Celexa how does it help

People with bipolar disorder who take antidepressants may be at risk for "switching" from depression into mania.

Symptoms of mania include "high" or irritable mood, very high self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, pressure to keep talking, racing thoughts, being easily distracted, frequently involved in activities with a large risk for bad consequences for example, excessive buying sprees.

Medical attention should be sought if serotonin syndrome is suspected. If you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your health care provider to best manage your medications.

People living with MDD who wish to become pregnant face important decisions. Untreated MDD has risks to the fetus, as well as the mother. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and caregivers. For women who take antidepressant medications during weeks 13 through the end of their pregnancy second and third trimesters , there is a risk that the baby can be born before it is fully developed before 37 weeks.

This is a potentially fatal condition that is associated with use of the antidepressant in the second half of pregnancy. However, women who discontinued antidepressant therapy were five times more likely to have a depression relapse than those who continued their antidepressant. If you are pregnant, please discuss the risks and benefits of antidepressant use with your health care provider.

Typically patients begin at a low dose of medicine and the dose is increased slowly over several weeks. The dose usually ranges from 20 mg to 40 mg once daily. For patients older than 60 years, the maximum recommended dose is 20 mg once daily. Only your health care provider can determine the correct dose for you. The liquid should be measured with a dosing spoon or oral syringe which you can get from your pharmacy. Consider using a calendar, pillbox, alarm clock, or cell phone alert to help you remember to take your medication.

You may also ask a family member or friend to remind you or check in with you to be sure you are taking your medication. If you miss a dose of citalopram, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose. Discuss this with your health care provider. Do not double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed. Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking antidepressant medications. They may decrease the benefits e.

If an overdose occurs, call your doctor or You may need urgent medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at Headache, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, increased sweating, feeling nervous, restless, fatigue, or having trouble sleeping insomnia.

These will often improve over the first week or two as you continue to take the medication. Sexual side effects, such as problems with orgasm or ejaculatory delay often do not diminish over time. Low sodium blood levels symptoms of low sodium levels may include headache, weakness, difficulty concentrating and remembering , teeth grinding, angle closure glaucoma symptoms of angle closure glaucoma may include eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around eye , serotonin syndrome symptoms may include shivering, diarrhea, confusion, severe muscle tightness, fever, seizures, and death , seizure.

SSRI antidepressants including citalopram may increase the risk of bleeding events. Combined use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs e.

This may include symptoms such as gums that bleed more easily, nose bleed, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Some cases have been life threatening. August Citalopram at doses greater than 40 mg per day could potentially cause a dangerous abnormality in the electrical activity of the heart. Citalopram use is discouraged in patients with congenital long QT syndrome. So before you start Celexa treatment, be sure to share a list of all of your medications and supplements with your doctor. This drug has a boxed warning.

A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. According to short-term studies , antidepressants such as Celexa may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in people younger than age 25 years.

This includes children, adolescents, and young adults. Keep in mind that depression and some other psychiatric disorders can also increase your risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior. Your loved ones should watch for these signs, too. Before taking Celexa, talk with your doctor about your health history. Celexa may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.

These include:. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at or use their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

When you get Celexa from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication. The expiration date helps guarantee the effectiveness of the medication during this time.

If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it. How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication. Avoid keeping this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as in bathrooms.

This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment. The FDA website provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information on how to dispose of your medication. There are several off-label uses of Celexa that have varying levels of evidence behind them.

Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRI that blocks neuronal reuptake of serotonin in the central nervous system, increasing available serotonin concentrations. Celexa has little impact on dopamine and norepinephrine receptors. Celexa reaches peak blood concentrations about 4 hours after dosing. Steady-state concentrations are expected after about 1 week. Elimination half-life is about 35 hours.

In clinical trials , Celexa had longer half-lives in older adults and was found in higher concentrations in this population. Most clinically significant changes occur through augmentation of the CYP2C19 pathway.

Poor metabolizers of CYP2C19 should receive a maximum dose of 20 mg of Celexa due to increased risk for QT prolongation and torsades de pointes with increased drug concentrations observed in people with certain polymorphisms.

