk of bleeding
- Discontinuation syndrome when stopping Celexa
- Seizures
- Eye problems
- Electrolyte imbalances, including low salt levels
If you experience serious side effects while taking Celexa, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately or get emergency treatment by visiting an emergency room or dialing 911.
Who Should Not Take Celexa: Contraindications and Precautions
Celexa is a common medication used to treat major depression, but it may not be suitable for everyone. In certain situations, the dose of Celexa may need to be adjusted, or the medication may need to be avoided altogether. Examples of these situations include:
- History or family history of suicide, depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental health problems
- History of heart problems, including abnormal heart rhythms, heart attack, or heart failure
- History of seizures
- History of bleeding or blood-clotting problems, including the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), warfarin, or other antiplatelet medications
- Kidney or liver problems
- History or high risk of glaucoma
- Electrolyte imbalances or health conditions that alter your metabolism or electrolytes
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or plans to become pregnant or breastfeed
- Taking certain medications or supplements, including pimozide, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or St. John’s Wort.
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about your entire health history and any over-the-counter or prescription medications, herbs, or supplements you take so they can ensure Celexa is safe for you.
This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects or precautions. Always be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about your entire health history and any side effects you experience.
If you’re experiencing suicidal or self-harming thoughts and require immediate assistance, contact a crisis hotline, such as 911, 988 suicide & crisis lifeline (toll-free), or Samaritans (116-123 or via chat).
Celexa Cost
Celexa’s starting dose is usually 20 mg once daily, but it may be increased up to 40 mg if needed.
- A monthly supply of 20 mg Celexa tablets costs around $290 to $400.
- A monthly supply of generic 20 mg citalopram tablets costs around $6 to $33 without insurance.
The exact cost of Celexa will depend on your specific pharmacy and location. You can also contact your insurance provider to learn more about your insurance coverage and check the cost of the medication with insurance.
You can also look for Celexa coupons from your pharmacy or platforms like GoodRx. It’s also possible that online pharmacies may be able to offer a lower cash price than local pharmacies.
Alternatives to Celexa
Depending on your health history and your specific symptoms, there may be medications other than Celexa that could work for you. Some of the options for treating major depression include antidepressants such as other SSRIs (like Zoloft (sertraline) or Lexapro (escitalopram)) and selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (like Effexor XR (venlafaxine)). Other medications may also treat major depression, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Remeron (mirtazapine).
In addition to medications, your healthcare provider may also suggest you make lifestyle changes or consider psychotherapy. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is known to be helpful in managing the symptoms of depression.
Why Choose MEDVidi?
If you are looking for evidence-based mental health care in a non-judgmental environment, MEDvidi is here to help. You can connect with an experienced healthcare provider licensed in your state and get ongoing support, from an initial assessment to online medication management. Book your appointment, including same-day and next-day time slots, to receive personalized depression treatment online.
Medical providers at MEDvidi can prescribe medications for depression treatment after an online consultation in 33 states:
FAQ
Do you need a prescription for citalopram?
Who can prescribe citalopram?
Licensed healthcare providers can prescribe antidepressants like Celexa. The types of providers that can provide a prescription for this medication may vary by state, but common examples include psychiatrists, primary care physicians (doctors who do family medicine, internal medicine, or other doctors that provide general medical care), nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs).
Can a telehealth or virtual doctor prescribe citalopram?
Yes, it is possible that a virtual doctor prescribed Celexa through a telehealth platform. The decision is based on the mental health assessment. You can sign up with MEDvidi to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider who will tell you if Celexa is right for you and provide a prescription, if deemed necessary.
