What is Celexa (Citalopram) prescribed for?

While most feel sad every now and then, it is generall a normal reaction to loss or to life’s struggles. However, if you feel intense sadness, feelings of being helpless, hopeless and worthless, and if these feelings do not leave you for many days to weeks then you may have clinical depression. This is a treatable condition.

Citalopram is an antidepressant medication used in the treatment towards both mood and anxiety disorders.  Taking this medication may improve your energy levels and your overall emotions and feelings of your well being. How this medication works is by helping restore the balance of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin acts as one would call, a neurotransmitter.  In short, it helps relay signals from one area of the brain to another.  There is approximately 40 million brain cells, including the cells related to mood, sexual desire, appetite, sleep, memory and learning, and some social behaviour. Most of these brain cells are influenced by Serotonin. However, when there is an imbalance of Serotonin, that is when disorders such as depression and anxiety come into play.

This medication comes in two doses which are 20mg and 40mg. Remember your dose is based on your medical background and your overall response to the treatment. If your doctor or pharmacist has given you some information in the form of a pamphlet, take the time to read up on this drug, and if you have any questions or concerns regarding this medication, please consult your doctor.

This medication is to be taken with or without food, as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken once daily, either in the morning or evening. Remember that the dosage given to you is based on your medical condition and your response to the treatment. It may also be a result of what other medications you may also be taking, alongside this medication.  Be sure to notify your doctor of any other medications (prescription or otherwise) you are taking alongside Celexa.

To reduce your risk of gaining any side effects, your doctor may start you on a lower dosage, only to gradually raise it higher in the future. Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders, and do not increase the dosage yourself, or take this medication for longer then what has been prescribed.

It is essential that you take this medication on a continual basis. Even if you are feeling well. Do not stop taking this medication at any point without consulting your doctor beforehand. Some conditions may worsen if the medication is suddenly put a stop to.  And you may experience side effects, such as; mood swings, headache, tiredness, sleep changes, and brief feelings that are similar to electric shock. If you wish to cease taking this medication, it is best to speak with your doctor and they may gradually reduce your dosage.

Do note that this medication may take from 1 to 4 weeks before you gain the full benefit from it. Speak to your doctor if your condition remains the same or worsens.

Before taking Citalopram, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to escitalopram, or to any other allergies in general.

Before taking this medication, it is best to let your doctor know of all of your medical history, especially if it includes the experiences below; personal or family history of bipolar/manic-depressive disorder, personal or family history of suicide attempts, liver disease, seizures, low sodium in the blood, intestinal ulcers/bleeding (peptic ulcer disease) or bleeding problems, personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).

Citalopram may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.

The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using citalopram, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, recent heart attack, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).

Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using citalopram safely.

Nausea, dry mouth, loss of appetite, tiredness, drowsiness, sweating, blurred vision, and yawning, are all common side effects.  However, if they persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: shaking (tremor), decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, easy bruising/bleeding.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, seizures, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night).

This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms: fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness.

What is Celexa?

So what is Citalopram exactly, and what is Citalopram used for? This medication is used to treat depression. By taking it, it may improve upon your energy levels and overall feelings of well-being. This medication is put to work by helping restore the balance of a natural chemical in the brain called serotonin. This medication comes in two different strengths 20mg and 40mg. And on an international level Celexa is known as Cipram. If you have any questions regarding this medication or any inquiries in general, feel free to give us a call at our toll free number 1-877-385-8998.     

How long does it take for Celexa to work?

Most of the sleep, energy or appetite may show improvement within the first 1 to 2 weeks. These are considered early signals that the medication is indeed working. So how long does it take for Citalopram to work at its fullest? To achieve the full benefits of this medication it may take 6 to 8 weeks to gain the full effect.  However, do keep in mind that this does vary from one person to the next.

What are the side effects of Celexa?

Some of the most common side effects to this medication are as follows; drowsiness, ejaculatory disorder, nausea, insomnia, and diaphoresis. These are just some of what are the most common side effects of citalopram, keep in mind that these are not all of the side effects listed for this medication, and if you are experiencing any of these be sure to inform your doctor if they persist or worsen.

How long does Celexa stay in your system?

From previous studies it seems that this medication can stay in your system for up to 10 to 14 days before it is fully eliminated from your body.

When to take Celexa?

This medication is to be taken once a day, by mouth.  As to when to take citalopram? It can be taken either in the morning or evening, with or without food.

What is the generic name for Celexa?

The generic name for Celexa is known as Citalopram. It was approved for medical use in 1998 as a generic medication.

Who makes Celexa?

Celexa is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company known as Lundbeck. The generic, Citalopram was first synthesized in 1972 and first marketed in 1989. It was released to the public for medical use in 1998.

What type of drug is Celexa?

Celexa is classified as a drug called “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors” (SSRIs).  It is a class that contains fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft).