What is Celexa?
Celexa, a prescription medication for adults, is used to treat depressive disorders. Celexa can also be used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). Celexa is a member of a group of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (ssris). Citalopram increases the level of serotonin in the brain, which is a substance that helps to maintain mental balance.
Side effects of Celexa
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue, seek emergency medical attention. Tell your doctor if there are any sudden or new changes in mood, behaviour, or feelings, such as new or worse depression, anxiety, or panic ttacks. Also, tell them if you experience difficulty sleeping, feel impulsive, restless, or more active, or if you think about harming yourself or committing suicide.
Citalopram can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Feeling dizzy as though they might pass out.
- Blurred vision, redness or pain in the eyes, and seeing halos around lights are all symptoms of blurred vision.
- You may experience rapid or pounding pulses, pain in the chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness.
- A seizure;
- Unusual bleeding: bleeding gums or noses; abnormal vaginal bleeds; any bleeding that will not stop.
- Manic episode, racing thoughts, and increased energy.
- Severe neurological reaction: very stiff muscles, high temperature, sweating, confusion, rapid or irregular heartbeats, or tremors.
- Low sodium -- headache; confusion, memory or thinking problems, weakness.
Serotonin syndrome symptoms include: hallucinations and agitation; fever, sweating, or shivering; rapid heartbeat; muscle stiffness and twitching; and loss of coordination.
Citalopram can affect growth in children. If your child's growth isn't normal while taking Celexa, tell your doctor.
Common Celexa Side Effects
- Sexual problems
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Dry mouth increases thirst or urination.
- Diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and constipation.
- Feeling anxious, agitated, or shak
- Feeling tired or weak, sleep problems (insomnia), yawning
- Increased muscle movement
- Heavy menstrual bleeding, or nosebleed
- Cold symptoms include stuffy nose and sneezing.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 if reporting side effects is necessary.
Similar/related drugs
Sertraline, Trazadone, the fluoxetine, Lexapro, Venlafaxine, Citalopram, and Zoloft
Warnings
Celexa should not be stopped without consulting your doctor. Citalopram may cause serious heart problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, rapid or pounding pulses, shortness of breath, or a sudden feeling of dizziness.
Celexa should be avoided if you are also taking pimozide. The combination may cause heart rhythm problems. Celexa should not be used by anyone who has taken a MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days, such as isocarboxazid or linezolid (such as phenelzine or rasagiline), or received an injection of methylene blue. It is possible to have a fatal reaction.
Suicidal thoughts can occur in people with mental illness or depression. When first taking depression medication, some young people experience increased suicidal feelings. If you notice any sudden changes in your mood, behaviour, or thoughts of suicide, tell your doctor immediately.
You should tell your doctor if any symptoms worsen or change, including: changes in mood or behaviour, anxiety, panic attack, difficulty sleeping, or feeling impulsive, irritable, or agitated; hostile or aggressive; restless or hyperactive (mentally and physically); more depressed or having thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Celexa should not be stopped without consulting your doctor.
Before you take this drug
Celexa should not be used if you have an allergy to citalopram, escitalopram, Lexapro (Lexapro), or pimozide. Celexa should not be used if an MAO inhibitor has been taken in the last 14 days. It is possible that a dangerous drug interaction will occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. Celexa should be taken at least 14 days after you have stopped taking an MAO inhibitor.
Inform your doctor if any of these medications are also used by you: stimulant medicines, opioids, herbal remedies, or medication for depression, mental illnesses, Parkinson’s disease, or migraine headaches. A serious condition known as serotonin syndrome can be caused by citalopram.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure Celexa will be safe for you:
- Heart problems, high blood pressure, long QT syndrome;
- A stroke;
- Bleeding problems
- Sexual problems
- Narrow-angle glaucoma;
- Seizures or epilepsy;
- Bipolar Disorder
- An electrolyte imbalance is a low level of potassium, sodium, magnesium, or calcium in your blood.
- Liver or kidney disease
Suicidal thoughts can occur in people with mental illness or depression. When first taking depression medication, some young people experience increased suicidal feelings. Be aware of any changes in your mood or symptoms. Families or carers can also be alert to sudden changes in behaviour. This medicine should not be taken during the last three months of pregnancy. However, stopping it may cause harm to the unborn child. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping Celexa. You may find your name on a registry for pregnant women to track citalopram's effects on the child. Ask your doctor if you can safely breastfeed while taking this medication.
How to take Celexa?
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose. If you change the brand, strength, or form of a medicine, your dose requirements may be different. Use only the medication prescribed by your doctor to avoid medication mistakes. Celexa can be taken with or without food. Just make sure you take it the same way every time.
Use the measuring device provided to measure liquid medicines (not a spoon). You may experience symptoms for up to four weeks. If you notice any changes in your sexual function (such as a loss of interest in sex or difficulty having an orgasm), or if men experience problems with erections or ejaculation, tell your doctor. Certain sexual problems are treatable.
Celexa should not be stopped abruptly. You may experience unpleasant symptoms, such as agitation or confusion, or tingling, electric shock-like feelings. You should follow your doctor's advice about reducing your dosage. Before starting treatment, you may need to have frequent eye exams. Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture and always close the bottle tightly when not being used.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for depression:
Initial dose: 20mg orally, once per day.
Maintenance dose: 20–40 mg orally, once daily.
Maximum dose: 40mg orally per day.
Comments:
After at least one week of treatment, the initial dose can be increased to 40mg once daily if needed.
Dosages of 60 mg/day showed no advantage over doses of 40 mg/day.
Acute episodes may require sustained pharmacological therapy for several months.
Use: Treatment for depression
The usual geriatric dose for depression:
Over 60 years old:
Dosage: 20 mg once daily orally
Comments:
Doses 60 mg/day showed no advantage over doses 40 mg/day.
Acute episodes of depression can require sustained pharmacologic treatment for several months.
Use: Treatment for depression
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is nearly time for your next dose, take no action on that missed one.. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect poison exposure and seek immediate medical care.
What should be avoided?
Before taking nsaids such as Advil, ibuprofen, or naproxen (or other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs), consult your doctor. Taking an NSAID along with citalopram can cause you to bleed or bruise easily. Don't drink alcohol. Celexa can affect your reactions. Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are familiar with how they will affect you. You may be unable to react properly.
Interaction with other drug
Citalopram may cause serious heart problems. You are at greater risk if you use other medications for HIV, malaria, or HIV, as well as certain medicines to treat HIV, cancer, and heart conditions.
Inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking. Several drugs, including:
- Cimetidine;
- A blood thinner (Warfarin Coumadin Jantoven);
- A diuretic, or "water pill,"
- Gatifloxacin, or moxifloxacin.
Celexa may be affected by many other medications. These include both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products; this list does not encompass every potential interaction.
