Compare Celexa vs. Effexor
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
●●●●●
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.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$4.00
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$9.83
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
520 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Celexa (citalopram)?
Leave a review577 reviews so far
62%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
23%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Effexor (venlafaxine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
25possible side effects
- Nausea21%
- Dry mouth20%
- Drowsiness18%
- Difficulty sleeping15%
- Increased sweating11%
- Tremor8%
- Diarrhea8%
- Abnormal ejaculation6%
- Indigestion5%
- Fatigue5%
- Upper airway infection5%
- Stuffy nose5%
- Vomiting4%
- Anxiety4%
- Anorexia4%
- Abdominal pain3%
- Agitation3%
- Menstrual cramps3%
- Sinus infection3%
- Erection difficulties3%
- Fever2%
- Joint pain2%
- Muscle pain2%
- Decreased sex drive2%
- Yawning2%
39possible side effects
- Nausea37%
- Headache25%
- Drowsiness23%
- Dry mouth22%
- Dizziness19%
- Difficulty sleeping18%
- Constipation15%
- Nervousness13%
- Weakness12%
- Sweating12%
- Abnormal ejaculation/orgasm12%
- Loss of appetite11%
- Diarrhea8%
- Infection6%
- Vomiting6%
- Anxiety6%
- Blurred vision6%
- Impotence6%
- Indigestion5%
- Tremor5%
- Abnormal dreams4%
- Chills3%
- Rash3%
- Gas3%
- Stiff muscles3%
- Prickling/burning sensation3%
- Yawn3%
- Increased urination3%
- Chest pain2%
- Trauma2%
- Increased blood pressure2%
- Increased heart rate2%
- Decreased libido2%
- Agitation2%
- Confusion2%
- Thinking abnormal2%
- Changes in taste2%
- Ringing in the ears2%
- Dilation of pupils2%
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
- 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