Does Celexa Cause Weight Gain or Loss?

Celexa® is a type of antidepressant drug called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Many people have found Celexa, also known by its generic name, citalopram, effective for managing their depressive symptoms. 

This class of drugs works by increasing serotonin activity, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood and overall mental health. In addition to treating depression, it’s used to treat a variety of other mental health conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks, social anxiety, eating disorders, and more.

But like all antidepressant medications, Celexa does come with potential side effects, like weight changes. Both weight loss and weight gain are common and valid concerns for people considering Celexa.

We’ll discuss these possible side effects in detail and offer guidance on managing them effectively.

Celexa doesn’t necessarily make you gain weight. But can Celexa cause weight gain?” The short answer is yes — antidepressant use, in general, might lead to weight gain.

One large systematic review found that people taking antidepressants experienced an average of a five percent weight increase, so it makes sense that weight gain is a common concern.

Typically, a mental health professional will start you on a low dose of Celexa and then increase it gradually to lower your risk of side effects, including weight changes. The starting daily dose for major depressive disorder is usually 20 mg a day, and the maximum dose is 40 mg a day. 

Even if you start on a lower dose, you may experience some of the common side effects, like:

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Nausea

• Heartburn

• Stomach pain

• Changes in your sex drive

• Decreased appetite

No matter what dose you end up on, it’s hard to say whether you’ll gain weight. As we said — and it’s worth repeating — not everyone gains weight on antidepressants. In addition, other factors can contribute to weight gain when you take antidepressants.

Let’s explore them below.

Other Causes of Weight Gain

Many things can result in weight gain. For example, hormonal changes during menopause and pregnancy often lead to fluctuations in weight and changes in mood.

Some symptoms of depression, such as oversleeping or lack of energy, can also contribute to weight gain. Your depression can lead you to have a sedentary lifestyle, avoid exercising, and consume lots of sugary, processed foods and drinks, all of which can lead to weight gain.

Sometimes depression can increase appetite (or lead to comfort eating), but other times depression actually reduces appetite. Successful treatment of depression may help normalize your appetite. 

One study also linked depressive symptoms with weight cycling, which involves repeated fluctuations in weight.

Depression often goes hand in hand with anxiety, and some anxiety symptoms, like stress, can also lead to changes in appetite and eating habits. 

But sometimes weight gain has nothing to do with depression itself. For example, other medications you’re taking could be contributing to weight gain. Meds linked with an increased risk of weight gain include:

• Certain birth control medications

• Corticosteroids

• Antipsychotic medications

Medical conditions can also contribute to weight gain. Examples include:

• Hypothyroidism

• Metabolic conditions and digestive issues

• Cardiovascular issues, like heart failure

Now that we’ve discussed the possibility of Celexa weight gain, you may be wondering about Celexa weight loss. This can happen to some people who take citalopram because one side effect is a decreased appetite.

If you’re taking Celexa for depression and notice you’ve lost weight, it could be a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation. 

As we mentioned, some symptoms of depression can lead to weight gain. So, if you start taking citalopram and depression symptoms like lack of energy go away, you may become more active or feel motivated to cook healthy meals. Over time, you might notice some weight falling away.

Other Causes of Weight Loss

It’s normal for weight to fluctuate a bit each month or week. But unexplained weight loss — losing 10 pounds or more in the span of six to 12 months without trying — might point to underlying health issues.

If your weight loss isn’t connected to your depression or your medication, you should seek medical attention to look for the root of the issue.

There are a variety of medical conditions that can cause unexplained weight loss, including: 

• An overactive or underactive thyroid gland

• Gastrointestinal problems (like ulcerative colitis) 

• Celiac disease

• Dental issues

• Diabetes

Other serious things that can cause weight loss include cancer, drug misuse, and more.

If you notice you are losing weight, you should speak to a healthcare provider so that they can monitor your weight loss and help determine its cause.

Let us say it again. If you observe significant weight loss or gain, you should speak with a healthcare provider about what to do and what might be causing this change.

If your healthcare provider determines that your weight loss or gain is due to appetite changes from taking Celexa, there are a few things you can do — if you want or need to, like if your weight loss has put you above or below a healthy body weight.

Here are some things that support healthy weight loss: 

• Eat a balanced diet of whole foods. A healthy diet of fiber-rich foods and lean proteins — like chicken, fish, fruits, veggies, and whole grains — tends to be lower in calories and help you feel fuller longer.

• Replace sugary and alcoholic drinks with water. If you have cravings for sugary drinks, challenge yourself to drink water instead. Research shows that even if the only dietary change you make is eliminating sugary drinks, you may still see some weight loss.

• Stay active. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and do a couple of days of strength training every week.

• Reevaluate your medication routine. You can talk to a doctor about switching to a different medication or combining Celexa with a weight loss medication like semaglutide. Just make sure you don’t change your current routine without talking to your doctor first.

Wondering how to gain weight on Celexa in a healthy way? Here are some steps you can take:

• Reach for calorie-dense foods. Items like nuts and cheese are nutritious and filled with healthy fats. They will help you add more calories to your diet so you can gain weight.

• Try a protein shake. Another way to boost calories in a healthy way is to drink protein shakes. They pack a lot of calories in a small amount of food, so even if you’re not hungry, you should be able to get through one. 

• Add more small meals. Can’t get through a big meal? No problem. Break your meals up into smaller meals throughout the day. The goal should be to eat every two to three hours. 

If you add about 500 calories a day to your regular diet, you should expect to gain about a pound a week.

If you don’t think Celexa is a good fit for you for any reason, you can talk to your doctor about alternative options.

Keep in mind that all anxiety and depression medications can potentially lead to side effects. The options below aren’t exceptions to that rule.

Some alternatives to Celexa include:

• Other SSRIs, like Zoloft® (sertraline), Lexapro® (escitalopram), Paxil® (paroxetine), andProzac® (fluoxetine)

• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), like Effexor® (venlafaxine) and Cymbalta® (duloxetine)

• Wellbutrin® (bupropion)

If any of the side effects of citalopram are bothering you, or you want to stop taking it for another reason, don’t stop cold turkey. Instead, work with a healthcare provider to wean off of it to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

The relationship between Celexa and weight gain or loss is nuanced. 

Like with many other medications, there are potential side effects associated with taking Celexa. One such side effect is changes in weight, and it’s totally normal if that concerns you. 

Here’s what to keep in mind about Celexa and weight changes as you navigate your mental health and weight management journey:

• Celexa can effectively treat depressive disorders and certain anxiety disorders. It’s a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which means it works by boosting activity levels of serotonin in your brain. 

• SSRIs, including Celexa, can reduce appetite, potentially causing weight loss. On the flip side, some research suggests that long-term use may lead to weight gain in some people.

• There are other potential causes for weight changes worth looking into, including underlying health conditions and some medications. If you notice changes in your weight while taking citalopram, talk to a healthcare professional for medical advice. They can help determine if switching antidepressants or trying weight management medications is appropriate.

• Lifestyle adjustments — like staying active and hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and getting adequate sleep — can also help you safely manage your weight.

If you’re looking for support around antidepressant medications, consider using our online mental health resources. You can connect with a mental health professional who will answer your questions quickly and conveniently.