3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Office hours: Mon–Sat, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Crisis: 988 | Emergency: 911
3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Office hours: Mon–Sat, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Crisis: 988 | Emergency: 911
Same-day visits are often possible. See us in our Fort Lauderdale office or by video anywhere in Florida. We take Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare and most major insurance plans. Se habla español.
Citalopram is a medication commonly prescribed to help with depression, particularly major depressive disorder (MDD). It falls under a category of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs for short.
At One Stop Psychiatry, we make it easier than ever to get Citalopram (Celexa) treatment in Florida through licensed based providers. Whether you’re in Miami, Miramar, Palm Beach Gardens, or anywhere else in Florida, our telehealth platform ensures you can start treatment without a long wait, by video or at our Fort Lauderdale office.
Citalopram, sold under the brand name Celexa,
is an FDA-approved medication that belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is most commonly used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), and sometimes it’s also prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Essentially, Celexa works by helping your brain use its own natural resources better. It increases the level of serotonin, a crucial chemical messenger that helps regulate your mood. By doing this, it helps to lift feelings of sadness and brings about greater emotional stability. It’s widely considered a safe and effective option for adults seeking relief from depression.
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
Whether Citalopram is right for you is decided after an evaluation with a licensed provider. Learn what to expect from our psychiatric medication management, including follow-up visits and how prescriptions are reviewed.
Citalopram (brand name Celexa) is typically prescribed to adults experiencing:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – persistent sadness, low energy, or loss of interest.
By increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain, this medication helps restore your emotional balance. The goal is to lift your mood and reduce those persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
While its main FDA-approved use is depression, psychiatrists sometimes prescribe Citalopram for other issues as well, including
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – excessive worry, nervousness, and tension.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – depression related to seasonal changes.
Your psychiatrist will review your medical history, current medications, and symptoms before prescribing Citalopram (Celexa).
If you’re struggling with persistent low mood, lack of motivation, or anxiety, a licensed psychiatrist can evaluate whether Citalopram is right for you.
Getting started is simple, and every step happens with a licensed provider.
Call (754) 270-6322 or request a visit online. Our staff check your insurance, send your intake forms and confirm your appointment, either in our Fort Lauderdale office or by video anywhere in Florida.
You’ll go over your symptoms, health history and current medications. Together you’ll decide whether citalopram makes sense for you or whether another option fits better.
If citalopram is a good fit, your prescription goes to the pharmacy you choose. Follow-up visits let your provider check how it’s working, watch for side effects and adjust the plan. Medication is only prescribed when it’s clinically appropriate.
It’s important to know that Citalopram doesn’t offer instant relief. Most people start to notice positive changes—like improvements in mood, sleep, and appetite—after about 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use.
For the medication to reach its full therapeutic effect, however, it can take 6 to 8 weeks. Patience is truly key here, as SSRIs like Celexa gradually work to balance the serotonin levels in your brain over time.
A crucial reminder: Even if you start feeling significantly better, never stop taking Citalopram suddenly without first talking to your doctor. A psychiatrist will help you safely taper your dose if you need to discontinue it.
Citalopram is available in both tablet and liquid forms:
Your provider sets your citalopram dose based on your age, health, other medications and how you respond, and adjusts it at follow-up visits. We don’t list doses here because the right one is different for each person. Take it exactly as prescribed, and don’t change or stop it on your own.
Citalopram could be a great treatment option if you are:
Dealing with persistent symptoms of depression (like sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest).
Struggling with anxiety symptoms that interfere with your daily life.
Looking for a proven SSRI with a long, established safety record.
However, it might not be the best fit if you have certain medical concerns, such as:
A history of heart problems or abnormal heart rhythms.
Existing liver disease.
If you are currently taking other medications that are known to interact with SSRIs.
Your psychiatrist will always perform a thorough review of your medical history and current medications to decide if Citalopram is the safest and most effective choice for you.
Most patients receive their prescription within 24 hours of their appointment.
Yes, though it is primarily prescribed for depression, many providers use it for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Always contact your psychiatrist if you experience side effects—your dosage may need adjustment.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses
Your provider sets your citalopram dose based on your age, health, other medications and how you respond, and adjusts it at follow-up visits. We don’t list doses here because the right one is different for each person. Take it exactly as prescribed, and don’t change or stop it on your own.
You should always take Citalopram exactly as your psychiatrist prescribes it.
Administration: You can take it easily with or without food.
Consistency: Take it at the same time each day to keep stable levels of the medication in your bloodstream.
Missed Dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it’s already close to the time for your next scheduled dose. Never double up your dose.
Important Safety Warning: Do not stop taking Citalopram abruptly. Stopping suddenly can trigger uncomfortable withdrawal-like symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, or rapid mood changes. Always consult your psychiatrist before making any changes to your treatment
Effective treatment for major depression
Fewer side effects compared to older antidepressants
Once-daily dosing for convenience
Generic option available, making it more affordable.
Like all SSRIs, Citalopram may cause side effects, including:
Nausea or upset stomach
Dry mouth
Drowsiness or fatigue
Changes in sleep patterns
Sexual side effects
Serious but rare risks include serotonin syndrome and changes in heart rhythm. Patients are encouraged to report any unusual symptoms immediately to their psychiatrist.
Licensed US psychiatrists with experience in mental health care
HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform for privacy
Flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends
Affordable self-pay and insurance options available
If you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, Citalopram (Celexa) can be a safe, effective treatment option. One Stop Psychiatry Clinic allows you to consult with licensed providers right from the comfort of your own home. If you and your provider decide it’s the right choice, you can easily get citalopram treatment without the usual stress of trying to schedule in-person visits.
Book your online psychiatry appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced life.
Call to request an appointment: (754) 270-6322
See all medications we manage or learn about medication management at One Stop Psychiatry.
We aren’t an emergency service. If you’re thinking about suicide or you’re in crisis, call or text 988. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DO, psychiatrist, on October 6, 2026.
Source: MedlinePlus: citalopram (U.S. National Library of Medicine / NIH). This page is general information, not medical advice.
We accept many insurance plans as well as affordable sliding scale cash plans. Please call our office for more information. (754) 270-6322
You can schedule a therapy consultation with our medical professionals on your time, not theirs.
"I've only been seeing her for about six months and I can already pinpoint drastic changes in my life that I can trace back to her brilliance.".
"I love Dr. Heather. She has been my psychiatrist for over 6 years and I could not be happier. She is kind, is an amazing listener, and is really good at explaining the medication. Highly recommend!"
"Great first meeting. Concise and to the point while still empathetic and closely listening. Understood my issue well"
Your care is with our team of physicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners and a physician assistant. Visits are available in English, Spanish, Russian, Urdu and Hindi. Our staff can help you choose someone who's a good fit.
Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DOPsychiatrist
Dr. Murtaza Ali, DOAddiction specialist and family physician
Dr. Heather Brathwaite, PhD, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner
Michelle KovalPsychiatric nurse practitioner. Speaks Russian
Neal Fouke, PAPsychiatric physician assistant
Muhammad Nawaz, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner. Speaks Urdu and HindiTell us how to reach you. Our team calls back the same business day, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Your appointment is confirmed once staff call you to set the time and place.
Prefer to talk to someone? Call (754) 270-6322.
3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Phone: (754) 270-6322. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Video visits are available anywhere in Florida. Directions and parking.
Have a question?
Evidence-based guidance, up-to-date resources, and first-hand accounts to help you in your mental health journey.