Compare Celexa vs. Effexor

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Celexa (citalopram)

Prescription only

Effexor (venlafaxine)

Prescription only
Improves mood.

Celexa (citalopram) is good for treating depression and anxiety. Side effects are less likely to happen compared to other antidepressants; however, it is not the best choice for people with heart or liver problems.

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3.7/ 5 average rating with 520 reviewsforCelexa
Improves mood and helps you relax.

Effexor (venlafaxine) is good for treating depression and anxiety, but it can cause more withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly compared to other antidepressants.

●●●●●
3.7/ 5 average rating with 577 reviewsforEffexor
Upsides
  • Effectively relieves depression symptoms.
  • This medicine is not as drowsy as other antidepressants.
  • Available as a generic, which is cheaper.
  • Effexor (venlafaxine) effectively treats depression, anxiety, and panic disorder.
  • Effexor (venlafaxine) causes more sleepiness than other antidepressants, so it's beneficial for people who have trouble sleeping.
  • Effexor (venlafaxine) might work when other antidepressants haven't worked since it affects two chemicals in the brain that impact your mood.
  • Effexor (venlafaxine) has several uses, which may be good for people with multiple conditions.
  • Effexor (venlafaxine) is available in generic, which is cheaper.
Downsides
  • Can cause sexual side effects like decreased sex drive, difficulties with orgasm or ejaculation, and minor weight gain (1 to 5 pounds).
  • Celexa (citalopram) may not be a good option if you have heart or liver problems.
  • Like most antidepressants, Celexa (citalopram) can increase risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in people younger than 24 years.
  • Effexor (venlafaxine) can cause side effects such as decreased libido and increased blood pressure.
  • Like most antidepressants, it can cause a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people aged 24 years or younger.
  • Compared to other antidepressants, it's more likely to cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it and can causes more sleepiness.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$4.00
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Lowest price
$11.44
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Reviews
520 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Celexa (citalopram)?

Leave a review
577 reviews so far
62%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
23%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Effexor (venlafaxine)?

Leave a review
Side effects
25possible side effects
  • Nausea
    21%
  • Dry mouth
    20%
  • Drowsiness
    18%
  • Difficulty sleeping
    15%
  • Increased sweating
    11%
  • Tremor
    8%
  • Diarrhea
    8%
  • Abnormal ejaculation
    6%
  • Indigestion
    5%
  • Fatigue
    5%
  • Upper airway infection
    5%
  • Stuffy nose
    5%
  • Vomiting
    4%
  • Anxiety
    4%
  • Anorexia
    4%
  • Abdominal pain
    3%
  • Agitation
    3%
  • Menstrual cramps
    3%
  • Sinus infection
    3%
  • Erection difficulties
    3%
  • Fever
    2%
  • Joint pain
    2%
  • Muscle pain
    2%
  • Decreased sex drive
    2%
  • Yawning
    2%
See more detailed side effects
39possible side effects
  • Nausea
    37%
  • Headache
    25%
  • Drowsiness
    23%
  • Dry mouth
    22%
  • Dizziness
    19%
  • Difficulty sleeping
    18%
  • Constipation
    15%
  • Nervousness
    13%
  • Weakness
    12%
  • Sweating
    12%
  • Abnormal ejaculation/orgasm
    12%
  • Loss of appetite
    11%
  • Diarrhea
    8%
  • Infection
    6%
  • Vomiting
    6%
  • Anxiety
    6%
  • Blurred vision
    6%
  • Impotence
    6%
  • Indigestion
    5%
  • Tremor
    5%
  • Abnormal dreams
    4%
  • Chills
    3%
  • Rash
    3%
  • Gas
    3%
  • Stiff muscles
    3%
  • Prickling/burning sensation
    3%
  • Yawn
    3%
  • Increased urination
    3%
  • Chest pain
    2%
  • Trauma
    2%
  • Increased blood pressure
    2%
  • Increased heart rate
    2%
  • Decreased libido
    2%
  • Agitation
    2%
  • Confusion
    2%
  • Thinking abnormal
    2%
  • Changes in taste
    2%
  • Ringing in the ears
    2%
  • Dilation of pupils
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • Age 24 years or younger
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Taking tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, tramadol, fentanyl, amphetamines, certain headache medications (triptans), St. John's Wort
  • Bipolar disorder
    • History of bipolar disorder
    • At risk for bipolar disorder
  • Withdrawal
    • Stopping Celexa (citalopram) abruptly
  • Lower maximum dose in some people
    • Higher dose
    • History of heart problems
    • History of liver problems
    • 60 years or older
  • Increased bleeding
    • Taking other blood-thinning drugs (including aspirin, NSAIDs such as Advil, warfarin)
  • Sexual side effects
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • Age 24 years or younger
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Taking tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, tramadol, fentanyl, amphetamines, certain headache medications (triptans), St. John's Wort
  • Withdrawal
    • Stopping Effexor (venlafaxine) suddenly
  • Increased bleeding
    • Taking other blood-thinning drugs (including aspirin, NSAIDs such as Advil, warfarin)
  • Increased blood pressure
    • Bipolar disorder
      • History of bipolar disorder
      • At risk for bipolar disorder
    See more detailed risks and warnings
    Learn more about Celexa (citalopram)
    Learn more about Effexor (venlafaxine)