citalopram (Celexa)
Meet with a licensed provider online to explore if an antidepressant medication like citalopram (Celexa) may be right for you.
Treatment for:depression
585+ insurance plans accepted
Quickly confirm coverage or view self-pay rates
First, choose your state
You’ll get the most accurate information if we know where you’re seeking care, as insurance coverage and self-pay rates vary by state.
Then, pick a plan or self-pay
Below are the insurances we accept in your state. Don’t see yours listed or don’t have insurance? You can still get help through self-pay.
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*This is a common co-pay range for mental health services with an in-network provider; however, you may have a different co-pay or other out-of-pocket costs (such as a deductible), dependent upon your specific plan’s benefits. After confirming that the provider you’d like to work with accepts your plan (over the phone with our support team or on the provider’s profile), please contact your insurance to determine your exact financial responsibility, prior to scheduling.
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You can choose therapy in person or online, whichever works best for you; psychiatry is exclusively online.
Receive help quickly — have your first session as soon as this week.
Individual & relationship counseling
Get individual therapy for depression, stress, and more (for yourself or your child/teen). Or, work through your unique relationship challenges in couples/marriage or family therapy.
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Psychiatry/medication management
Reduce or manage symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety and ADHD, with psychiatric medication.
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Work with a provider who fits your needs — hand-selected by (or for) you.
You can choose therapy in person or online, whichever works best for you; psychiatry is exclusively online.
Receive help quickly — have your first session as soon as this week.
What is an SSRI?
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is a class of medication commonly used to treat mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD.
How does a SSRI work?
SSRIs increase the availability of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a naturally-occurring brain chemical that supports the regulation of mood and memory.
How prescribing works
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1
Find a provider who meets your needs
Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).
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Meet 1:1 to begin treatment
Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.
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Attend sessions and start feeling better
Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.
FAQs
What is citalopram (Celexa) used for?
Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
Should you take citalopram (Celexa) in the morning or night?
The best time of day to take citalopram depends on your individual response to treatment. Citalopram is typically taken once per day, and may be taken in the morning to avoid problems with sleep. However, if you experience sleepiness due to the medication, it may be better to take it at night. It's important to take the medication around the same time every day to keep steady levels of the drug in your body, which helps citalopram treat your condition. Talk with your provider to figure out the best time of day for you to take citalopram.
Does citalopram (Celexa) cause weight gain or loss?
Changes in weight, including weight gain or weight loss, are possible when taking citalopram. If you're concerned about the weight gain or loss caused by citalopram, talk with your provider to discuss ways to manage this side effect. However, keep in mind that weight changes may be related to your condition.
How long does it take for citalopram (Celexa) to work?
Citalopram starts to work soon after you begin treatment. However, it may take several weeks before you notice an improvement in your depression symptoms. Talk to your provider if you have further questions about how long citalopram takes to start working.
Does citalopram (Celexa) make you sleepy?
Yes, citalopram may cause sleepiness when you first start taking it. This may go away once your body becomes used to the medication, but until you know how citalopram affects you, it's recommended not to drive, operate machinery, or perform tasks that require alertness. If you experience this side effect with citalopram, it may help to take it at night. Speak with your provider or pharmacist to learn more.
Does citalopram (Celexa) help with anxiety?
It's possible that citalopram could help with anxiety, and may be used off-label to treat it, though it is not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for that purpose. “Off-label” use means using a medication for a condition other than its approved uses. In the case that you have anxiety along with depression symptoms, citalopram may be helpful. However, you should know that citalopram can also worsen anxiety symptoms in some people. If you have questions about using citalopram for anxiety, your provider can give you more information.
What are the side effects of citalopram (Celexa)?
Common side effects of citalopram include (but are not limited to) dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, trouble sleeping, tiredness, agitation, sexual side effects, diarrhea, sweating, hunger, weakness, sleepiness, weight gain, or weight loss. Discuss citalopram with your pharmacist or provider for more information.
Can I get a prescription online?
You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.
Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?
Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.
How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?
Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.
We offer psychiatry in these select states
Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.
Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.
Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer
