Compare Prozac vs. Celexa

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

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Prozac (fluoxetine)

Prescription only

Celexa (citalopram)

Prescription only
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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Delayed-release pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$604.94
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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 review
520 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Celexa (citalopram)?

Leave a review
Side effects
22possible side effects
  • Inability to sleep
    33%
  • Nausea
    28%
  • Lack of energy
    21%
  • Anxiety
    15%
  • Sleepiness
    13%
  • Tremor
    13%
  • Nervousness
    11%
  • Yawn
    11%
  • Indigestion
    10%
  • Sore throat
    10%
  • Dry mouth
    9%
  • Flu syndrome
    8%
  • Diarrhea
    8%
  • Loss of appetite
    8%
  • Sweating
    8%
  • Impotence
    7%
  • Abnormal ejaculation
    7%
  • Sinus infection
    6%
  • Lower sex drive
    5%
  • Abnormal dreams
    5%
  • Rash
    4%
  • Widening of blood vessels
    2%
See more detailed 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
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
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
  • 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
Learn more about Prozac (fluoxetine)
Learn more about Celexa (citalopram)