Celexa (Citalopram)

What is Celexa?

Celexa is an antidepressant that belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

What is Celexa used for?

Celexa is indicated for the treatment of depression and for uplifting the mood.

How does Celexa work?

Celexa works by restoring the balance of a natural substance in the brain called serotonin.

How to use Celexa

Follow the instructions of the doctor carefully and read the information leaflet closely.

Take Celexa tablets orally, once daily (in the morning or evening) or as directed by the doctor. It can be taken with or without food, but it has to be taken with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break the tablet without confirming first with your doctor.

If you are using the liquid form, measure the amount in the special dose-measuring device provided.

Celexa warnings and precautions

Do not use Celexa if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, or if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past two weeks.

Before using Celexa, discuss your personal and family medical history with the doctor, especially if it consists of bipolar or manic depressive disorder, liver or kidney disease, seizure or epilepsy.

Abstain from alcohol and cigarettes and do not take up tasks that require constant attention as Celexa is known to cause drowsiness.

Pregnant and lactating women must not use this medicine as Celexa is known to cause birth defects and could harm the nursing child as it passes through breast milk.

What do I do if I have missed a Celexa dose?

If you have missed a dose of Celexa, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.

What do I do if I have taken a Celexa overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Celexa, contact your doctor.

Celexa interactions

Celexa must not be used in tandem with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, indomethacin, etc; blood thinners like warfarin/ heparin; buspirone, dextromethorphan, propoxyphene, phentermine, meperidine, lithium; other SSRIs or SNRIs; tryptophan, St. John’s Wort; triptans and dihydroergotamine; street drugs like MDMA, amphetamine etc.

Tell your doctor about all the prescribed, non prescribed drugs, herbal medicines as well as about all the diet aids and cold and cough medicines you might be using or intend to continue taking even when you are under this medication.

Celexa side effects

Get emergency medical help if you experience any rare side effects of Celexa like hives, difficulty in breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat; hallucinations, loss of coordination, irregular heartbeat, twitchy muscles and restlessness. These can be signs of the Serotonin syndrome.

Discontinue the medicine if you experience a painfully prolonged erection. 

Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, weight gain, dryness in the mouth, and constipation are some of the common side effects from Celexa. Inform your doctor immediately if any of these persist.

The unlikely and rare Celexa side effects may include unusually severe mood fluctuation, blurred vision, increased sweating, shivering and tremors in the body; breathing trouble, decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability,  black and/ or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds,  difficulty in urinating and change in the urine amount. Do not ignore these and report to the doctor as soon as possible.