The two treatments should not overlap at any time as this increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Concomitant use of pimozide and Celexa places the patient at risk for serious cardiac side effects such as QT prolongation or arrhythmias. Celexa is contraindicated in people who have had a hypersensitivity allergic reaction to citalopram or any inactive ingredients in Celexa in the past.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication.

The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.

The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. A recent study examined how air pollutants impact brain networks to mediate changes in cognitive function and enhance the risk of depression. You can also learn how to take the drug, which form it comes in, and more.

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New research compares rates of depression among adults in the United States before and after the pandemic and finds that COVID may have severely…. Depression's physical symptoms can include fatigue, appetite changes, sleeping more or less than usual, and pain. Learn more here. Celexa citalopram. Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm. What is Celexa? Celexa comes as a tablet that you swallow once a day. Effectiveness In clinical studies that lasted 4 to 6 weeks, depression symptoms eased more in people who took Celexa.

Celexa generic. Citalopram also comes as an oral liquid solution and as a tablet that dissolves on your tongue. Celexa side effects. More common side effects The more common side effects of Celexa can include: sweating, including hot flashes tremor digestive system problems, such as nausea , vomiting, diarrhea , upset stomach , constipation fatigue lack of energy or sleepiness muscle or joint aches insomnia trouble sleeping anxiety or feeling agitated appetite changes weight gain or weight loss dysmenorrhea painful menstrual periods sexual problems, such as a decreased interest in sex , ejaculation disorder, impotence trouble getting or keeping an erection upper respiratory infection infection in your nose or throat Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following: Suicidal thinking and behavior. Hyponatremia low levels of sodium. Symptoms can include: headache brain fog feeling weak or unsteady fainting Mania or hypomania racing thoughts or periods of high energy. Symptoms can include: increased energy feeling restless trouble sleeping racing thoughts Bleeding. Symptoms can include: increased bruising nosebleeds blood in urine or stool QT prolongation and torsades de pointes types of heart rhythm problems.

Symptoms can include: heart palpitations feeling of skipped or extra heartbeats dizziness fainting Serotonin syndrome high levels of the chemical serotonin. Symptoms can include: sweating or fever tremor blood pressure changes racing heart feeling agitated dizziness Seizures changes in the electrical activity of your brain. Side effect details You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug. Allergic reaction As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Celexa.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include: skin rash itchiness flushing warmth and redness in your skin A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible.

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include: swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat trouble breathing or speaking Call your doctor right away if you have a severe allergic reaction to Celexa. Weight gain or weight loss Changes in appetite may occur while taking Celexa, which can lead to weight gain or weight loss. Sexual side effects Sexual problems may occur with Celexa use. Insomnia Sleep problems may occur while taking Celexa.

Diarrhea Diarrhea is a possible side effect of taking Celexa, but it may get better over time. Sweating Sweating including night sweats may occur when taking Celexa. Celexa dosage. The Celexa dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. Drug forms and strengths Celexa is available as mg, mg, and mg tablets that you swallow.

Dosage for depression The starting dose of Celexa is 20 mg a day. In certain situations, your doctor may want you to keep taking 20 mg of Celexa a day: You have side effects that bother you when taking 40 mg of Celexa a day. You take certain medications such as cimetidine Tagamet , clopidogrel Plavix , or omeprazole Prilosec. Your body is expected to metabolize break down the medication differently.

What if I miss a dose? Will I need to use this drug long term? Celexa uses. Celexa for depression Celexa is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression in adults. Examples of these symptoms include: a depressed mood less interest in usual activities appetite changes weight gain or weight loss sleeping more than usual or having trouble falling asleep fatigue lack of energy guilty feelings low self-worth trouble thinking or concentrating In clinical studies that lasted 4 to 6 weeks, depression symptoms eased more in people who took Celexa.

Celexa for other conditions In addition to the use listed above, Celexa may be used off-label. Celexa for menopausal symptoms off-label use Celexa may be prescribed off-label for symptoms of menopause , usually at doses smaller than those used for depression. Celexa for IBS off-label use Celexa may be used off-label to treat irritable bowel syndrome IBS , a condition that affects your intestines. Celexa for pediatrics off-label use Celexa may be used off-label to treat depression in children.

