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Key takeaways
Citalopram, a generic version of Celexa used to treat clinical depression, is usually covered by insurance, but without insurance, a 30-day supply averages $42.
Generic citalopram is one of the lowest-priced SSRIs but is only FDA-approved for treating depression, not other mental health conditions.
A SingleCare savings card can significantly reduce the cost of citalopram for uninsured patients, potentially lowering the price to as low as $3 for a 30-day supply.
Comparing prices across pharmacies, including online options, and checking for discount programs at local clinics can help uninsured patients find more affordable options for their citalopram prescription.
Is citalopram covered by insurance? | How much does citalopram cost without insurance? | How to get citalopram without insurance
Citalopram is the generic version of the brand-name Celexa. Both are prescription drugs used to treat clinical depression (major depressive disorder). Citalopram belongs to a well-known group of drugs called SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The “serotonin” in the name refers to a chemical in the brain that passes signals between nerves. By increasing serotonin levels in the brain, citalopram helps activate parts of the brain important for mood regulation and control. Citalopram is a long-term treatment. Most people will take a 20-40 mg tablet once per day for at least six months to help treat depression symptoms. Some will take it longer. Fortunately, generic citalopram is usually an affordable drug. However, since it’s taken for several months, people without insurance should find ways to save money.
Related: Celexa side effects
Is citalopram covered by insurance?
Citalopram is usually covered by private health insurance, employer health insurance, Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid if it is prescribed for depression. People with health insurance will pay less, but the out-of-pocket cost will be different for each person depending on the insurance plan’s formulary, copay cost, and deductible, but many insurance companies usually classify citalopram as a Tier 1 low-copay drug.
How much does citalopram cost without insurance?
Without insurance, a 30-day supply of citalopram averages $42 at full retail price. While affordable, this adds up to almost $250 for six months of treatment.
Generic citalopram is one of the lowest-priced SSRIs, but it is only FDA approved to treat depression, not other mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders or bipolar disorder. In general, SSRIs are equally effective and have many similar drug interactions and common side effects such as nausea, dry mouth, and drowsiness. A healthcare professional could substitute lower-priced antidepressants called tricyclic antidepressants. Before making the decision, however, always get medical advice first about the pros and cons of less expensive prescription medications.
It may be tempting to consider non-prescription remedies for depression. Some over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and natural remedies may help improve mood in people with mild or transient depression. For a major depressive episode, however, only prescription antidepressants have been proven to be effective.
Compare citalopram prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance for brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Celexa | $351 per 30, 20 mg tablets | $3 per 30, 20 mg tablets for generic Celexa | See updated prices |
| Trazodone | $24 per 30, 50 mg tablets | $1 per 30, 50 mg tablets for generic trazodone | See updated prices |
| Prozac | $620 per 30, 20 mg capsules | $3 per 30, 20 mg capsules for generic Prozac | See updated prices |
| Zoloft | $475 per 30, 50 mg tablets | $5 per 30, 50 mg tablets for generic Zoloft | See updated prices |
| Paxil
|
$295 per 30, 20 mg tablets | $4 per 30, 20 mg tablets for generic Paxil | See updated prices |
| Lexapro | $490 per 30, 10 mg tablets | $5 per 30, 10 mg tablets for generic Lexapro | See updated prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs. The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see updated drug prices.
How to get citalopram without insurance
Citalopram is a lower-priced SSRI. That doesn’t mean, however, that uninsured patients should be content to pay full price. After all, this drug is taken over several months, so paying the cash price can add up. Six months of treatment can cost $250, while a year costs $500. Some people may get lucky and qualify for a manufacturer’s patient assistance program or find a manufacturer’s coupon or rebate. However, here are some more certain ways to reduce the cost of citalopram therapy.
1. Get discount citalopram with a SingleCare savings card
A 30-day supply of citalopram normally costs $42, but with a SingleCare discount card, the price without insurance can be as low as $3. While the discount will vary, citalopram can be purchased at most local participating pharmacies for anywhere from $3 to $9.
2. Find the lowest price
The retail price for citalopram depends on the pharmacy. The average price is $42, but that’s just the average. Some pharmacies charge as much as $60 for a one-month prescription of 20 mg citalopram tablets. Some charge only $8 for that same prescription. A bit of price shopping could save you $52 a month. Compare pharmacies on SingleCare’s coupon pages to find the best deal.
3. Look up prices at online pharmacies
Online mail-order pharmacies often have some of the lowest prices for cash-paying customers. If a great price is found, though, make sure you follow a few steps to make sure the pharmacy is legitimate and safe to deal with.
4. Check for discount programs at local clinics and hospitals
Some local community health clinics, health centers, and hospitals sell subsidized generic drugs to low-income patients. Start by asking a healthcare provider or local health officials for a list. The next step is to research income eligibility criteria and enroll at one of those providers.