Compare Celexa vs. Lexapro
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.
Lexapro (escitalopram) is good for treating depression and anxiety. It is less likely to cause side effects than and has fewer drug interactions. However, it might not be a good choice if you have liver or heart problems.
●●●●●
3.6/ 5 average rating with 1063 reviewsforLexapro
Upsides
- Effectively relieves depression symptoms.
- This medicine is not as drowsy as other antidepressants.
- Available as a generic, which is cheaper.
- Effective at relieving depression and anxiety symptoms.
- Lowers the likelihood that your depression will come back.
- Lexapro (escitalopram) has less drug interactions than other similar antidepressants and might cause fewer side effects.
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.
- Can cause a small weight gain of 1-5 pounds.
- Lexapro (escitalopram) is not a good option if you have heart or liver problems.
- The first antidepressant you try might not always work, so you may need to try a few different medicines until you find one that works for you.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$4.00
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$7.13
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 review1063 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Lexapro (escitalopram)?
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%
25possible side effects
- Headache24%
- Nausea18%
- Problems ejaculating14%
- Sleepiness13%
- Insomnia12%
- Dry mouth9%
- Diarrhea8%
- Fatigue8%
- Decreased libido7%
- Problems with orgasm6%
- Constipation5%
- Flu-like symptoms5%
- Increased sweating4%
- Indigestion3%
- Vomiting3%
- Neck/shoulder pain3%
- Abnormal dreams3%
- Decrease appetite3%
- Lack of energy3%
- Tingling or burning in the hands/feet2%
- Abdominal pain2%
- Flatulence2%
- Toothache2%
- Yawning2%
- Menstrual disorder2%
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
- Using other medications that affect serotonin
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Lexapro (escitalopram) suddenly
- Increased bleeding
- Taking blood thinners
- Sexual problems
- Uncovering of bipolar disorder
- Bipolar disorder