Plan B vs Celexa: side-by-side comparison
Plan B (Hormones and Birth Control) and Celexa (Anti-Depressants) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely interchangeable. This page compares the medications' purposes, mechanisms and the situations where each is used.
| Property | Plan B | Celexa |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Levonorgestrel | Citalopram |
| Manufacturer | Foundation Consumer Healthcare | Forest Laboratories / AbbVie |
| Class | Hormones and Birth Control | Anti-Depressants |
| Strengths | 1.5mg | 10mg, 20mg, 40mg |
| Forms | tablet | tablet |
What's the same
Plan B and Celexa are used in very different patients, and the points in common are limited. The main shared element is that both meet regulatory standards for efficacy and safety and benefit from pharmacist oversight.
Key differences
Plan B belongs to Hormones and Birth Control while Celexa belongs to Anti-Depressants. Indications, mechanisms and target populations differ. The comparison is most useful when a clinician has mentioned both medications and the patient wants to understand where each fits.
Mechanism and action
Plan B: Plan B's primary mechanism is delaying or preventing ovulation when taken before the LH surge. Celexa: Citalopram selectively inhibits the serotonin reuptake transporter, increasing synaptic serotonin availability with limited affinity for noradrenaline transporters or other receptors.
When Plan B is preferred
Plan B is indicated for emergency contraception after unprotected intercourse or known/suspected contraceptive failure, in women of reproductive age.
When Celexa is preferred
Celexa is approved for major depressive disorder.
Frequently asked questions
Is Plan B or Celexa better? ▾
Plan B and Celexa are not interchangeable — they treat different conditions. Asking which is "better" is meaningful only when a clinician has weighed both for the same specific clinical scenario.
Can I switch from Plan B to Celexa? ▾
Switching between Plan B and Celexa is rarely an appropriate decision since they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. The real question is usually whether the diagnosis calls for one medication or the other — which the prescriber resolves.
Do Plan B and Celexa have the same side effects? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each medication has its own prescribing information.
More Plan B comparisons
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.