Celexa

Celexa General Information

Generic Name: citalopram

Brand Name: Celexa

Celexa is an anti-depressant drug. It forms part of a group of anti-depressant drugs called as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by restoring the balance of serotonin which helps to improvecertain mood problems. This serotonin is a natural occurring substance found in the human brain. Celexa is used to treat depression. However, Celexa may also be used for purposes other than what is listed here.

Celexa should never be taken with other inhibitors like monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). One must give a gap of atleast 14 days after stopping MAOI, before Celexa can be taken or vice-versa.One may start thinking of suicidewhen he starts taking an anti-depressant especially if the person is young and less than 24 years of age.The doctor need to make regular checks of the patient who is taking Celexa during at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

Celexa Uses

As already mentioned above, Celexa should not be taken if the person is taking MAOI. Serious and even fatal reaction may occur when Celexa is taken along with any of the MAO inhibitors. That is why 14 days gap is fixed before stopping and starting Celexa and MAOI and also the other way round. Before using Celexa, the doctor must be told if the patient is allergic to any drugs or if he has the following -

• Liver or kidney diseases
• Seizurs or epilepsy
• Bipolar disorder
• History of drug abuse or suicidalthoughts

In case of anyone of the above, dose adjustments must be made or special tests conducted as decided upon by the doctor, so that Celexa can be taken safely. The patient should tell the doctor if he has worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts during the first few weeks of treatment or when the dose is changed. Family members or caregivers should be alert to the changes. The doctor should check the patient at regular visits during the first 12 weeks of treatment with Celexa.

How Take Celexa

Celexa should be taken exactly what has been prescribed.Under no circumstances, the medication should be exceeded in quantity or prolonged for a longer period than what has been prescribed. Doctor may change the dose from time to time to make sure that the best result of the medication is achieved. Medicine should be taken at the same time everyday as prescribed and infact one should follow the direction of the prescription label. Celexa should be properly measured with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup but never with a table spoon. Celexa should not be stopped abruptly without the consent of the attending doctor, otherwise, there will be unpleasant side effects.

Celexa Warnings

Alcohol drinking should be avoided. There will be an increase ofside effects of Celexa otherwise. Driving is a no no while the medication is on since remaining alert and awake during this period is difficult. If any other medicine is taken that makes the person sleepy and adds up to the sleepiness caused by Celexa, must be duly told to the Doctor.

Celexa Missed Dose

If a scheduled dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered.If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the scheduled dose to be taken. One should not take extra dose to make up the missed dose.

Celexa Side effects

One should seek emergency medical help as and when allergic reactions like hives, breathing difficulty, swelling of some facial parts, is reported.

Celexa intake should be stopped at once andthe doctor should be called, if any of the following serious side effects are observed:mood or behavior changes, panic attack, trouble sleeping, impulsive, feeling light headed and fainting, fast heartbeat, seizure, vision loss, agitation. There may be less serious side effects also like drowsiness, dizziness, tremor, headache, depression, irritation, insomnia, nausea, stomach upsets.

Celexa Storage Advice

Celexa to be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Celexa Overdose

Immediate emergency medical attention should be asked in case it was surmised that too much of the medication has been taken. Celexa overdose symptom include nausea, vomiting, sweating, rapid heartbeat, confusion, seizures, dizziness, and coma.

Celexa More Information

The pharmacist can give more information about Celexa. These medicines should always be kept away and out of the reach of the children. During this medication, if any other medicines to treat arthritis, fever, pain or swelling, is taken -the same should be brought to the notice of the doctor. Since such drugs which may include aspirin, NSAID drugs when taken with Celexa may cause bruise or bleed easily.