Celexa

Labeled as an antidepressant, Celexa has been around for a number of years and has continually been used to treat symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety disorder. It is known chemically as a member of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) group and is now marketed under its generic name, citalopram.

How Celexa Works To Treat Symptoms Of Anxiety And Depression?

According to several scientific studies, Celexa when taken on the right dose will act as an antidepressant then affecting the neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters, as the name implies, are basically the chemical transmitters within the brain and are produced primarily by the nerves that are functioning to attach its adjacent nerves. It is due to this function basically that the neurotransmitters are considered by experts as the brain’s communication system.

To ease the symptoms of depression, the neurotransmitters must be balanced. Celexa makes sure of this by preventing any possible uptakes of the neurotransmitters, particularly the serotonin through the use of the nerve cells. This uptake prevention is often done right after the release of the serotonin. It is also this prevention which helps increase the production of serotonin in the brain, then stimulating the brain’s nerve cells. With this mechanism thought by expert as great, Celexa was approved in 1998 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Dosage And Drug Interactions

Celexa, just like the rest of the available prescription medicines, is prescribed by doctors according to certain doses. Normally, patients suffering from depression and anxiety are required to take the drug for a certain dose once a day. The intake is usually recommended to be taken in the morning, as with the rest of the antidepressants. However, once the drug is taken according to what is prescribed, it may take longer for about a couple of weeks for the effects to be seen. It is also typical for the doctors to increase the prescription to certain doses to determine exactly which is most effective. The increase, however, is not addressed for people suffering from liver and kidney failure. These people are only required to take the smaller doses possible.

In terms of drug interactions, Celexa is shown to interact with the mono-amine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. These too are a class of antidepressants, but they work in different way than Celexa. So if this medication is taken along with the MAO inhibitors, certain risks may occurs, including tremor, confusion, hyperactivity, and high blood pressure. Note that the same interaction may happen with drugs like Pondimin, Redux, and Eldepryl. And, when taken with Tryptophan, conditions like sweating, headaches, dizziness, and nausea may occur.

Celexa Side Effects

The side effects of Celexa are too many. But, basically most of these are just minor. Included in the list are vomiting, nausea, headache, severe sweating, sleep disorder, and tremor. As what most researches have revealed, one of five people taking this medication experience such conditions.

It is also possible for patients taking Celexa to experience the so-called “Celexa withdrawal symptoms”. These symptoms may include tingling sensations, dizziness, poor mood, tiredness, irritability, and vivid dreams. Well, if any of these conditions are felt, make sure to see your doctor immediately. Tell him or her everything the condition and make sure that every question is answered.

Note: There are several recent studies which show that Celexa and the other SSRIs can worsen depression and anxiety if certain side effects are left ignored. And, since depression can progress with or without any warning signs, there is a great possibility for the person suffering from it to commit suicide. This is where the importance of keeping a regular control or monitoring scheme with the patient comes in.