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Celexa Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Citalopram hydrobromide

Celexa is an antidepressant in a group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Citalopram is an antidepressant medication that affects neurotransmitters, the chemical transmitters within the brain. Neurotransmitters manufactured and released by nerves attach to adjacent nerves and alter their activities. Neurotransmitters can be thought of as the communication system of the brain. Because an imbalance among neurotransmitters is the cause of depression.

Celexa Dosage

• The usual starting dose of Celexa tablets or oral solution is 20 milligrams once a day. Dosage is usually increased to 40 milligrams once daily after at least a week has passed. Do not exceed 40 milligrams a day.
• For older adults and those who have liver problems, the usual dose is 20 milligrams once a day.

Uses of Celexa

• Celexa is used to treat depression.
• Citalopram is also used to treat eating disorders, alcoholism, panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and social phobia.

Side Effects of Celexa

If you are using Celexa, then discuss the side effects of Celexa with your doctor and if you feel any develop or change in intensity, then tell your doctor immediately. Side effects may include:

• Abdominal pain
• respiratory tract infection
• agitation
• painful menstruation
• anxiety
• nausea
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• insomnia
• ejaculation disorders
• fatigue
• impotence
• indigestion

Warnings and precautions before taking Celexa:

• If you are taking Celexa, then it can cause drowsiness or trouble thinking in some people. So do not perform any activity that require more alertness such as drive or operate heavy machinery.
• You should not take citalopram if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, including phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine, or have stopped taking them within the past two weeks.
• You should tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to citalopram or any other medications.
• If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, then tell your doctor. If you become pregnant while taking citalopram, then call your doctor.

Drug Interaction:- If you are taking certain drugs with Celexa, then it may be increased, decreased, or altered the effects of Celexa. Discuss with your doctor before combining Celexa with the following:

• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab)
• Itraconazole (Sporanox)
• Lithium (Lithobid, Lithonate)
• Metoprolol (Lopressor)
• Omeprazole (Prilosec)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)

Overdose

After taking Celexa, if you feel that overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately. Symptoms of a Celexa overdose include:

• Amnesia
• bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin
• coma
• confusion
• convulsions
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• hyperventilation
• nausea
• rapid heartbeat
• sweating
• tremor
• vomiting