HimsMental HealthPsychiatry

FDA approved

Generic for Celexa®Citalopram

Starting at $49/mo

Getting psychiatric care for anxiety and depression has never been simpler. Consult with a licensed healthcare provider to determine whether a medication like citalopram could be right for you.

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Prescribed by a healthcare provider experienced in treating anxiety & depression, if appropriate

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Unlimited provider messaging

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Unlimited dosage adjustments

Citalopram is a prescription drug and was among the first few SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant drugs on the market. The FDA first approved citalopram in 1998. It is sold under the brand name Celexa® and primarily prescribed to treat depression.

Citalopram is FDA-approved to treat depression. In clinical trials, citalopram was shown to be effective both as an acute treatment and over longer periods of time.

Citalopram increases levels of a mood-enhancing chemical called serotonin in the brain. Like other SSRIs, citalopram lowers the level of serotonin that neurons reabsorb, which results in more free serotonin in the brain. For some, this can ease their symptoms with results like improved mood or reduced panic attacks.

* Only available if prescribed after an online consultation with a healthcare provider.

* Controlled substances such as Xanax and Adderall are not available through our platform.

* This page has been medically reviewed by Sylvia Valadez, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC.

Important Safety Information

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How to get citalopram online with Hims

1. Simple consultation

Complete an online mental health assessment and intake form, then connect with a healthcare provider through our platform.

2. Free delivery

Get citalopram shipped to you for free, if prescribed.

3. Ongoing support

Enjoy secure, ongoing support 100% online—including refills and unlimited dosage adjustments.

Citalopram 101

What’s an SSRI?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant that work by increasing levels of a mood-affecting chemical called serotonin in the brain which helps to improve your symptoms. Nice, right?

The science of citalopram

Your brain naturally produces chemicals that make you feel good, like serotonin. Citalopram keeps neurons from reabsorbing this chemical so that you have more of it available in your brain. For some, this can ease their symptoms with results like improved mood or reduced panic attacks.

Featured reviews

Real results from guys like you

Kyle

“I truly felt like Hims took my symptoms and how I felt into careful consideration. Now, I know I can reach out to my practitioner at any time on my phone and can make adjustments as needed.”

 

Verified review

Sam

“I was able to secure an online appointment way faster than I had imagined and was back on my regular medication schedule within maybe a week or so of that consultation.”

 

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Nick

“I found support that I rarely experienced in a traditional clinical setting. They made me feel like there was no reason not to get help. No judgment. No unnecessary tests. Just support and solutions.”
 

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Jeff

“The process could not have been easier! I submitted a form and within the day I was chatting with a provider. I never felt judged.”
 

Verified review

Justin

“It has given me the treatment I needed without the hassle and perceived stigmas. I can’t thank Hims enough.”
 

Verified review

These customers’ results have not been independently verified. Individual results will vary. Customers were given free product.

Felt better

Over 75% of Hims customers who checked in with their provider reported improvements in their mental health symptoms.*

* Results vary. Data were self-reported between 11/26/2021 and 08/01/2022 by Hims customers who 1) signed up between 11/04/2021 and 05/04/2022; 2) were prescribed antidepressant medication by a provider after their first consultation on the Hims platform; and 3) had an active subscription for such antidepressant medication through the Hims platform within 90 days after signing up.


You’re in good hands

Before they're accepted to the pool of professionals we work with, all healthcare providers undergo a rigorous vetting process. They have years of experience and they’re ready to help with whatever you’re going through.

Frequently asked questions about citalopram

Citalopram was shown to be effective as a treatment for depression in clinical trials lasting 4-6 weeks. Consult with your healthcare provider if you do not think your condition is getting better. Do not stop taking your medication without talking to your health care provider.
Citalopram can be taken as a pill or as an oral solution. It can be prescribed in doses of 20mg to 40mg for young adults, and up to 20mg for the elderly.
Yes, citalopram may be prescribed off-label for anxiety. Outside our platform, citalopram may be prescribed for a number of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and alcohol-use disorder.
No. While both citalopram and escitalopram are SSRIs, they are technically different drugs. Both are FDA approved to treat depression, but escitalopram is also approved for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Escitalopram can be prescribed for adolescents at a 10mg dose.
Do not take citalopram if you have glaucoma as it can increase the pressure in your eye. Other serious side effects of citalopram include suicidal thoughts, high blood pressure, heart failure, or serotonin syndrome. If you experience new or worsening side effects or allergic reaction, contact a health care professional immediately.
Citalopram can interact with a variety of substances, including common medications as well as supplements, causing adverse effects. Substances that may interact include but are not limited to: tricyclic antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), St. John's wort, L-tryptophan, SNRIs, other SSRIs (such as sertraline, fluoxetine, or paroxetine), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and more. Taking other SSRIs or MAOIs with Citalopram could result in serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition. Prescription products require an online consultation with a healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate.
Citalopram has a half life of 36 hours, which means that after about a day and a half, the concentration of the drug in the body will be reduced by half. Withdrawal symptoms typically start about 1-5 days after your last dose and last for about 7 days to two months. It is important to consult with a provider before stopping citalopram since withdrawal symptoms can be serious.
Consult with a psychiatrist or other qualified psychiatry provider online through our platform. If prescribed citalopram, genuine citalopram will be shipped to you discreetly. You’ll have ongoing check-ins with a psychiatry provider to evaluate whether your treatment plan is working.

