Celexa Patient Tips

How it works

Celexa is a brand (trade) name of citalopram. Citalopram is thought to increase levels of serotonin in the brain, and is used in the treatment of depression. It belongs to a group of medications known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)

Upsides

• Celexa is effective at relieving depression.
• Less likely to cause drowsiness than some other antidepressants.
• Has also been used off-label for other conditions such as anxiety, alcoholism, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• SSRIs in general, are better tolerated than many other medicines used in the treatment of depression.
• Celexa is less likely than some other SSRIs to interact with other medications.

Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

• Insomnia, dry mouth, drowsiness, nausea, increased sweating and sexual dysfunction. Side effects may be more likely with Celexa (citalopram) compared to escitalopram, another SSRI.
• May increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in young adults (similar to other antidepressants).
• Interaction or over-dosage may cause serotonin syndrome (symptoms include agitation, hallucinations, fast heart rate, dizziness, muscle tremor, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
• May cause a discontinuation syndrome if abruptly stopped or interrupted (symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, sweating, tremors, vivid dreams, insomnia)
• May affect the heart and heart rhythm (for example, prolong the QT interval); more likely at dosages greater than 40mg/day.
• May not be suitable for people with preexisting cardiac disease or abnormalities or with low potassium or low magnesium levels.
• May also precipitate seizures or glaucoma in susceptible people; decrease sodium levels in the blood and affect a person's ability to concentrate or perform hazardous tasks. Avoid alcohol while taking Celexa.
• May precipitate a manic or mixed episode in people with bipolar disorder.

Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. For a complete list of all side effects, click here.

Bottom Line

Celexa is an effective antidepressant but adverse effects may be more likely compared to escitalopram, a related drug.

Tips

• Blood tests may need to be taken before treatment to check electrolyte levels (for example potassium, magnesium) and these corrected before treatment begins.
• Dosages greater than 40mg/day are not recommended.
• Report to your doctor any signs of worsening of depression or suicidal thoughts particularly during the first few months of therapy. Also monitor for serotonin syndrome.
• Do not stop suddenly as withdrawal symptoms may occur; taper off slowly under medical supervision.
• May affect ability to drive and operate machinery. Be cautious performing hazardous tasks until full effects of the drug are known.
• Report any incidences of abnormal bleeding, eye pain or vision problems, or any signs of low sodium levels such as headache, weakness, or confusion.

Response and Effectiveness

• Peak effects occur within 4 hours; however it may take up to 4-6 weeks of regular dosing to achieve the maximal antidepressant effect.
• Side effects and therapeutic effects may be more pronounced with age; maximum recommended dosage is 20mg/day in people aged over 60 years.
• Escitalopram was developed with the aim of improving tolerability to citalopram (Celexa).