Celxa

Celexa (citalopram) is an antidepressant drug used to treat depression associated with mood disorders. It is also used on occasion in the treatment of body dysmorphic disorder and anxiety. Celexa treats depression. Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Important Information on Celexa

  • Indications: depression
  • Side Effects: drowsiness, insomnia, dry mouth, change in appetite, mild nausea, sweating
  • Warnings: Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in short-term studies in children and adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders.

 
Uses for this Medicine
Citalopram is FDA approved for the treatment of depression in adults at least 18 years old.

When this Medicine Should Not be Used
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to citalopram.
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
You should not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (Nardil®, Marplan®, Parnate®, Eldepryl®) within the past 14 days.
 
Dosing
Celexa is available in an oral solution of 10mg/5ml and 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg oral tablets.
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. The typical dose for adults is 20-40 mg daily. The maximum daily dose is 60 mg. A lower dose may need to be used if you are elderly or if you have liver problems.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctortells you to.
You may need to take this medicine for several weeks before you feel better. Keep taking the medicine as your doctor ordered.
You should avoid alcohol and any stimulants (including caffeine).
Use caution when performing tasks that require alertness, as Celexa can cause dizziness, anxiety or blurred vision.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.

Overdosing
Symptoms on an overdose may include dizziness, nausea and vomiting, sweating, tremor, sleepiness and a slow heartbeat. Treatment of an overdose is aimed at the symptoms the person is experiencing.

Side Effects
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • unusual behavior or thoughts of hurting yourself
  • allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
  • painful, prolonged erection of the penis
  • rapid weight gain, swelling of face, ankles, or hands
  • severe confusion, problems with memory or balance
  • severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased sweating

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • dry mouth, change in appetite, weight changes, mild nausea, vomiting
  • numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
  • problems with sex
  • trouble sleeping


Drug Interactions
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
The use of Celexa with medications such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, warfarin, or Plavix may increase the risk of bleeding.
Celexa may have serious (and sometimes fatal) interactions with other medications that can increase serotonin levels (e.g. tramadol, other anti-depressants, Meridia,linezolid, and migraine medications such as Imitrex.)
Side effects such as sleepiness are increased when Celexa is taken with other medications that cause drowsiness (e.g. sleeping pills, some cold and allergy medications, and certain pain medications).

How this Medication Works
Celexa increases the amount of serotonin available for the body to use. This has been shown to help with the symptoms of depression.
 

Discussion Points for You and Your Healthcare Provider
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or kidney disease.
For some children and teenagers, this medicine can increase thoughts of suicide. All of the warnings in this leaflet are true for a child or teenager who is using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel more depressed. Also tell your doctor right away if you have thoughts about hurting yourself. Report any unusual thoughts or behaviors that trouble you, especially if they are new or get worse quickly.
Make sure your caregiver knows if you have trouble sleeping, get upset easily, have a big increase in energy, or start to act reckless. Also tell your doctor if you have sudden or strong feelings, such as feeling nervous, angry, restless, violent, or scared.
Let your doctor know if you or anyone in your family has bipolar disorder (manic-depressive) or has tried to commit suicide.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

More Information on this Medication