Learn more about citalopram

Important safety information

Learn more about citalopram

Important safety information

Important Safety Information

The information below includes important safety information about citalopram, which is the generic version of the brand name drug Celexa. Read this information before you begin taking citalopram. You must notify your healthcare provider if you start or stop taking citalopram.
Citalopram is a prescription medicine used to treat depression. Citalopram can be used off-label to treat: obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder (panic attacks), social phobia (also known as social anxiety disorder), posttraumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and alcohol dependence.

WARNING: SUICIDALITY AND ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS
Citalopram and other antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions, especially in some people 24 years of age and younger within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text 988 to be connected with help, or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. Pay particular attention to such changes when citalopram is started or when the dose is changed.

Do not take citalopram if you:
  • are allergic to citalopram, or any of the ingredients in Citalopram
  • Take any medication for Parkinson’s Disease or depression called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), or if you have stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days as they may cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure. MAOIs include, but are not limited to: isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine
  • Take St John’s Wort or 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
  • are on methadone
  • are drinking large amounts of alcohol
  • are using or abusing recreation drugs or prescription medications
Citalopram can cause serious side effects. Rarely reported side effects include:
  • increased bleeding (gums, unexplained bruising)
  • low sodium blood levels (symptoms may include headache, weakness and difficulty remembering or concentrating)
  • teeth grinding
  • seizure
  • angle closure glaucoma (symptoms of angle closure glaucoma may include eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around eye)
  • QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmia including Torsades de Pointes (changes in the electrical activity of your heart; symptoms may include fast, slow or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and dizziness or fainting)
  • serotonin syndrome (symptoms may include shivering, diarrhea, confusion, severe muscle tightness, fever, seizures, and death)
Before you take citalopram, tell your healthcare provider if you: have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself have a history of psychiatric or medical problems, including bipolar disorder have taken any medication in the past for your condition, whether effective or not have suffered adverse or side effects from previous medication therapies drink alcohol or use/abuse recreational or prescription drugs are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, and recreational drugs.
Citalopram may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect the way citalopram works, causing side effects. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following:
  • Aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, diclofenac)
  • Any other serotonergic medications including: trazodone, migraine medications (triptans), pain medications (tramadol), antibiotic linezolid, amphetamines
  • Warfarin or other anticoagulant therapy
  • certain antiarrhythmics: quinidine (Quinidex Extentabs®, Quinaglute®, Quinalan®), procainamide (Procanbid®, Pronestyl®, Pronestyl-SR®), amiodarone (Cordarone®, Pacerone®), sotalol (Betapace®, Sorine®)
  • certain antipsychotics: chlorpromazine (Thorazine®), thioridazine (Mellaril®)
  • certain antibiotics: gatifloxacin (Tequin®), moxifloxacin (Avelox®)
  • methadone
During treatment with this medication, common side effects of this medication may go away as your body adjusts to the medication. The most common side effects of citalopram include: Mild diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, dry mouth, loss of appetite, weight loss, sweating, headache, dizziness, yawning, nervousness, tremor, weakness, pharyngitis, sexual side effects (such as erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorder, or lowered interest in sex), unusual dreams, fatigue or feeling sleepy, and trouble sleeping.
If you miss a dose of citalopram, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose. Discuss this with your healthcare provider. Do not double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed.
Do not abruptly stop taking citalopram even when you feel better. Abruptly stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms including: vomiting, irritability, dizziness, headaches, sensation of tingling skin, or nightmares.
Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve.
Patients, their families, and caregivers should be alert to the emergence of anxiety, restlessness, irritability, aggressiveness and insomnia. If these symptoms emerge, they should be reported to the patient’s prescriber or healthcare professional. All patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should watch for and notify their healthcare provider for worsening symptoms, suicidality and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment.
If you no longer need your medication, the best way to dispose of most types of old, unused, unwanted, or expired medicines (both prescription and over the counter) is to drop off the medicine at a drug take back site, location, or program immediately. You can use the DEA DIVERSION CONTROL DIVISION LOOKUP to find your nearest drug disposal site.
If no drug take back sites, locations, or programs are available in your area, and there are no specific disposal instructions (such as flushing) in the medication guide or package insert, you can follow these simple steps to dispose of most medicines in your trash at home:
  • Mix medicines (liquid or pills; do not crush tablets or capsules) with an unappealing substance such as dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds;
  • Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag;
  • Throw away the container in your trash at home; and
  • Delete all personal information on the prescription label of empty medicine bottles or medicine packaging, then trash or recycle the empty bottle or packaging.
741-741

If you're in emotional distress, text HOME to 741-741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line counselor immediately.

911

If you’re having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local ER.

More for your mind

All about Citalopram for Anxiety

Citalopram Side Effects

* Controlled substances, including amphetamines (such as Adderall) or benzodiazepines (such as Xanax and Valium) are not available through our platform.