Celexa (citalopram) Full Review and the Side Effects List Celexa Full Review and the Side Effects List

What is Celexa?

Celexa, or commonly known in medicine as citalopram, is one more “participant” among the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Celexa is manufactured by Forest Pharmaceuticals. Generic Celexa is made by more than 10 other different companies (such as Teva Pharmaceuticals, Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, and others).

In various countries, there are other trademarks with citalopram: Cipramil in Australia, Ireland, Norway, Sweden UK and New Zealand; Elopram in Italy; Zetalo in India; Zentius, Cimal in South America, and many other.

How does it work?

Celexa increases serotonin levels, a natural substance in the brain that maintains mental health and balance. Citalopram either can’t or can hardly interfere with the work of the majority of receptors and ferments in our organism. Generally, this active substance – citalopram – doesn’t depress humans’ cognitive functions and causes no sleep disturbances. Besides, the influence of the drug on the reproductive function was not proved.

Citalopram is a liposoluble compound, which makes it easy to absorb by our bodies and it starts working very soon after taking. This antidepressant doesn’t cause addiction. It can be taken together with many other drugs, such as analgetics, antihistamines, and antiepitonic medications. Though, it should not be combined with MAO inhibitors.

Not the least of the factors is that this drug is characterized by good tolerance for the majority of the people of various ages.

What is Celexa used for?

It is used for treating and prevention of depression of any origin; for treating generalized anxiety disorders whether with or without agoraphobia; for treating obsessive-compulsive disorders (OSDs).

An obvious antidepressive effect is seen in 2-4 weeks after taking citalopram, with the first signs of effectiveness at the end of the first week. According to the data from various studies, the percentage of patients who felt better after treatment with this drug amounts to 80 people out of 100.

According to the data of 1998-99s, citalopram works as not only antidepressant but also as some kind of sedative in cases with anxiety, and it is effective almost in the same degree in treating disorders of various severities. Besides, there are almost no symptoms of withdrawal.

Related: SSRIs – selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Celexa side-effects

Tell your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Central nervous system: seldom – asthenia, undue fatigability, sleepiness or insomnia, anxiety, tremor, agitation, amnesia, apathy, extrapyramidal effects, mood swings, aggressive behavior, hallucinations, depersonalization, emotional instability, euphoria, mania, paranoid reactions, psychosis, serotonin syndrome, increased sweating.
• Digestive system: seldom – dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, hypersalivation, flatulence, diarrhea, stomachache, anorexia.
• Cardiovascular system: seldom – bradycardia, lowered arterial blood pressure, orthostatic [postural] hypotension, arrhythmia.
• Blood-forming organs: seldom – thrombocytopenia, hemorrhage.
• Sense organs: seldom – mydriasis, accommodation paresis, disturbance in the sense of taste.
• Reproductive system: sexual dysfunction (ejaculation disorder, lowered libido, impotence), menstrual cycle disorders.
• Allergic reactions: rash, seldom – ecderonic necrosis, rhinitis, and sinusitis.

Celexa generic modifications can include various inactive ingredients, different from the brand-name medication, and they can trigger various allergies, especially for people with sensitivity problems.

Celexa weight gain

Weight gain is one more unpleasant side effect. If you are starting to put on weight because of the pills, talk to your doctor. The specialist will have to conduct a physical examination to find out whether there is something else that may cause weight gain. If you still don’t know the reason of you putting on weight even after the examination, your doctor may advise you various methods of how to lose weight. For example, change your eating ration, increase physical activities and reduce intake of alcohol. If the problem doesn’t go away, you can be advised to change your lifestyle completely or change antidepressant medication.

Celexa dosage

Mainly it is taken one time a day with eating or on an empty stomach.

The dosage varies according to the disorder it is supposed to treat.

For anxiety disorders, a minimal dosage is 10 mg of Celexa a day for the first week, 20 mg a day for the second and following weeks.

For OCD, the dosage is 20 mg a day with slight differences due to the severity of the disorder.

It is worth mentioning that not so long ago FDA discovered that if the dosage of Celexa is above 40 mg a day it can cause a dramatic cardiac rhythm disturbance, including its severe form known as polymorphic ventricular tachycardia – torsades de pointes.

One should also be careful if he or she suffers from disturbance of liver or/and kidneys functioning.

In conclusion

Take Celexa exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this drug in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about citalopram.

References

1 http://soma.com.ua/celexa.html

2 http://www.best-antidepressanty.ru/citalopram-cipramil-celexa.php

3 http://medi.ru/doc/f440400.htm

4 http://www.health-ua.org/news/10899.html

5 http://www.zio-zdorovie.ru/document_117.htm Share the joy

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