Celexa for agitation associated with dementia off-label use Celexa may be used off-label to treat agitation caused by dementia. Alternatives to Celexa. Celexa vs. Ingredients Celexa contains the active drug citalopram. Drug forms and administration Celexa and Lexapro are both available as tablets that you swallow. Side effects and risks Celexa and Lexapro belong to the same class of drugs. More common side effects These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Celexa, with Lexapro, or with both drugs when taken individually.

Can occur with Celexa: dysmenorrhea painful menstrual periods Can occur with Lexapro: few unique common side effects Can occur with both Celexa and Lexapro: tremor fatigue lack of energy or sleepiness muscle or joint aches insomnia trouble sleeping anxiety or feeling agitated appetite changes weight gain or weight loss digestive system problems, such as nausea , vomiting, diarrhea , upset stomach , constipation sexual problems, such as a decreased interest in sex , ejaculation disorder, impotence trouble getting or keeping an erection upper respiratory infection infection in your nose or throat sweating, including hot flashes Serious side effects These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Celexa, with Lexapro, or with both drugs when taken individually.

Effectiveness The only condition both Celexa and Lexapro are used to treat is depression. Costs Celexa and Lexapro are both brand-name drugs. Zoloft contains the active drug sertraline. Drug forms and administration Celexa and Zoloft are both available as tablets that you swallow. Side effects and risks Celexa and Zoloft belong to the same class of drugs. More common side effects These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Celexa, with Zoloft, or with both drugs when taken individually.

Can occur with Celexa: dysmenorrhea painful menstrual periods upper respiratory infection infection in your nose or throat Can occur with Zoloft: few unique common side effects Can occur with both Celexa and Zoloft: sweating, including hot flashes digestive system problems, such as nausea , vomiting, diarrhea , upset stomach , constipation sexual problems, such as a decreased interest in sex , ejaculation disorder, impotence trouble getting or keeping an erection appetite changes weight gain or weight loss tremor fatigue lack of energy or sleepiness muscle or joint aches insomnia trouble sleeping anxiety or feeling agitated Serious side effects These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Celexa, with Zoloft, or with both drugs when taken individually.

Effectiveness The only condition both Celexa and Zoloft are used to treat is depression. Costs Celexa and Zoloft are both brand-name drugs. Celexa withdrawal. Celexa and alcohol. Celexa interactions. Celexa and other medications Below is a list of medications that can interact with Celexa. Celexa and tramadol Taking Celexa and the pain medication tramadol may increase your risk for serotonin syndrome high levels of the chemical serotonin.

Celexa and certain depression medications Using Celexa with certain other antidepressants may increase your risk for serotonin syndrome. Celexa and drugs that can increase the risk of bleeding Celexa can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you take it with other drugs that can also increase bleeding risk.

Celexa and certain drugs used for migraine Drugs known as triptans can be used to treat migraine. Celexa and carbamazepine The medication carbamazepine Tegretol may speed up the breakdown of Celexa in the body. Celexa and lithium Taking Celexa and lithium Lithobid together may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Celexa and pimozide One study showed that taking Celexa and pimozide can increase the risk of a type of heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation.

Celexa and ketoconazole If you take Celexa and ketoconazole together, it may decrease the amount of ketoconazole in your body. Celexa and herbs and supplements You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any herbal or supplement products while taking Celexa.

Celexa and pregnancy. What the studies say Studies looked at babies born to pregnant women who were given Celexa during their last trimester 3 months. Celexa and birth control. Celexa and breastfeeding. Celexa cost. Financial and insurance assistance If you need financial support to pay for Celexa, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help may be available through your local pharmacy.

How to take Celexa. Celexa comes as a tablet that you take once a day by swallowing it. Taking Celexa with food You can take Celexa with or without food. Can Celexa be crushed, split, or chewed? How Celexa works. How long does it take to work? Common questions about Celexa. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Celexa. Does Celexa cause hair loss?

Can Celexa be used to treat agitation caused by dementia? You can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol during your Celexa treatment. Can I take Xanax for anxiety if I take Celexa? Some benzodiazepines include: alprazolam Xanax lorazepam Ativan clonazepam Klonopin However, you should be cautious about driving or operating machinery until you know how these drugs affect you. Can I use Celexa if I have heart problems?

Celexa precautions. This drug comes with several precautions. FDA warning: Suicide and antidepressant drugs This drug has a boxed warning. Speak to your doctor if you're concerned. For women, there's no firm evidence to suggest that taking citalopram will reduce your fertility.

But speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant. They may want to review your treatment. Citalopram will not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill or emergency contraception. The good effects of citalopram may, after a while, improve your sex life as your mood lifts and you become interested in life and relationships again.

Sexual side effects usually pass after the first couple of weeks. However, very rarely, they can be long lasting and may not get better even after stopping the medicine.

If these happen and are a problem for you, go back to your doctor to see if there's another treatment you can try. You can drink alcohol while taking citalopram, but it may make you feel sleepy. It might be best to stop drinking alcohol until you see how the medicine makes you feel. Antidepressants, including citalopram, are just one of several approaches to treating depression. Choosing a treatment that's most suitable for you depends on how long you have had depression, your symptoms, whether you have had any previous bouts of depression, whether previous treatment has worked, how likely you are to stick with your treatment, the potential side effects, and your preferences and priorities.

Citalopram and escitalopram are both medicines used to treat depression. Cannabis can also make drowsiness worse with citalopram, especially in people who have just started taking it. Methadone can increase the risk of side effects in people taking citalopram. Talk to your doctor if you think you might use recreational drugs while taking citalopram. Page last reviewed: 10 December Next review due: 10 December Citalopram - Brand name: Cipramil On this page About citalopram Key facts Who can and cannot take citalopram How and when to take citalopram Side effects How to cope with side effects of citalopram Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions about citalopram.

About citalopram Citalopram is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRI. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today?

It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for citalopram to work. Side effects such as tiredness, dry mouth and sweating are common. They're usually mild and go away after a couple of weeks. If you and your doctor decide to take you off citalopram, your doctor may recommend reducing your dose gradually to help prevent extra side effects. Do not take St John's wort while you're taking citalopram.

It will increase your risk of side effects. Citalopram can be taken by adults and children over the age of 12 years. Check with your doctor before starting citalopram if you: have had an allergic reaction to citalopram or any other medicines in the past have a heart problem — citalopram can speed up or change your heartbeat have ever taken any other medicines for depression — some rarely used antidepressants can interact with citalopram to cause very high blood pressure , even when they have been stopped for a few weeks are trying to become pregnant, already pregnant or breastfeeding have an eye condition called glaucoma — citalopram can increase the pressure in your eye have epilepsy or are having electroconvulsive treatment — citalopram may increase your risk of having a seizure If you have diabetes , citalopram can make it more difficult to keep your blood sugar stable.

Take citalopram once a day. You can take it with or without food. If you have trouble sleeping, it's best to take it in the morning. Dosage Citalopram tablets come in different strengths ranging from 10mg to 40mg. With liquid drops of citalopram, 4 drops is equivalent to a 10mg tablet. What if I forget to take it? If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. What if I take too much?

Urgent advice: Call your doctor straight away if:. You have taken too much citalopram and have symptoms such as: being sick vomiting shaking feeling sleepy fast heart rate fits or seizures. Common side effects Common side effects happen in more than 1 in people.

Keep taking the medicine, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away: dry mouth sweating a lot being unable to sleep feeling sleepy feeling tired or weak Serious side effects Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1, people.

Information: You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme. Visit Yellow Card for further information. What to do about: dry mouth — chew sugar-free gum or sugar-free sweets sweating a lot — try wearing loose clothing, use a strong anti-perspirant and keep cool using a fan if possible.

If this does not help, you may need to try a different type of antidepressant. Do not drive or use tools or machinery if you're feeling sleepy. If this does not help, talk to your doctor. Cut down the amount of alcohol you drink as it can make you feel worse.

Citalopram and pregnancy It's important for you and your baby that you stay well during your pregnancy. Citalopram and breastfeeding If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, citalopram can be used during breastfeeding. Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:. Tell your doctor if you're taking these medicines before you start citalopram : any medicines that affect your heartbeat — citalopram can speed up or change your heartbeat any other medicines for depression — some rarely used antidepressants can interact with citalopram to cause very high blood pressure even when they have been stopped for a few weeks Mixing citalopram with herbal remedies and supplements Do not take St John's wort, the herbal remedy for depression, while you're being treated with citalopram as this will increase your risk of side effects.

Important: Medicine safety Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements.