Celexa®

What is Celexa?

Celexa is an antidepressant tablet that contains the active ingredient citalopram. Citalopram belongs to a group of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. They work by raising your serotonin levels, and are used to manage a range of mood-related conditions like depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. 

A known side effect of SSRIs is that they can delay ejaculation. If you suffer from premature ejaculation, or PE, then taking a daily antidepressant like Celexa can help to improve your symptoms. 

Because Celexa (along with other SSRIs) isn’t recognised by the FDA as a treatment for PE, the tablets are prescribed ‘off-label’, which is when a doctor prescribes a drug for a condition it isn’t licensed for.^[1] It’s a perfectly safe practice, and having off-label medications available means there are more options to choose from when it comes to managing your PE. 

How does Celexa work?

The active ingredient in Celexa, citalopram, works by raising your body’s serotonin levels. The primary use of citalopram, which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is to treat depression.^[2] It was approved in 1998, and along with treating a range of mood disorders, is used off-label for conditions such as coronary arteriosclerosis, postmenopausal flushing, and premature ejaculation. 

Serotonin, or 5-HT, is thought to be involved in ejaculatory control.^[3] This is why SSRIs such as citalopram are widely used to help delay ejaculation and improve PE. 

What doses of Celexa are there?

Celexa is available in three doses: 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg. 

There is no recommended dose for treating PE with Celexa. Because it’s used off-label, there isn’t a standard dose recognised by the FDA.

When starting a new medication, a clinician will often recommend you start on a low dose to see how it suits you. This might be the case for Celexa — if you start out on the 10mg tablets and don’t think your PE is improving, you can ask about moving up to a higher strength pill. 

How to take Celexa

Celexa tablets can be swallowed with a glass of water, ideally at the same time each day. They can be taken with or without food..

A clinician will recommend a starting dose they think will work for you. For depression, the standard daily dose is 20mg. Because Celexa is an off-label PE treatment, there isn’t a standard dose, so determining the amount that works for you might involve a bit of trial-and-error. 

How long does it take Celexa to work?

How long Celexa takes to work for PE can depend on how you respond to the medication. The effects of the tablets might be felt in as little as one or two weeks, but it’s usually around four to six weeks before citalopram has fully built up in your system.^[1]

If you’ve seen no changes to your premature ejaculation symptoms by then, let a clinician know. It could be that your dosage needs adjusting, or they might suggest trying an alternative PE treatment. 

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Celexa?

When you’re prescribed Celexa, you’ll be told how much to take each day. Taking more than this won’t improve premature ejaculation, and is likely to cause unwanted side effects. 

If you forget to take a tablet, you can take one as soon as you remember, provided it’s not too close to the time your next dose is due.