Celexa is FDA Approved as an Anti-Depressant ( Depression ), and as an Anti-Anxiety ( General Anxiety Disorder GAD ) medication.

Celexa is an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) class antidepressant. Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil are SSRIs.

Lexapro is a single isomer "concentrated" version of Celexa , also made by Forest Pharmaceuticals. ( Read the gobbledegook of the difference between Celexa and Lexapro )

In addition to Depression and General Anxiety Disorder, Celexa is used off-label for: Panic Disorder , Social Anxiety Disorder ,Bipolar Depression , OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) , Pathological gambling , Pre-Menstrual Dysmorphic Disorder , Pervasive Developmental Disorders , Raynaud's Phenomenon

U.S. Brand name : Celexa    Manufacturer: Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Chemical name: citalopram hydrobromide  
Generic version : NOT available at present in U.S.A.; manufactuer's patent ends Mar 13, 2012 ; available in Canada.
Foreign brand names: Cipralex , Seroplex , Sipralexa

The side-effects listed for many of the medications are so numerous, you would think no one would want to take them. I know I didn't, at first. But when you the clinical trial results for such medications, certain side-effects are so rare, like 2 of 1,000 patients reported those, you can assess the risk much better. Did those two get diarrhea only because of the medication? Doesn't matter. For legal purposes, every side-effect is noted and reported. That's why it helps to read the forum topics on what others have experienced with specific medications. ( More about deciding on medications based only on side-effects you read )

For Celexa, these are the side-effects that you really need to know:

Most Common: Nausea, Headache, Dry Mouth, Sweating, Sleepiness or Insomnia, Diarrhea or Constipation, Weight Gain, Loss of libido

Slightly Rare: Lethargy, Apathy ( Can be intense if you get these, but typically lasts 2 weeks or less) , Disruption in menstrual cycle, tremor, acne.

Very Rare: Rectal Hemorrhage.

Read a summary of the experiences of others and also our forum topic on Celexa .

Drug interactions information is yet to collected. Sorry for the inconvenience.

The cost listed here is based on prices listed at some online sites. With my luck, the pharmacies near me are, most likely, charging more.

Cost of Celexa in U.S. : 5mg: $2.50 per pill, 10mg: $2.60 per pill; 20mg : $2.60 per pill, Oral Solution: $140 / 240ml
Canada: Cipralex Generic Escitalopram 5mg : $1.20 per pill, 20mg: $1.60 per pill, 40mg: $1.60 per pill (US$; as of 11/1/2007)
Other countries: Please contact us if you can provide prevailing prices in your drug.

Pharmacy Checker is a useful site for checking and comparing prices of popular medications.

Patient Assistance Program for Forest Laboratories (USA)
Medicare Part D and Patient Assistance Program for Celexa

PAP (Patient Assistance Programs are free drug programs offered by Pharmaceutical Companies for low-income population. It requires proof of income, prescription for 2-3 months of supply and a form filled out by the doctor before applying for the program. It can be a tedious process, especially if you are on several medications. There are local organizations that may assist you with the process for free or a small fee. A useful resource for detailed information about PAP is Needy Meds.

Patient Assistance Program for Forest Laboratories (USA)
Medicare Part D and Patient Assistance Program for Celexa

User experiences for Celexa can be found on Medness Forum.

Please check topics on Celexa and discussion of Celexa vs. Lexapro as well, on Medness Forum.

If you have been prescribed Celexa, and would like to share your experience, please post on our forum or Contact Us directly.