How Long Does It Take for Celexa to Work?

The good news is that several medications are available to help people who have depression. However, it can feel confusing to sort through them and try to understand the specifics of each one, and if they can help a person.

When it comes to Celexa, one of the first questions a person has is, “How long does it take for Celexa to work?” Brandywine Center understands that everyone wants to make an informed decision about any medication they take.

We answer questions about Celexa to help people see how this powerful drug can help decrease a person’s symptoms of depression and bring a better balance of emotions to their lives. Celexa can be used as part of one of our outpatient programs in combination with evidence-based therapies proven to help treat depression. 

What is Celexa?

Part of understanding how long it takes for Celexa to work is getting an overall view of it. Celexa is the brand name of a mental health medication available by prescription called citalopram. A drug used to treat depression in adults, Celexa is part of a family of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It comes in capsule, tablet, or liquid form and should be taken as prescribed. Celexa should only be taken under the guidance of a doctor or other clinician. 

What Does Celexa Treat?

Celexa is prescribed to treat depression. The drug increases the amount of a chemical called serotonin produced in the brain. This causes diminished feelings of depression and a better ability to feel joy and satisfaction. 

While the drug is not currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety, it is often prescribed for this because of the good results it provides.

How Long Does It Take For Celexa to Work?

How long does it take for Celexa to work? This depends on a few factors, but most people begin to feel positive results within the first two weeks of using the medication. Some people may take longer than that to experience maximum effects. People with anxiety disorders commonly report feeling an improvement in their symptoms after the first week of treatment. 

If someone new to using Celexa does not find it provides measurable relief from their symptoms, they should report it to the prescribing clinician. It may mean the dosage is not high enough, not enough time has passed to feel results, or that Celexa is not the right drug for them.

What Are the Side Effects of Celexa?

Side effects often happen when trying a new medication. Most are temporary, but some can be long-lasting. Any side effects experienced should be reported to the person who prescribed the medication. Common side effects of Celexa include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Constipation 
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Anxiety
• Muscular pain
• Sexual dysfunction
• Feeling sleepy or sedated
• Sweating

More serious side effects that should be reported to the prescribing clinician immediately include chest pain, shortness of breath, seizures, visual disturbances, and suicidal feelings. 

The good news is that several medications are available to help people who have depression. However, it can feel confusing to sort through them and try to understand the specifics of each one, and if they can help a person.

When it comes to Celexa, one of the first questions a person has is, “How long does it take for Celexa to work?” Brandywine Center understands that everyone wants to make an informed decision about any medication they take.

We answer questions about Celexa to help people see how this powerful drug can help decrease a person’s symptoms of depression and bring a better balance of emotions to their lives. Celexa can be used as part of one of our outpatient programs in combination with evidence-based therapies proven to help treat depression. 

What is Celexa?

Part of understanding how long it takes for Celexa to work is getting an overall view of it. Celexa is the brand name of a mental health medication available by prescription called citalopram. A drug used to treat depression in adults, Celexa is part of a family of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It comes in capsule, tablet, or liquid form and should be taken as prescribed. Celexa should only be taken under the guidance of a doctor or other clinician. 

What Does Celexa Treat?

Celexa is prescribed to treat depression. The drug increases the amount of a chemical called serotonin produced in the brain. This causes diminished feelings of depression and a better ability to feel joy and satisfaction. 

While the drug is not currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety, it is often prescribed for this because of the good results it provides.

How Long Does It Take For Celexa to Work?

How long does it take for Celexa to work? This depends on a few factors, but most people begin to feel positive results within the first two weeks of using the medication. Some people may take longer than that to experience maximum effects. People with anxiety disorders commonly report feeling an improvement in their symptoms after the first week of treatment. 

If someone new to using Celexa does not find it provides measurable relief from their symptoms, they should report it to the prescribing clinician. It may mean the dosage is not high enough, not enough time has passed to feel results, or that Celexa is not the right drug for them.

What Are the Side Effects of Celexa?

Side effects often happen when trying a new medication. Most are temporary, but some can be long-lasting. Any side effects experienced should be reported to the person who prescribed the medication. Common side effects of Celexa include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Constipation 
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Anxiety
• Muscular pain
• Sexual dysfunction
• Feeling sleepy or sedated
• Sweating

More serious side effects that should be reported to the prescribing clinician immediately include chest pain, shortness of breath, seizures, visual disturbances, and suicidal feelings.