Does Celexa Cause Weight Gain? Everything You Need to Know

What Is Celexa (Citalopram)?

Celexa, the brand name for its active ingredient citalopram, is an FDA-approved antidepressant used to treat depression in adults. Celexa belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) class of drugs that works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. This helps those with symptoms of depression to feel better and have more energy.

Why Does Celexa Cause Weight Gain?

Weight gain is a common concern for those currently or considering taking antidepressant drugs, especially SSRIs such as Celexa, Prozac (fluoxetine), or Zoloft (sertraline). Celexa affects people in different ways depending on their genetic profile, and may or may not cause weight gain.

Antidepressants are commonly linked to changes in appetite and metabolism, which can lead to weight gain or weight loss. For some, Celexa may result in slight weight gain, as users can sometimes experience improved appetite from taking the drug. Conversely, in other populations Celexa may lead to weight loss, resulting from a decrease in appetite and interest in food. Again, these reactions vary person-to-person.

If weight gain is a matter that concerns you, you may consider switching your medication for another alternative. If this is the case, don’t stop your medication without consulting your doctor first. Abruptly discontinuing Celexa medication can cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety or sleeping problems. Your prescriber can help you taper your dosage to prevent severe side effects of Celexa.

Do Other Antidepressants Cause Weight Gain?

Weight gain is a possible side effect for many antidepressants. However, how a person responds to antidepressants varies greatly. Some are more likely to gain weight when taking a particular SSRI, while others may lose weight.¹

Antidepressants that may lead to weight gain in users include:

• Certain tricyclics, such as amitriptyline and doxepin
• Particular monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as phenelzine
• Escitalopram
• Sertraline
• Paroxetine

Is Weight Gain from Celexa Long-Term?

Weight gain from taking Celexa can be both short or long-term. A study following 260 Celexa users (of healthy weight) showed that at least 3% of participants gained weight during their first month of treatment. This population was also more at risk for long-term gain as opposed to those who did not gain during their first month. Therefore, it is suggested that monitoring one’s weight gain early on is important to help predict the future gains and possibly preventative measures.^2,3

Other Reasons for Weight Gain

A recent study has uncovered an association between depression and eating disorder related impairments. Participants who were prescribed Celexa for their depression showed increased chances of exhibiting eating disorder symptoms, such as emotional eating or overeating.⁶

Ways to Manage Celexa Weight Gain

Experiencing weight gain while taking Celexa may be worrying, so you should consult your doctor regarding any concerns you have. However, there are many ways you can work to limit weight gain on your own while remaining on Celexa. Your doctor can also taper your dosage or choose another medication that has minimal impact on your weight.

Here are seven ways to manage weight gain while taking Celexa:⁴

1. Eat a healthier diet: Eating healthy food that is not rich in calories, sugar, or salt can help you better maintain a healthy weight.
2. Exercise more: Regular exercise burns calories which play a role in weight gain.
3. Work with a dietician: If you are concerned about weight gain, a dietician can advise you how to eat more mindfully.
4. Avoid alcohol: Avoid consuming high-calorie alcoholic beverages to prevent unnecessary caloric intake.
5. Get enough sleep: Getting a good night’s sleep is important for both your physical and mental well-being.
6. Adjust your dose: If continued Celexa use results in significant weight gain, your doctor can help taper your dosage to reduce side effects.
7. Switch your prescription: Your doctor can help you switch to an antidepressant if necessary.

Other Side Effects of Celexa

Celexa may result in other side effects such as vomiting, anxiety, and nausea. These side effects are common and do not call for immediate medical attention. However, if the symptoms worsen or become severe, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Common Celexa side effects may include:¹

• Increased sweating
• Insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Sexual disorders
• Restlessness

Celexa side effects that require immediate medical attention may include:^1,7

• Serotonin syndrome
• Changes in menstrual cycles
• Manic episodes
• Bleeding problems
• Breathing difficulties
• Suicidal ideation
• Angle-closure glaucoma
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Seizures
• Heart problems
• Hyponatremia
• Sexual dysfunction
• Serotonin syndrome

Alternatives to Celexa to Prevent Weight Gain

While many antidepressants may result in weight gain, some are less likely to produce this side effect.⁵ When considering a suitable medication alternative to Celexa, your doctor may recommend Prozac, which is a suitable alternative for many.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team

Most antidepressants will result in some side effects, but these vary depending on an individual. Before considering using Celexa, it is imperative to consult with your doctor in order to understand how you may be affected by it.

Questions to ask your care team about the side effects of Celexa include:

• Am I at risk for increased weight gain if I am taking other anxiety/depression medications?
• Will a previous history of weight gain make me more susceptible?
• What is the best dosage to prevent weight gain?
• How do my current prescriptions influence Celexa side effects?
• When should I contact you regarding weight gain?
• Are there other medications that may not result in weight gain?
• Will switching to another depression medication lead to further weight gain?
• Does my current physical health contribute to weight gain while using Celexa?

Final Thoughts

Weight gain while taking Celexa may be worrying for some users. If weight gain concerns you, you can consult with your doctor about alternative prescriptions that may be less likely to cause this side effect. Talking to your doctor before starting a Celexa medication is essential as well.