Key takeaways

  • Celexa, taken for depression, may cause side effects from mild issues like insomnia and weight changes to serious concerns such as suicidal thoughts, especially in young adults.
  • Pre-existing conditions like heart issues and medications such as blood thinners may increase the risk of Celexa side effects.
  • Most side effects of Celexa are temporary, but issues like sexual problems may persist. Abruptly stopping Celexa can cause withdrawal symptoms, so consult a doctor for a gradual reduction of dosage if you choose to stop taking this medication.

Celexa (citalopram) is a brand-name prescription drug that’s used to treat depression in adults. Celexa can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include insomnia, sexual side effects, and weight changes.

The active ingredient in Celexa is citalopram. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) It belongs to a group of antidepressant drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Celexa comes as a tablet that you swallow.

Keep reading to learn about common, mild, and serious side effects of Celexa and how to manage them.

Some people may experience mild or serious side effects during Celexa treatment. Examples of Celexa’s commonly reported side effects may include:

* In this article, we use the terms “female” and “male” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. Learn more about sex vs. gender.

Celexa may cause mild side effects for some people.

Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Celexa include:

To learn more about some of these side effects, see the “Managing side effects” section.

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. Some may be easily managed, too. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And don’t stop taking Celexa unless your doctor recommends it.

Celexa may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See Celexa’s prescribing information for details.

Optum Now is operated by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.

In rare cases, serious side effects can occur with Celexa. Serious side effects that have been reported with Celexa include:

* Celexa has a boxed warning for this side effect. To learn more, see the “Managing side effects” section.
† This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of Celexa. But it was reported after the drug became available for use.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Celexa, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Celexa can cause an allergic reaction.

Though rare, this side effect was reported in studies of the drug and after Celexa was approved for use by the FDA.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should keep taking Celexa.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Celexa, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Celexa isn’t approved for use in children. But in some cases, the drug may be used off-label to treat depression in children. Off-label drug use means using a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

If you have questions about your child possibly taking Celexa, talk with their doctor.

It’s important to note that Celexa has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults (ages 18–24 years). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

For more, see the “Managing side effects” section.

Here are details about some of Celexa’s side effects and how to manage them.

Sexual problems in females and males

Sexual problems are a common side effect of Celexa. These side effects can happen in both females and males taking the drug.

Sexual problems in females taking Celexa may include:

Sexual problems in males taking Celexa may include:

Keep in mind that depression, which Celexa is used to treat, can also cause sexual problems. So it may be hard to tell whether these side effects are caused by Celexa or the condition you’re taking the drug to treat.

What might help

If you experience sexual problems while taking Celexa, talk with your doctor. They will determine whether these side effects may be from your condition or from the drug. Your doctor can then suggest appropriate treatment options.

Weight gain or weight loss

Weight gain and weight loss are common side effects of Celexa. But some weight changes may not be caused by Celexa itself. Depression, which Celexa is used to treat, may also cause weight changes. So experiencing weight changes after you start taking Celexa could be a sign of the drug working to treat your condition.

What might help

If you’re concerned about weight gain or weight loss while taking Celexa, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to manage your weight during treatment.

Insomnia (trouble sleeping)

Insomnia is a common side effect of Celexa. The drug may also cause other sleep-related problems in some people. For example, instead of insomnia, you may feel drowsy after taking Celexa.

You’ll usually know more about how Celexa affects you after you’ve taken several doses of the drug.

What might help

If you’re concerned about insomnia or other sleep problems from Celexa, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to manage this side effect.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults

Celexa has a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This risk affects children and young adults (ages 18–24 years old) who take antidepressants such as Celexa. It’s important to note that Celexa is not approved for use in people younger than age 18 years.

Regardless of age, this risk is highest during the first few months of treatment and after any dosage changes.

While you’re taking Celexa, you should watch for the following symptoms:

It’s important to note that suicidal thoughts and behaviors could also be symptoms of depression, which Celexa is used to treat.

What might help

Tell your doctor right away if you have any unusual changes in moods, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings while you’re taking Celexa. They may have you stop taking Celexa and switch to a different drug to treat your condition.

If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Celexa’s side effects.

Yes, you may have a higher risk of certain side effects during your first week of taking Celexa.

For example, your risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors with Celexa is highest right after you start taking the drug. (For more, see the “Managing side effects” section.)

To lower your risk of side effects from Celexa, your doctor will start by prescribing a low dosage of the drug. They may increase your dosage slowly over time until the symptoms of your condition begin to ease. Learn more about Celexa dosage.

Yes, you may have withdrawal side effects if you suddenly stop Celexa treatment.

