Celexa (citalopram)

Celexa Description

Celexa has the approval of FDA for treating major depression and has many off label uses as well for treating many anxiety conditions. This antidepressant drug belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. They function by bringing back serotonin balance. Serotonin is a natural substance that can be found in the brain and helps in improving specific mood problems. The drug was originally developed in Lundbeck in 1989. The pharmaceutical company again released an advanced version of this drug called escitalopram. Forest Labs produces and markets this medication in the trade name Celexa in the United States. The medication is known by several other names in other countries.

Celexa is available as an oral solution or as tablets. As tablets, they are available in strengths of 10 mg oval film coated tablets as well as 20 mg and 40 mg scored oval tablets. The oral solution contains 2 mg per ml of citalopram. The drug should be stored at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.

Conditions treated by Celexa

Citalopram or Celexa is primarily used for treating signs of major depression. Some off label but frequently used purposes of Celexa include treating OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), body dysmorphic disorder, PMDD, ADHD, panic disorder and anxiety. The drug also has the possibility of reducing signs of premature ejaculation and diabetic neuropathy. The medication has also been found to be effective in treating post stroke pathological crying. As a monotherapy, Celexa may be less effective in treating migraines but a combination therapy has found to be more successful in refractory cases. Other SSRIs including Celexa may be used for treating hot flashes.

Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

The typical beginning dose of Celexa is 20 mg to be taken once in the evening or morning. After a period of one week, you can consider increasing the dosage to 40 mg every day. Taking a higher dose such as 60 mg has not been proven to be more effective than a 40 mg dose. Dose adjustment in the case of Celexa is similar to that of other antidepressants and they have to be done slowly. It may take several weeks before you begin to notice positive changes. The drug can be taken without or with food but when taken with meals; the feeling of nausea can be prevented.

b.) Missing a Dose

If you have missed a dose of Celexa, take it whenever you remember. However, if it is time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take extra doses to make up for the skipped ones.

c.) Overdosing

When too much medication is taken, make sure you get medical attention as soon as possible. Overdosing of Celexa can result in one or more of the following symptoms: coma, seizures, dizziness, confusion, fast heartbeats, sweating, tremor, vomiting and nausea.

Celexa Warnings

Drinking alcohol should be avoided since alcohol has the ability to enhance the side effects caused by Celexa. The drug can also impair your reactions or thinking ability and therefore, activities requiring your alertness or caution should be done carefully. Regular use of medicines for anxiety, seizures, muscle relaxation, sleeping, narcotic pain and allergy can add to the sleepiness caused by the drug. Celexa is a mild antihistamine and therefore has sedative properties. The drug may take at least four weeks to show its effects. Therefore, it is essential for you to continue using it for as long as your doctor stipulates you to. The drug should neither be started nor stopped without your doctor’s approval. Stopping the medication abruptly can result in unpleasant symptoms.

You should not take Celexa for a period of at least fourteen days after discontinuing the usage of an MAO inhibitor. If you are younger than 24 years, you may experience suicidal thoughts in the initial days of taking the medication. Inform your doctor if these tendencies aggravate. Antidepressants such as these can cause life threatening or serious lung troubles in new born babies when pregnant mothers take the drug. A relapse of depression can set in if you stop the drug abruptly. Hence, seeking the advice of your doctor is very important if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The drug can pass through breast milk and affect a nursing infant. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers should inform their doctors before taking Celexa. Anyone below 18 years of age should not be administered this drug.

Celexa Side Effects

Allergic reactions to Celexa can include:

• swelling of throat
• tongue
• face and lips
• skin hives and rashes
• breathing difficulties

If you experience any uncomfortable symptoms that aggravate, you need to seek your doctor's advice and professional help. Some of these symptoms can include:

• suicidal tendencies
• depression
• physical or mental hyperactivity
• restlessness
• aggression
• hostility
• irritability
• impulsiveness
• sleeping troubles
• panic attacks
• anxiety and behavior or mood changes

Some of the serious side effects can include:

• overactive reflexes
• tremors
• uneven or fast heartbeats
• sweating
• high fever and stiff muscles

A few side effects can include:

• co-ordination loss
• unsteadiness
• appetite loss
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• nausea
• shallow or interrupted breathing
• seizures
• fainting
• hallucinations
• confusion
• weakness
• problems with memory
• concentration troubles
• headache

Less serious troubles include:

• drowsiness
• insomnia
• upset stomach
• gas
• mild nausea
• weight changes
• more urination
• impotence
• lower sex drive
• yawning
• dryness in mouth
• cold signs such as sore throat, sneezing and stuffed nose

Other side effects include emotional flattening and increased apathy. This occurs because dopamine release decreases when serotonin production increases.

Possible Drug Interactions with Celexa

When you are prescribed Celexa, inform your doctor if you are taking medications for:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as:
  • Lodine (etodolac)
  • Relafen(nabumetone)
  • Feldene(piroxicam)
  • Indocin(indomethacin)
  • Voltaren(diclofenac)
  • Naprosyn(naproxen)
  • Advil(ibuprofen)
  • Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)

These drugs when taken with Celexa can cause you to bleed or bruise easily. Few of the other drugs that can interact with Celexa include:

• Tegretol (carbamazepine)
• Tagamet (cimetidine)
• Carbolith (lithium)
• Coumadin (warfarin)
• Antidepressants such as:
  • Zoloft (sertraline)
  • Paxil(paroxetine)
  • Aventyl (nortriptyline)
  • Tofranil (imipramine)
  • Luvox (fluvoxamine)
  • Prozac(fluoxetine)
  • Lexapro (escitalopram)
  • Elavil (amitriptyline)
• Some of the other drugs are:
  • Zomig (Zolmitriptan)
  • Maxalt(rizatriptan)
  • Amerge(naratriptan)
  • Imitrex(sumatriptan)
  • Migrex(frovatriptan)
  • Axert (almotriptan)

If you have any questions about buying discount Celexa online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.