Depression
23 min read
Written by Klarity Editorial Team
Published: Dec 21, 2022
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Zoe Russell
Depression and anxiety disorders are complex conditions that affect each individual differently, so choosing the right medication is important. You deserve to find relief, but where do you start? Klarity Health can help.
If you’re taking Celexa or Paxil or are wondering about switching from one to the other, we’ve got you covered. In this comparison guide, we’ll identify the similarities and differences between the two so you can have an informed discussion with your healthcare provider.
At Klarity Health, we understand that finding the right treatment for anxiety and depression can be overwhelming, which is why we offer access to convenient telehealth services to make it easier. Schedule an appointment, and we’ll connect you with a licensed healthcare professional who will determine the best medication for your symptoms.
This article discusses suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately at 800-273-8255.
Paxil | Celexa | |
Drug Class | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) |
Brand / Generic Status | Brand name for paroxetine | Brand name for citalopram |
Form(s) of the Drug | • Color-coded tablets • Time-release tablets • Orange-colored and flavored liquid suspension | • Oval capsules • Round tablets • Clear, peppermint-flavored liquid suspension All forms are immediate-release |
Standard Dosage | Time-release tablets: • 37.5mg of paroxetine Color-coded tablets: • Yellow: 10 mg • Pink: 20 mg • Blue: 30 mg • Green: 40 mg Liquid suspension: • 5mg of suspension contains 10mg of paroxetine | Capsules: • 30mg dose Tablets: • 10 mg • 20 mg • 40 mg Liquid suspension: • 10mg of citalopram per dose |
Conditions Treated | FDA-approved uses: • Major depression Off-label uses: • Anxiety • Panic disorder • Insomnia | FDA-approved uses: • Major depressive disorder (MDD) Off-label uses: • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) • Binge eating disorder • Alcohol use disorder • Generalized anxiety disorder • Panic disorder or PTSD • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder • Postmenopausal flushing • Premature ejaculation |
Cost | Generic form (paroxetine): • $4 to $25 for a 30-day supply Brand-name: • $280 for a 30-day supply | Generic form (citalopram): • $4.50 to $19 for a 30-day supply Brand-name: • $4 for 30-day supply* *With coupon codes or insurance |
Side-Effects | Common side effects: • Changes in vision • Weakness, drowsiness, or dizziness • Sweating or shaking • Anxiety • Insomnia • Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting • Diarrhea or constipation • Dry mouth • Infections • Headaches • Decreased sex drive or impotence • Abnormal ejaculation or difficulty orgasming Serious side effects: • Racing thoughts • Decreased need for sleep • Unusual risk-taking behaviors • Extreme feelings of happiness or sadness • Being more talkative than usual • Blurred vision or tunnel vision • Eye pain, swelling, or seeing halos around lights • Bone pain, tenderness, swelling, or bruising • Changes in weight or appetite • Coughing up blood or bleeding from your nose, mouth, or rectum • Unusual vaginal bleeding • Stiff or rigid muscles • High fever, sweating, tremors, or fainting • Fast, uneven heartbeat • Headaches • Confusion or slurred speech • Severe weakness, lost coordination, or feeling unsteady | Common side effects: • Nausea or GI upset • Dry mouth • Changes in appetite • Drowsiness or fatigue • Increased sweating • Blurred vision Serious side effects: • Worsening depression • Suicidal ideation • Serotonin syndrome • Rapid heart rate and high blood pressure • High fever, resulting in increased sweating, shivering, or goosebumps • Irregular heartbeat or palpitations • Agitation or restlessness • Loss of muscle coordination or uncontrollable muscle twitching or rigidity • Diarrhea • Headache • Dilated pupils • Confusion or altered consciousness |
Warnings For Use | Contraindicated conditions: • Bipolar disorder • History of suicide attempts • Liver or kidney problems • Bleeding problems • Low sodium in the blood • Peptic ulcer disease • Seizure disorders • Thyroid disease • Angle-closure type glaucoma • Pregnancy or breastfeeding Adverse drug interactions: • Thioridazine • Clopidogrel • NSAIDs • Warfarin • Aspirin • Atomoxetine • Phenothiazines • Pimozide, • Risperidone • Tamoxifen • Tetrabenazine • Antiarrhythmic medications • TCA antidepressants • Antihistamines • Sleep aids • Muscle relaxants • Opiate-based pain relievers or cough suppressants • Water pills (may cause salt imbalance) • MAOIs may cause a fatal reaction • Alcohol • Marijuana | Adverse drug reactions: • MDMA • St. John's Wort • ADHD medications, such as Adderall • Antipsychotic medications • Tricyclic antidepressants • Buspar • Some migraine medications • Lithium • Antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications • MAOIs • Drugs that affect heart rhythm |
Paroxetine, sold under the brand name Paxil, is a medication used for treating depression. It is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which means it blocks certain brain receptors from reabsorbing serotonin.
By increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, SSRIs like Paxil can help to regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels. They can also improve overall well-being by reducing the symptoms of depression, such as low mood, difficulty concentrating, and low energy.
Paxil is available in three forms: tablets, extended-release tablets, and a liquid suspension. Extended-release tablets are taken just once a day, differentiating them from standard tablets, which usually require multiple doses throughout the day.
Your provider will help you determine which form is right for you, depending on your condition and how you react to the potential side effects of Paxil.
The tablets come in 4 color-coded dosages as follows:
If you are prescribed the liquid suspension, it usually comes in a bottle that is 10mg/5ml. The liquid is orange-flavored and can make taking Paxil easier if you often struggle with the taste of medicine. The normal dose of Paxil usually starts at 20 mg a day and increases to a maximum of 50 mg a day, based on your provider’s advice.
Paxil is classified by the FDA as an antidepressant. However, it can be effective in treating the following conditions.
Generalized anxiety disorder can cause excessive worry, fear, or nervousness that is difficult to control. By increasing serotonin levels in the brain, Paxil can help regulate mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also help improve sleep and reduce physical anxiety symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, tremors, and muscle tension.
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. It can also cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating.
Paxil works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, a chemical messenger that helps regulate mood and other functions in the body. By increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, Paxil can help to regulate mood and reduce depression symptoms.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that often results in intrusive thoughts and behaviors that disrupt daily life. Paxil can increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, which reduces these obsessive thoughts and compulsions by improving overall mood.
The cost of a 30-day supply of brand-name Paxil can be as high as $300, while a generic version of the medication, paroxetine, typically costs between $16 and $40 for the same amount. The exact cost may vary depending on your insurance coverage and the pharmacy you use.
It is common for Paxil to cause some moderate side effects, which can fade in just a few days or continue intermittently as you continue taking the medication. If your symptoms worsen or persist, contact your healthcare provider to discuss adjusting your dose or switching medications.
Here are some of the most common mild to moderate side effects:
In some rare cases, Paxil can cause more severe side effects. If you begin to experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to immediately contact your provider.
Because Paxil is an SSRI, individuals who take it are at risk for a very rare condition known as serotonin syndrome, which occurs when a person has too much serotonin in their body. If left untreated, serotonin syndrome can lead to more serious complications such as high fever, seizures, coma, and even death.
Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you must contact your provider or seek medical attention immediately.
Additionally, there are some conditions that put you at a higher risk when you take Paxil. If you have any of the following conditions, speak to your provider before taking Paxil.
If you experience an increase in suicidal thoughts or impulses, seek help immediately by calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Medications like Paxil can have adverse reactions to certain medications, so it is important to make your provider aware of any medications you already take, especially if they are one or more of the following.
Additionally, individuals who have had an addiction to narcotics should discuss alternatives to Paxil with their provider.
Like Paxil, Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). It works by altering how the brain uses serotonin, a chemical messenger that helps regulate mood and other bodily functions.
Celexa increases serotonin levels in the brain, slowing its reabsorption into neurons. This can help to improve mood and reduce the symptoms of depression and increase overall mental health.
Celexa is available in three forms: oral solution, capsule, and tablet. The oral solution has a dosage of 10 mg/5 ml, while the tablets come in three doses: 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg. The capsule is only available in a 30 mg dose.
The recommended starting dose for Celexa is 20 mg by mouth once daily, and the maximum recommended dose is 40 mg by mouth once daily. Your healthcare provider will help determine the best form and dosage for your individual needs.
Celexa is most commonly known for its ability to treat depression. However, because SSRIs can also help reduce symptoms of other mental health conditions, they can be prescribed as an off-label treatment for anxiety and OCD as well.
Off-label prescriptions of Celexa just means that it hasn’t been FDA-approved to treat anxiety, which requires extensive testing and resources that aren’t available for every way a medication can be used. Celexas has proven beneficial for those with anxiety, and it’s ethical and safe for your healthcare provider to prescribe it off-label.
Celexa can help reduce anxiety symptoms such as constant nervousness and fear that disrupt daily life. It works by regulating how the brain uses serotonin, which can help alleviate these symptoms and promote calm and emotional stability. When taken regularly, Celexa may help individuals feel more relaxed and in control of their emotions.
Celexa can treat various symptoms of depression, including feelings of hopelessness and low energy. By regulating the brain’s use of serotonin, Celexa can help improve an individual’s sense of well-being and increase their energy levels.
Celexa can help reduce the obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and improve the overall quality of life. It is important to note that Celexa should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for OCD that may also include therapy and other interventions.
The cost of a Celexa prescription can vary based on whether you are prescribed the generic or brand version of the medication. The generic form of Celexa, called citalopram, can be relatively inexpensive, costing around $7 for 30 tablets of the 20mg dosage.
In contrast, the brand version of Celexa can be significantly more expensive, costing up to $400 for the same quantity and dosage. It is worth noting that Celexa may be less costly if covered by insurance. Other factors that may influence the cost are your pharmacy, dose, and insurance coverage.
Like all antidepressants, Celexa can cause some mild to moderate side effects. The side effects of Celexa usually go away in just a few days; however, if they persist, you should speak with your medical provider.
The most common mild side effects of Celexa include
In rare cases, Celexa can cause more severe side effects. If you experience any of the following while taking Celexa, seek medical attention immediately.
In extremely rare instances, Celexa can cause serotonin syndrome, which is a condition that occurs when too much serotonin is present in the body. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, fast heart rate, and confusion, which can lead to coma and even death.
Celexa may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in people under 24. This risk is highest during the first few months of treatment or when the dosage changes.
It is important to be vigilant about your mental health and seek help immediately if you have suicidal thoughts or impulses while taking Celexa. You can call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for help, and you should also inform your healthcare provider about any suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
If you take any medications, it is important to discuss the possible negative interactions they could have with Celexa with your healthcare provider.
When taking Celexa with the medications below, you could experience reduced effectiveness and increased side effects. Individuals taking the following medications should avoid Celexa unless their provider says otherwise.
If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, you shouldn’t have to struggle to find the right medications for relief. At Klarity Health, we connect you with convenient and effective telehealth treatment for anxiety and depression that may or may not include medication, so you can get the care you need without leaving your home.
Find a provider and be seen in as little as 24 hours.*
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.
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