What Is Celexa ?
Celexaฎ (citalopram hydrobromide) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression).
Who Makes Celexa ?
Celexa is manufactured by Forest Pharmaceuticals.
How Does It Work ?
Celexa is part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or
SSRIs for short. SSRIs, such as Celexa, act on a specific chemical within the brain known as serotonin. Serotonin is one of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.
As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release serotonin. The serotonin enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough serotonin reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any serotonin that remains in the gap between cells. This is called "reuptake."
Normally, this process works without any problems. When the levels of serotonin become unbalanced, however, it can cause a variety of conditions, including depression. Celexa helps to block the reuptake of serotonin so more serotonin remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the serotonin a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell.
How Effective Is It ?
Studies have shown Celexa to be effective for depression treatment in adults. People who took it showed more improvement in depression symptoms compared to people not taking the medicine. Also, long-term studies have shown that fewer people taking it relapse (have their depression come back) than people not taking it.
When and How to Take Celexa ?
Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
- Celexa comes in tablet form and also in liquid form. It is taken by mouth usually once a day.
- If it makes you drowsy, try taking it before bedtime. If it causes insomnia for you, try taking it in the morning.
- You can take the medication with or without food. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- It should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For the medicine to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosing
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects
The most common side effect with Celexa is sexual problems in male patients.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some other possible side effects include:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Sweating
Storage
Your Celexa tablets or liquid should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. Keep your medication in an airtight container.
Keep Celexa and all medications out of the reach of children.
Celexa tablets should be stored in a dry place at room temperature between 15° and 30°C
What If I Take an Overdose
People who take too much Celexa may have overdose symptoms that could include:
Dizziness
Sweating
Nausea and vomiting
Shakiness (tremor)
Drowsiness
Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
Amnesia (memory loss)
Confusion
Seizures
Trouble breathing
Blue skin
Muscle pain
Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
Coma
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose ?
If you do not take your dose as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Celexa.
