Celexa Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Celexa is used to treat major depression--a stubbornly low mood that persists nearly every day for at least 2 weeks and interferes with everyday living. Symptoms may include loss of interest in your usual activities, insomnia or excessive sleeping, a change in weight or appetite, constant fidgeting or a slowdown in movement, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and repeated thoughts of suicide.

Celexa Dosage

• The recommended starting dose of Celexa tablets or oral solution is 20 milligrams once a day. Dosage is usually increased to 40 milligrams once daily after at least a week has passed. Do not exceed 40 milligrams a day.
• For older adults and those who have liver problems, the recommended dose is 20 milligrams once a day.

Uses of Celexa

• Celexa is used to treat patients with major depressive disorder. It is not for use in patients with bipolar (manic depressive) disorder as it can exacerbate mania or cause a rapid swing from the depressive to the manic phase.
• Celexa is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), though it is not FDA approved for this diagnosis.
• Celexa is used to treat depression.

Side Effects of Celexa

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Celexa. Side effects may include:

• Abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, ejaculation disorders, fatigue, impotence, indigestion, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, painful menstruation, respiratory tract infection, sinus or nasal inflammation, sweating, tremor, vomiting .

Warnings and precautions before taking Celexa:

• In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Celexa or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Celexa has not been studied in children or adolescents and is not approved for treating anyone less than 18 years old.
• Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking antidepressants. Individuals being treated with Celexa and their caregivers should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear suddenly--especially agitation, anxiety, hostility, panic, restlessness, extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and report them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the beginning of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.
• Use Celexa with caution if you suffer from manic-depression (bipolar disorder). Use caution, too, if you are over 60 years old, have liver or kidney problems, suffer from heart disease or high blood pressure, or have ever had seizures.
• Celexa can cause drowsiness or trouble thinking in some people. Patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery until they know that Celexa does not affect their ability to safely engage in these activities.

Drug Interaction :- If Celexa is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter drugs you are planning to take, and be especially certain to check with him before combining Celexa with the following:

• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
  
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
  
• Erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab)
  
• Fluconazole (Diflucan)
  
• Itraconazole (Sporanox)
  
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
  
• Lithium (Lithobid, Lithonate)
  
• Metoprolol (Lopressor)
  
• Omeprazole (Prilosec)

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Celexa overdose may include:

• Amnesia, bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin, coma, confusion, convulsions, dizziness, drowsiness, hyperventilation, nausea, rapid heartbeat, sweating, tremor, vomiting.