CELEXA

Drug Uses
Celexa is an effective treatment for depression. By maintaining correct chemical balances in the brain, the symptoms of depression are relieved.

How Taken
Celexa is dispensed in tablet form and taken orally. The usual dose is one tablet daily. It is not necessary to take Celexa with food. To achieve optimum results, Celexa should be taken at the same time every day for a couple of weeks, after which the patient’s condition should be showing an improvement. Do not cease taking Celexa until directed by your doctor. Never increase or reduce the dosage prescribed.

Missed Dose
If a dose is missed, it can be taken as soon as you remember, as long as it does not clash with the next scheduled dose. In this case, rather skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

More Information
While taking Celexa, be very cautious when driving or operating machinery. If symptoms of drowsiness or dizziness occur, do not perform any of these activities. Be cautious when drinking alcohol in while taking Celexa – this may increase drowsiness and/or dizziness.

Full Description

Celexa contains citalopram hydrobromide which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) anti-depressant. It is obtained in tablet form (10mg, 20mg, and 40mg), and an oral solution.

Uses

The main use of Celexa is to treat depression. This condition often occurs when the brain is lacking in a natural chemical called serotonin. It is this chemical that helps keep our moods constant and promotes a feeling of happiness. Celexa can restore the correct level of serotonin in the brain.

Dosage

Take this medication as directed. The tablets should be taken orally with water. In most cases the prescribed dose is taken once a day, either in the morning or at night. The doctor will prescribe the right dose for you. For best results, there should be a constant supply of Celexa in your blood stream therefore take each daily dose at the same time.

Your doctor will monitor your condition and, if necessary, he or she may increase the dose gradually. This will reduce the likelihood of side effects.

If using the liquid solution, shake the bottle well. To make sure the right amount is adminiseterd, use a measuring device. You can buy one from a pharmacy.

Continue using Celexa even if you are feeling less depressed. If you suddenly stop treatment, your depression disorder may worsen.

Your doctor will tell you when to stop treatment and will inform you exactly how to do this without suffering unpleasant withdrawal effects. Your dose will be reduced gradually so that your system can slowly learn to cope without it.

Before you notice the full effects of Celexa, it may take up to 4 weeks of treatment. If, after 4 weeks, there is no significant improvement, notify your doctor.

Side effects

Dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, lack of appetite, fatigue, weakness, dizziness or drowsiness, excessive sweating, or blurry vision. If these last for more than a week, notify a doctor.

Serious side effects: extreme mood swings, hyperactivity, nervousness, suicidal thoughts, tremors, fainting, stomach pain, vomit that resembles coffee particles, bloody or black stools, easy bruising or bleeding, muscle cramps or weakness, irregular heart rate, decreased or increased urination, or difficulty urinating. Notify a doctor immediately.

Celexa, in rare cases, may cause a serious medical condition known as serotonin syndrome. If you have hallucinations, a lack of co-ordination, severe dizziness, a fast heart rate, fever, twitching muscles, severe diarrhea or vomiting, or if you feel very restless, notify a doctor immediately.

Although the chances are unlikely, an allergic reaction to this drug should be immediately reported to a doctor. The symptoms would be trouble breathing, severe dizziness, swelling, itching, or rash.

Important Warnings

If you are allergic to citalopram hydrobromide or other SSRIs, or any other medical compound, inform your doctor.

Inform your doctor if you have a family history that includes any psychiatric disorders, suicides, a bleeding disorder, convulsions, stomach ulcers, dehydration, liver or kidney disease, or low levels of blood sodium.

Celexa may cause dizziness so be very careful if you do any activity that requires you to be alert such as driving or operating machines. Restrict your intake of alcohol.

Elderly people should be careful when using Celexa as they may be more prone to some side effects especially if they are using diuretics.

Celexa can harm an unborn fetus therefore if a woman becomes pregnant during treatment with this drug, a doctor should be immediately notified. Celexa can contaminate breast milk so women who are breastfeeding will have to speak to their doctors about the risks.