Celexa contains Citalopram which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Celexa is the most well-known SSRI to date without any effects on the reuptake of noradrenaline, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid. Because of that, this drug exhibits a significantly lower potential for toxic reactions than other serotonin reuptake inhibitors.It does not cause blurred vision, dry mouth, urinary problems, low blood pressure, and cardiotoxic effects, as other antidepressants do.

It is used to treat depression. Depression is one of the most common diseases nowadays that is characterized by a dysphoric mood that affects patient’s daily activities. Symptoms of depression include loss of interest, increased fatigue, drowsiness, insomnia, feelings of guilt, feelings of worthlessness, psychomotor agitation, and weight changes. If you have 5 out of 9 mentioned symptoms, then you’re suffering from depression.

Although it is not defined in the Patient Information Leaflet, Celexa is sometimes used off-label forsmoking cessation, as well as to treat obsessive-compulsive disorders in children and diabetic neuropathy in adults. However, the FDA has not yet approved the use of this drug for this purposes.

Warnings and Precautions

Patients who are allergic to the active substance Citalopram, or other similar medicinesmust not useCelexa.It should not be used in patients taking MAO inhibitors. Simultaneous use with these medicaments can lead to the emergence of a serotonin syndrome – a condition that can cause very high blood pressure, arrhythmias and coma, and may have a lethal outcome!You should wait at least two weeks after stopping anMAO inhibitor beforeyou start taking Celexa,and at least one week after stopping Celexa before you start using an MAO inhibitor.

Depression is a disease that is often associated with suicidal thoughts, self-harming, and suicidal events. The risk of these side effects exists until a significant improvement of depression symptoms is achieved. Since improvement of depression symptoms occurs 30 days after starting Celexa, patients should be carefully observed for any suicidal ideation and behavioral changes (aggression, nervousness and hallucinations).Patients under 25 years of age have a higher risk of suicidal ideation.

Due to the lack of data on Celexa effects on growth and development of children and adolescents, this drug should not be used in patients below 18 years of age.

Rare cases of hyponatraemia (low blood sodium levels) have been reported as a result of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone. Hyponatraemia may cause cardiac arrhythmias, and you must inform your doctor if you experience a rapid or slow heart rate. Usually, this side effect rapidly disappears after treatment discontinuation.

The use of Celexa is associated with the occurrence of akathisia (subjective discomfort and unpleasant feeling of restlessness)followed withexcessive movements, and inability to sit or stand still. This side effect is most common in the first four weeks of treatment. In patients in whom this side effect has occurred, the dose should not be increased as that may worsens the akathisia symptoms.

Celexa may increase eye pressure, which is why it should not be used in patients with glaucoma. Its use in patients with glaucoma may cause visual impairment.

Interactions

Due to an increased risk of serotonin syndrome, Celexa should not be administered concurrently with the following drugs:

• Triptans, medicines used to treat migraine, such asAlmotriptan, Eletriptan, NaratriptanSumatriptan.

• Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline, Imipramine, Clomipramine, and others.

• Strong analgesics used in the treatment of severe pain, such as Fentanyl, Tramadol, Methadone, Pentazocine, Morphine and Alfentanil.

• Selective serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, such as Duloxetine, Venlafaxine, and Atomoxetine.

• Ergotamine derivatives used to treat migraine.

• St. John’s Wart used in the treatment of depression.

Due to an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias, Celexa should not be administered concurrently with the following drugs:

• Aresnic trioxide – a medicine used to treat bone marrow cancer.

• Asenapine (Saphris) and Ziprasidone – medicines used to treat bipolar disorders and schizophrenia.

• Lumefantrine– a medicine used to treat malaria.

• Halothane– inhalation anesthetic.

• Saquinavir– a medicine used to treat HIV.

• Antibiotics, such as Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Ciprofloxacin, and Norfloxacin.

• Tamoxifen – a medicine used to prevent breast cancer.

Due to a possible increase in Celexa blood levels and increased risk of adverse effects, concomitant administration with the following drugs is also contraindicated:

• Nootropics, such as Armodafinil and Modafinil.

• Letrozole– a medicine used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

• Felbamate– a medicine used to treat epilepsy.

• Proton pump inhibitors used to treat heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux and ulcer, such as: omeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole and esomeprazole.

Celexa should not be used at the same time with Bupropion (a medicine used to treat depression). Simultaneous administration increases the risk of convulsions.

This is not a list of all medicines that may interact with Celexa. It is very important to inform your doctor about all medicines, as well as the herbal remedies you are taking.

You should not use alcoholic drinks while using Celexa because alcohol increases the risk of toxic effects on the central nervous system, including drowsiness, dizziness and inability to concentrate.

Dosage

The recommended dose is 20mg daily. If necessary, the dose may be increased to 40mg daily. Effects occurafter four weeks of therapy initiation.

The recommended dose in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment is 10mg daily.

Meds4sure.com: Generic Prozac Lexapro Zoloft Cymbalta Celexa Paxil Celexa Citalopram 40MG Dosage Tablets can be taken at any time of the day regardless of the time of food intake and available on meds4sure.

Overdose: Lethal dose of Celexa is not known yet.One case of a patient who took 2000mg of Celexa and survived has been reported. Possible symptoms of overdose include vomiting, tremor, convulsions, rapid heart rate, slow heart rate, torsade de pointes, cardiac arrest, cyanosis, agitation, serotonin syndrome and coma.

There is no antidote for Celexa. Treatment of overdose is symptomatic, and includes maintenance of cardiac function and possibility of respiratory pathways.

Taking activated charcoalwithin an hour of overdosing with Celexa may reduce toxicity.

Side Effects

Very common side effects of Celexa are:

• Drowsiness

• Insomnia

• Nausea

• Excessive sweating

Common side effects of Celexa are:

• Decreased appetite and consequently weight loss

• Anxiety

• Decreased libido

• Abnormal orgasms in women

• Attention disorders

• Diarrhea

• Itching

• Pain in muscles or joints

• Fatigue

Occasional side effects of Celexa are:

• Slow or rapid heart rate

• Urticaria

• Alopecia (hair loss)

• Edema

Rare side effects of Celexa are:

• Increased body temperature

• Bleeding

• Visual disturbances

• Reduced blood potassium or sodium levels

Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any adverse effects.

Shift Frequency © 2018 – Educational material