Compare Prozac vs. Celexa
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Improves mood and helps you relax.
Prozac (fluoxetine) is good for treating depression and anxiety. It's more energizing than other antidepressants, so it may not be the best choice for people who have trouble sleeping.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 1319 reviewsforProzac
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
Upsides
- Effectively treats a variety of mental health conditions such as depression, OCD, and panic disorder.
- It's more energizing than other antidepressants, so it's good for people who have low energy.
- Might be a good option for treating children with depression and/or OCD.
- Doesn't have effects on the heart unlike other antidepressants so it may be a better treatment choice for older people.
- Can cause a significant amount of weight loss which is an added benefit for those who are overweight or obese.
- Effectively relieves depression symptoms.
- This medicine is not as drowsy as other antidepressants.
- Available as a generic, which is cheaper.
Downsides
- Takes at least 1 to 2 weeks to kick in and can take up to 12 weeks for maximum effect. Prozac (fluoxetine) tends to take more time to start working compared to similar alternatives.
- Can lower your sex drive.
- Can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and/or behavior in those age 24 or younger.
- You may need to try out several different antidepressants before you find the one that works for you.
- 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.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Delayed-release pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
No pricing information available
Lowest price
$4.00
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Reviews
1319 reviews so far
62%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Prozac (fluoxetine)?
Leave a review520 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Celexa (citalopram)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
22possible side effects
- Inability to sleep33%
- Nausea28%
- Lack of energy21%
- Anxiety15%
- Sleepiness13%
- Tremor13%
- Nervousness11%
- Yawn11%
- Indigestion10%
- Sore throat10%
- Dry mouth9%
- Flu syndrome8%
- Diarrhea8%
- Loss of appetite8%
- Sweating8%
- Impotence7%
- Abnormal ejaculation7%
- Sinus infection6%
- Lower sex drive5%
- Abnormal dreams5%
- Rash4%
- Widening of blood vessels2%
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%
Risks and risk factors
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 or younger
- Serotonin syndrome
- Antidepressants
- Lithium
- Ultram
- Imitrex
- Remeron
- Lexapro
- Dilaudid
- St. John's Wort
- Skin rash
- Weight loss
- People with an eating disorder
- Increased bleeding risk
- Taking NSAIDS or blood-thinning drugs
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- People with heart rhythm problems or a family history of them
- Low potassium level
- Low magnesium level
- Recent heart attack
- Using other drugs that affect heart rhythm
- Overdose
- People with liver problems
- 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