Withdrawal side effects are symptoms that can happen when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. (With drug dependence, your body needs the drug to feel like it usually does.) Examples of withdrawal side effects that can occur with Celexa include:

You shouldn’t stop taking Celexa unless your doctor tells you it’s safe to do so. When it’s time for you to stop taking Celexa, your doctor will decrease your dosage gradually over time. This helps lower your risk of withdrawal side effects after you end Celexa treatment.

Possibly. Most side effects of Celexa will get better or go away within hours or days of taking the drug. But in rare cases, side effects of Celexa may last longer.

For example, there have been reports of sexual problems from antidepressants such as Celexa lasting for several weeks or months after treatment was stopped. These long-term sexual problems were reported after the antidepressant drugs were released onto the market.

Since Celexa became available for use, an atypical heart rhythm (a rare side effect) has been reported as causing long-term, life threatening heart problems in extremely rare cases.

If you have questions about what to expect with Celexa treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Yes, Celexa’s side effects can vary depending on the strength of the drug you take.

For example, your risk of an atypical heart rhythm from Celexa is greater if you take higher doses of the drug.

If you have questions about your risk of certain side effects from Celexa or about which strength is right for your condition, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Most side effects of Celexa last only a few hours to a few days after you start treatment. But the length of time that side effects from the drug last can be different for each person taking Celexa.

For more details about what to expect with Celexa treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

In certain situations, it may not be safe to take Celexa. Read on to learn more about possible warnings for Celexa.

Boxed warning: Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults

Celexa has a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This risk affects children and young adults (ages 18–24 years) who take antidepressants such as Celexa. It’s important to note that Celexa is not approved for use in people younger than age 18 years.

To learn more, see the “Managing side effects” section.

Other warnings

Celexa may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Celexa. The list below includes factors to consider.

Narrow eye angles. If you have narrow eye angles, tell your doctor before starting Celexa treatment. In people with narrow eye angles, Celexa can dilate the pupils, which can lead to sudden closed-angle glaucoma. This condition causes severe eye pain and vision loss. If you have these symptoms while taking Celexa, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Your doctor may suggest you have an eye exam to check for narrow eye angles before you take Celexa.

Bipolar disorder. Celexa may cause hypomania or mania (episodes of high energy and excitement that may be related to bipolar disorder). Before taking Celexa, tell your doctor whether you have bipolar disorder. They may prescribe a drug other than Celexa for your condition.

Bleeding problems. Celexa may raise your risk of bleeding. If you already have bleeding problems, your risk of this side effect may be even higher. Before taking Celexa, tell your doctor if you have any bleeding problems.

Heart problems. Celexa can cause atypical heart rhythms. You may have a higher risk of this side effect if you already have heart problems. Before taking Celexa, tell your doctor about any heart problems you have, such as heart failure. Also, let them know if you’ve ever had a heart attack.

Liver or kidney problems. If you have liver or kidney problems, your body may have trouble clearing Celexa from your system. This could raise your risk of side effects from the drug. Before you take Celexa, tell your doctor about any liver or kidney problems you have.

Low level of sodium in your blood. Celexa can cause a low level of sodium in your blood. If you already have a low sodium level, talk with your doctor before starting Celexa.

Seizures. Celexa may cause seizures. If you have seizures before taking the drug, your risk of this side effect with Celexa may be even higher. Before you take Celexa, tell your doctor if you have seizures.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Celexa or any of its ingredients, your doctor likely won’t prescribe Celexa. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for your condition.

Use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). MAOIs are a group of drugs used to treat depression. Before starting Celexa, tell your doctor if you take an MAOI. Taking these drugs together can raise your risk of serotonin syndrome. Because of this, you should not take Celexa if you’re taking an MAOI. Your doctor will have you wait 2 weeks or more after you’ve stopped taking an MAOI before having you start Celexa. And if you stop taking Celexa, your doctor will have you wait at least 2 weeks before starting an MAOI.

Use of the drug pimozide. Doctors usually won’t prescribe Celexa and pimozide together. (Pimozide is prescribed to treat Tourette syndrome.) Taking this combination significantly increases your risk of heart rhythm side effects that either medication may cause.

Alcohol and Celexa

It’s recommended that you avoid alcohol while taking Celexa. Drinking alcohol during Celexa treatment can cause you to have difficulty thinking clearly or coordinating your muscle movements.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor before taking Celexa.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Celexa

It may not be safe to take Celexa during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

In studies, taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as Celexa during pregnancy may increase the risk of bleeding after delivery. This risk is higher when an SSRI is taken in the month before delivery.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Celexa.

Celexa is used to treat depression in adults. Some people who take Celexa may experience mild side effects. In rare cases, serious side effects can also occur.

If you have questions about Celexa’s side effects that were not answered here, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Disclaimer: Healthline 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.