What is the generic name for Celexa?

In this article:

• Generic for Celexa
• What does "generic" mean?
• Active ingredient
• Benefits of citalopram
• What to expect
• Alternatives

In this article

• Generic for Celexa
• What does "generic" mean?
• Active ingredient
• Benefits of citalopram
• What to expect
• Alternatives

Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide) is a brand-name prescription drug used to treat depression (major depressive disorder) in adults. It belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are also prescribed for mental health conditions such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). 

Like many brand-name antidepressants, Celexa is expensive. Fortunately, a less expensive generic version is available.

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Does Celexa have a generic?

Yes, generic Celexa is available on the market. Generic Celexa is called citalopram (or citalopram hydrobromide), the same as the drug’s active ingredient. Citalopram is available from several drug manufacturers, including Mylan and Torrent Pharma. 

Patients often inquire about the availability of generic alternatives because brand-name prescription drugs can be expensive. For instance, the average retail price of brand-name Celexa (before insurance or discounts) is $407 for 30, 20-milligram (mg) tablets. The average retail price of generic citalopram, on the other hand, is about $6 for 30, 20-mg tablets. 

What does “generic” really mean for medications?

Generic drugs are medications with the same active ingredient, form, dosage, and uses as their brand-name counterparts. In other words, a generic is a copy of a brand-name drug. The reason generic medications cost less is that they are released after the original brand-name drug manufacturer’s patents and exclusivity rights have expired. 

“Generic medications are generally just as safe, effective, and clinically equivalent to their brand-name counterparts,” says Heather Gosnell, MD, board-certified pediatrician and certified plant-based health coach in Phoenix, Arizona. “They are rigorously tested and must meet the same standards for quality, purity, and strength as the original drug before the FDA approves them.”

When comparing two similar drugs, experts often use the terms “bioequivalence” and “therapeutic equivalence.” Dr. Gosnell says bioequivalence is the “strict measurable standard” used by the FDA to determine that a generic drug is equivalent to the brand-name drug. Bioequivalent drugs have the same active ingredients that are absorbed by the body at the same rate. “Therapeutic equivalence is the clinical outcome. It means two drugs have the same actual clinical effects in patients, “ Dr. Gosnell says.

Bottom line: In general, FDA-approved generic drugs are bioequivalent, and thus therapeutically equivalent, to their brand-name counterparts. 

The rigorous process of generic drug approval

“In the U.S., any FDA-approved generic has to meet very strict criteria,” says Barbara Sparacino, MD, a triple board-certified physician and on-call psychiatrist for health systems in Miami, Florida. “It must have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, route of administration, and intended use as the brand-name drug. It also needs to be bioequivalent, meaning it is absorbed into the bloodstream at essentially the same rate and extent as the brand. The manufacturing quality and purity standards are also the same.”

Generic drug applications for FDA approval must show that the generic medication meets the following criteria:

1. Same dosage form as the original drug. Generic drugs must use the same delivery method (e.g., capsule, tablet) and be released at the same rate (e.g., fast-acting, extended-release). 
2. Proper drug manufacturing. Generic drug companies must provide information confirming that their facilities are capable of manufacturing the drug correctly.
3. Consistent manufacturing. Generic drug manufacturers must demonstrate that they can consistently produce the drug in the same manner each time.
4. Same active ingredient as the original drug. Generics must use the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts.
5. Bioequivalence. Studies must show that the same amount of generic drug gets to the bloodstream and that it gets there at about the same time as the original drug.
6. Inactive ingredient safety. A generic drug’s inactive ingredients must be safe and have no impact on the effects of the active ingredient. 
7. Proof of stability. Generic drugs must pass stability tests proving that they last for “a reasonable amount of time,” per the FDA.
8. Appropriate packaging. Generic drug companies must demonstrate that the medication packaging prevents the drug from deteriorating.
9. Same label as the original drug. The information label for the generic drug should match that of the brand-name drug.
10. Expired patents. A generic drug cannot be released until the brand-name drug’s patents and exclusivity rights expire. 

It takes years for brand-name drug patents to expire, so some people might find it frustrating that the FDA delays generic drug approval even further with its rigorous application process. However, it’s all for the benefit of patients. The result of generic FDA approval is “a carefully regulated equivalent that costs less,” Dr. Sparacino says.

What is the active ingredient in Celexa?

The active ingredient in Celexa is citalopram hydrobromide, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It works by increasing serotonin activity in the brain. This improves symptoms of depression because serotonin is linked to improvements in mood, emotion, and sleep. 

Celexa and citalopram are only FDA-approved for the treatment of depression. However, because of their effects on serotonin levels, they are sometimes prescribed off-label for other mental health conditions, including OCD, anxiety, and PTSD.

Benefits of choosing generic citalopram

Celexa and generic citalopram have the same dosing schedule, potential side effects, and drug interactions. The main benefit of choosing generic citalopram is cost. Patients who switch from Celexa to generic citalopram are receiving the same drug with the same dose, but often at a much lower price. In general, insurance companies are more likely to cover generic drugs, making these medications more accessible overall.

The only other differences between brand-name and generic medications are the inactive ingredients and appearance. Because generic citalopram is made at a different facility, inactive ingredients such as dyes, preservatives, and fillers may differ from those in brand-name Celexa. Generic citalopram may have a different tablet color, shape, or size than the brand-name Celexa. 

What to expect when going generic

The switch from Celexa to generic citalopram is straightforward. Dr. Sparacino offers the following guidance to her patients:

• Switch “milligram for milligram.” There is no need to taper or titrate dosage since the medication is essentially the same. For example, individuals on 20 mg Celexa would switch to 20 mg citalopram.
• Keep the same routine. Take the generic just as you did brand-name medication: At the same time each day, and with or without food (as you’ve been doing).
• Monitor for any physical or mental changes that may occur. Let your provider know if you experience any new or worsening side effects or changes in your mood. “Most people notice no difference at all,” Dr. Sparacino says.

Switching from brand to generic citalopram is a good time to review the safety risks and potential adverse effects of this medication. Important considerations for Celexa (citalopram) include:

• Risk of serotonin syndrome. This dangerous buildup of serotonin in the body occurs when an antidepressant dose is too high. Serotonin syndrome can develop rapidly, so it’s essential to recognize the signs. Symptoms include a fast heart rate, high blood pressure, dry mouth, and muscle rigidity. Left unchecked, serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening.
• Warning against abrupt discontinuation. Quitting Celexa or citalopram “cold turkey” may lead to withdrawal symptoms. If you want to stop taking Celexa, ask your healthcare provider for medical advice on avoiding the withdrawal effects of citalopram.
• Risk of heart rhythm problems. Dr. Sparacino notes that there is a maximum recommended dose due to potential effects on the heart’s electrical rhythm, specifically QT prolongation (or long QT syndrome).
• Risk of serious side effects of citalopram. Celexa is considered generally safe. However, in some cases, it causes an increased risk of angle-closure glaucoma, worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal behavior. As with any medication, there is a risk of allergic reaction.
• Drug interactions. Celexa (citalopram) should not be taken with other medications in the same drug class. It should also be avoided or used with caution together with blood thinners (e.g., warfarin or coumadin), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), thiazide diuretics (which may cause dangerously low sodium levels), and supplements such as St. John’s wort. Most providers also recommend avoiding drinking alcohol on Celexa.

Bottom line: Whether you’re starting Celexa, starting citalopram, or switching from brand-name Celexa to generic citalopram, it’s important to stay in communication with your healthcare provider.

Alternatives to brand-name Celexa

Alternatives for brand-name Celexa include other antidepressants. There are actually seven types of antidepressants, so determining the best antidepressant for you can take many months. 

Alternative SSRIs include Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram), Celexa (citalopram), and Zoloft (sertraline). Though these drugs work similarly to Celexa, they may have different dosages, side effects, costs, and more. 

Other alternative treatment options for depression include the following:

• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as Cymbalta (duloxetine) or Pristiq (desvenlafaxine),
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as amitriptyline and Tofranil (imipramine)
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as Marplan (isocarboxazid) and Nardil (phenelzine)
• Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), such as Wellbutrin (bupropion)
• Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs), such as Desyrel or Oleptro (trazodone) and Brintellix (vortioxetine)

Never discontinue or change the dosage of brand-name or generic Celexa without consulting a healthcare professional. It’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider whenever starting, stopping, or changing antidepressants, as some can cause withdrawal symptoms or discontinuation syndrome. 

Ultimately, the best antidepressant for each person depends on their symptoms, other medical conditions, other medications (to avoid drug interactions), side effect profiles, and cost and accessibility. “Celexa is one good option in a larger toolbox, not the only answer,” Dr. Sparacino says.

The SingleCare prices in this article are current as of December 2, 2025, for the VIP code 23666 at the time of publication. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our citalopram coupon page for the latest citalopram prices near you.