Celexa

The active ingredient in Celexa is citalopram hydrobromide. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, allowing it to remain active for longer periods. By remaining active for longer, it helps restore the balance of serotonin levels, which can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Celexa. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Celexa:

• Celexa is taken once daily.
• It can be taken with or without food, depending on your preferences.
• Your initial dose will most likely be 20 mg once daily, and after one week, it may be increased to a maximum dosage of 40 mg once daily.
• If you are older than 60 years of age, have liver impairment, and/or are a poor CYP2C19 metabolizer, the maximum dosage is recommended at 20 mg daily.
• When discontinuing Celexa, it is recommended that your dosage be reduced gradually. Your doctor will help you manage your dosage as you finish treatment.
• If you miss a dose, take the medication as soon as you remember. However, if it is closer in time to your next dose, skip this dose and take the next one at its normal time.

The most common side effects of Celexa include:

• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Trouble sleeping
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Diarrhea
• Ejaculation problems
• Tremor
• Sexual dysfunction
• Changes in appetite
• Stuffy nose
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Indigestion

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Celexa. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Worsening suicidal thoughts, unusual behavior, and worsening depression.
• This is more likely to occur in children, adolescents, and young adults.
• Get medical help immediately if you or a caregiver has unusual behavior or suicidal thoughts.
• Blurred vision, eye pain, seeing halos, and other eye problems.
• Abnormal heart rhythms such as QT prolongation, torsade de pointes, or congenital long QT syndrome.
• This is more likely to happen if you have a history of heart problems, arrhythmias, high blood pressure, have low levels of potassium or magnesium, a slow heart rate, or take diuretics.

-Serotonin syndrome

• You are at higher risk if you take other medications that raise your serotonin levels. This can include other antidepressant medications, migraine medications, St. John’s Wort, tryptophan, or other mental health medications.
• Withdrawal
• If you stop Celexa suddenly, withdrawal symptoms may occur. You might feel nauseous, anxious, distressed, or dizzy. You can also have flu-like symptoms or have trouble sleeping.
• Higher risk of bleeding
• Low sodium levels
• Glaucoma
• Celexa can lead to or worsen existing angle-closure glaucoma.
• Allergic reaction

These are not all of the possible side effects of Celexa. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Celexa, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• A known allergy, to Celexa, or any of the following:
• Citalopram
• Lexapro (escitalopram)
• Personal or family history of suicide attempts
• Seizures
• Low sodium in the blood
• Personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type)
• Personal or family history of bipolar/manic-depressive disorder
• Liver disease

Boxed Warning

There is a boxed warning that includes suicidal thoughts and behaviors. There is an increased risk of both in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients who are taking antidepressants.

Such populations should be closely monitored for any clinical worsening and/or emergence of suicidal thoughts and suicidal behaviors.

Celexa has not been approved for use in pediatric patients.

• Using Celexa alongside monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI.

• Taking Celexa together with pimozide.

• Having a known allergy to citalopram, escitalopram, or any of Celexa's inactive ingredients.

Celexa typically begins to improve symptoms of depression or anxiety within 1 to 2 weeks, but noticeable benefits may take 4 to 6 weeks or longer. Full therapeutic effects, such as mood stabilization, often require consistent use over several months. Regular communication with your healthcare provider is important during this time to monitor progress and adjust the dosage if needed.

When Celexa is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• CYP2C19 Inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, cimetidine)
• Blood thinners (Coumadin, Jantoven, warfarin)
• Other medications that increase serotonin such as SNRIs
• Other medications that increase your risk of bleeding such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and naproxen.

The following medications are listed as contraindications in the prescription guide:

• Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• This includes the use of Celexa within 14 days of discontinuing an MAOI
• Examples include methylene blue, tricyclic antidepressants, and linezolid
• Concomitant use of pimozide

Celexa comes as a tablet in the following dosages:

• 10 mg
• 20 mg, scored
• 40 mg, scored

You should store Celexa at room temperature away from light and moisture. You should not store it in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Celexa is manufactured by Forest Laboratories, Inc.

There are generics available for the brand name Celexa.

Related medications include Lexapro (escitalopram), Zoloft (sertraline), and Prozac (fluoxetine).

To stop taking Celexa, consult your healthcare provider, as discontinuing it abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, irritability, or mood changes. Your doctor may recommend gradually tapering your dose over time to minimize these effects. Always follow your provider’s guidance to ensure a safe and comfortable transition off the medication.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you. There is evidence that SSRI use, especially late in pregnancy, has the possibility of increasing the risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension and possible symptoms of poor adaptation (temperature instability, respiratory distress, hypotonia, feeding difficulties, tremors, irritability) in the unborn baby. If you are pregnant, you should register on the pregnancy registry to track the effects of citalopram on you and your baby.

There is evidence that Celexa passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding infants should be monitored for irritability, excessive somnolence, and restlessness if their mother is taking Celexa. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.