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How Long Does It Take for Celexa to Work?

Mental Health Medications: Celexa

Celexa is a prescription drug that can treat symptoms of depression and is most effective when combined with therapy.

Call us or visit our admissions page to begin mental health treatment in Philadelphia.

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How Long Does It Take for Celexa to Work?

Mental Health Medications: Celexa

Celexa is a prescription drug that can treat symptoms of depression and is most effective when combined with therapy.

Call us or visit our admissions page to begin mental health treatment in Philadelphia.

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The good news is that several medications are available to help people who have depression. However, it can feel confusing to sort through them and try to understand the specifics of each one, and if they can help a person.

When it comes to Celexa, one of the first questions a person has is, “How long does it take for Celexa to work?” New Mind Philadelphia understands that everyone wants to make an informed decision about any medication they take.

We answer questions about Celexa to help people see how this powerful drug can help decrease a person’s symptoms of depression and bring a better balance of emotions to their lives. Celexa can be used as part of one of our outpatient programs in combination with evidence-based therapies proven to help treat depression. 

What is Celexa?

Part of understanding how long it takes for Celexa to work is getting an overall view of it. Celexa is the brand name of a mental health medication available by prescription called citalopram. A drug used to treat depression in adults, Celexa is part of a family of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It comes in capsule, tablet, or liquid form and should be taken as prescribed. Celexa should only be taken under the guidance of a doctor or other clinician. 

What Does Celexa Treat?

Celexa is prescribed to treat depression. The drug increases the amount of a chemical called serotonin produced in the brain. This causes diminished feelings of depression and a better ability to feel joy and satisfaction. 

While the drug is not currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety, it is often prescribed for this because of the good results it provides.

How Long Does It Take For Celexa to Work?

How long does it take for Celexa to work? This depends on a few factors, but most people begin to feel positive results within the first two weeks of using the medication. Some people may take longer than that to experience maximum effects. People with anxiety disorders commonly report feeling an improvement in their symptoms after the first week of treatment. 

If someone new to using Celexa does not find it provides measurable relief from their symptoms, they should report it to the prescribing clinician. It may mean the dosage is not high enough, not enough time has passed to feel results, or that Celexa is not the right drug for them.

What Are the Side Effects of Celexa?

Side effects often happen when trying a new medication. Most are temporary, but some can be long-lasting. Any side effects experienced should be reported to the person who prescribed the medication. Common side effects of Celexa include:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Constipation 
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Dry mouth
  • Loss of appetite
  • Anxiety
  • Muscular pain
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Feeling sleepy or sedated
  • Sweating

More serious side effects that should be reported to the prescribing clinician immediately include chest pain, shortness of breath, seizures, visual disturbances, and suicidal feelings. 

Begin Mental Health Treatment Today

New Mind Wellness is a leader in the provision of mental health treatment in Pennsylvania. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental illness, reach out to us today or verify your insurance now.

Is Celexa Addictive?

Side effects often happen when trying a new medication. Most are temporary, but some can be long-lasting. Any side effects experienced should be reported to the person who prescribed the medication. Common side effects of Celexa include:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Constipation 
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Dry mouth
  • Loss of appetite
  • Anxiety
  • Muscular pain
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Feeling sleepy or sedated
  • Sweating

More serious side effects that should be reported to the prescribing clinician immediately include chest pain, shortness of breath, seizures, visual disturbances, and suicidal feelings. 

How Does Celexa Compare to Other Mental Health Medications?

Both Celexa and Lexapro are SSRI drugs. Lexapro is the brand name for escitalopram and is available in tablet or liquid form. Both medications have similar qualities and ways in which they affect people.
On average, Prozac takes longer to take effect than Celexa does. Most people report it takes one to two months to feel the full drug effects. While Celexa is taken daily, Prozac can be administered daily or by taking a delayed-release capsule weekly.
While Celexa is an SSRI drug, Cymbalta is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Celexa is used to treat depression, while Cymbalta can treat that as well as conditions related to fibromyalgia, diabetes, and musculoskeletal pain.
Wellbutrin is an atypical antidepressant rather than an SSRI like Celexa. Wellbutrin can be taken in a sustained-release or extended-release dosage. It can also treat people who have seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Who Can Prescribe Celexa?

Celexa is available by prescription only. A prescription can be obtained by visiting a person’s primary care physician, a psychiatrist,  a mental health counselor, a nurse practitioner, or a physician’s assistant. 

Find Psychiatry at New Mind Wellness Today

Now that you know the answer to, “How long does it take for Celexa to work?”, you may want to discuss if this is the right prescription medication for your unique needs. New Mind Philadelphia created a program to treat depression that offers three different levels of care. Our skilled and caring therapists stand steadfast by your side as you attend highly effective therapies designed to reduce your depression. 

Contact us now to find out more about Celexa and other medications we offer. We can provide a free insurance check and enroll you quickly in one of our programs.