Generic Celexa

Celexa, which is generically prescribed as citalopram is used to treat the symptoms of depression. Celexa belongs to a family of medications known as SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These medication are designed affect the chemicals in the brain that are thought to cause depression.

Celexa is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be evaluated prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history that includes seizures, epilepsy, liver disease, kidney disease, bipolar disorder, suicidal tendencies, or drug abuse should not take Celexa. Celexa may cause suicidal thoughts or ideation. Patients who have taken an MAO inhibitor within 14 days of starting or stopping Celexa run a serious risk of serious health problems including coma and death.

The American Food and Drug Administration has rated Celexa with a pregnancy risk of category C. Celexa has been proven to cause serious lung problems and other birth defects in newborn babies who were exposed in the uterus to this medication. Celexa has been proven to pas through the mother’s breast milk and affect a nursing baby. This medication should not be prescribed to a pregnant or nursing woman, or a woman who is likely to become pregnant. If a pregnancy occurs, Celexa should be stopped immediately to avoid serious complication in the infant.

Celexa comes with a risk of side effects, some of which are severe. A patient experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency health care. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms that include facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects which require emergency health care include symptoms such as mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania, self destructive behavior, suicidal ideation, tremors, shivering, convulsions, muscle stiffness, problems with balance, difficulty with coordination, confusion, sweating, or fast heart rate.

Other less serious side effects typically do not require emergency health care but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as dry mouth, watering mouth, yawning, ringing in the ears, sexual dysfunction, urinating often, weight changes, nausea, gas, upset stomach, loss of appetite, insomnia, drowsiness, restlessness, nervousness, or trouble concentrating.

Celexa should be taken exactly as it has bee prescribed by the physician. If the patient misses a dose, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the nest dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid a potential overdose. An overdose requires immediate emergency medical intervention. The patient should never take a double dose of this medication. An overdose may result in symptoms such as tremor, nausea, vomiting, sweating, tremor, rapid heart rate, confusion, dizziness, seizures, coma, and death.

There is a risk of negative drug interactions associated with Celexa. A thorough medical history should be understood prior to prescribing this medication. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications that are known to cause negative interactions with Celexa include medications for pain, swelling, or fever, Tegretol, Tagamet, Lithium, blood thinners, other antidepressants, or almotriptan.

There is a very real threat that Celexa may cause suicidal thoughts or ideation. Any significant changes in behavior should be reported immediately to the prescribing physician.