Celexa

Description

Celexa is a trade name for citalopram hydrobromide, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression. Celexa is available by physician prescription only.

 

 

Drug Information

 

The active ingredient in Celexa, citalopram hydrobromide, belongs to a group of antidepressants called SSRis. SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs.

 

SSRIs like citalopram hydrobromide work by blocking the reuptake (reabsorption) of the neurotransmitter serotonin, making it more available for use by the brain. Increased availability of serotonin is associated with conditions like elevated mood, which are effective in relieving symptoms of mood disorders like depression.

 

Celexa is mainly prescribed to treat subtypes of depression and major depressive disorder. Celexa may also be used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, dysthymia, anxiety, body dysmorphic disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

 

Celexa is available as 10 mg, 20 mg or 40 mg oral tablets.

 

Celexa tablets may contain the following inactive ingredients: corn starch, glycerin, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate, copovidone, microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol and iron oxide coloring agents.

 

Dosage

 

Dosage of Celexa will vary depending on physician recommendation, age, severity of the condition and response to the treatment.

 

Celexa is usually administered in a single dose taken in the morning or the afternoon. The maximum daily dosage for Celexa is 40 mg.

 

Celexa can be taken either with or without food. Food does not affect how the drug is absorbed by the body.

 

However, taking Celexa with a meal may help prevent nausea.

 

Celexa should be taken exactly as prescribed for the drug to be effective. Do not take Celexa more or less than prescribed to avoid unwanted conditions such as worsened side effects.

 

Do not abruptly stop taking Celexa as it may cause withdrawal symptoms. Celexa doses should be gradually decreased should a patient wish to stop taking the medication.

 

Benefits of Celexa may not be immediate. It may take up to a month for the effectiveness of the drug to be noticeable.

 

Warnings and Precautions

 

Antidepressants like Celexa may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in individuals younger than 24 years, including children and teens. Antidepressants do not cause suicidal thoughts, the underlying psychiatric conditions do. Patients taking Celexa should therefore be carefully monitored for signs of suicidal behaviors or thoughts.

 

Do not take Celexa if allergic to any of the ingredients in the drug.

 

Celexa may not be safe for use in patients who are pregnant, attempting to get pregnant or are breastfeeding.

 

Do not take Celexa with experiences or family history of the following conditions: severe heart disease, liver complications, bleeding disorders, glaucoma, kidney disease, blood clotting problems, long QT syndrome, epilepsy or seizures, low levels of potassium or magnesium levels in blood and bipolar disorder.

 

Patients with a history of drug abuse should exercise caution when taking Celexa.

 

Side Effects

 

Celexa and citalopram hydrobromide may cause one or more of the following side effects:

 

 Insomnia or trouble sleeping
 Nausea
 Daytime drowsiness
 Blurred vision
 Dry mouth (xerostomia)
 Excessive sweating (diaphoresis)
 Vomiting
 Trouble ejaculating (in men)

 

Side effects are not limited to the above.

 

Immediately consult a physician if side effects continue to persist or worsen over time.