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Celexa: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Celexa?

Celexa is an effective antidepressant medication used to treat mental health problems affecting a person’s emotional state. That includes mood disorders such as depression and a prolonged period of extreme sadness.

Celexa belongs to a class of antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The active ingredient in Celexa- citalopram is renowned for its antidepressant and anxiolytic activities.

What are the uses of Celexa?

  • Celexa, an antidepressant drug, is commonly used to treat depression, panic attacks, and anxiety.
  • Celexa may also be used as a mood stabilizer drug to improve sleep quality in insomnia patients.
  • The active compound citalopram helps to restore natural serotonin levels in the brain.
  • Celexa improves overall energy level and maintains mental balance.

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    What are the side effects of Celexa?

    Like with many other antidepressant medications, Celexa also may cause side effects. Fortunately, most side effects improve within a week and don’t require any medical attention. Some of the possible side effects caused by Celexa are as follows:

    • Digestive system problems such as nausea, diarrhea.
    • Change in weight.
    • Vomiting.
    • Blurred vision.
    • Hallucination.
    • Agitation.
    • Upper respiratory tract infection.
    • Low sexual desire.
    • Confusion.

    What is Celexa

    Uses of Celexa

    Side effects of Celexa

    References

    1. https://www.goodrx.com/blog/celexa-for-anxiety-what-to-know/
    2. https://www.verywellmind.com/faqs-about-celexa-for-panic-disorder-2584294

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Celexa

    The initial dose of Celexa is made carefully on an individual patient basis to maintain the lowest effective dose. For many people, finding the correct dose is by a trial and error process. Ideally, 20 mg of Celexa per day is prescribed as the initial dose. A single dose can work well for one person but not at all for someone else. If the symptoms are prominent, your doctor may increase the dose to 40 mg a day after at least one week of treatment from the initial dose.

    Celexa works by increasing the serotonin hormone in the body. Serotonin is a feel-good hormone that plays a vital role in stabilizing mood, metabolism, and sleep. Although the FDA does not approve Celexa to treat anxiety, it may help reduce symptoms associated with a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

    Effexor is a class of antidepressants that belongs to serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by regulating two different neurotransmitters in the brain, namely norepinephrine, and serotonin. Although both Celexa and Effexor are widely used to treat depression, they differ significantly in their mechanism of action. Various studies conducted on anxiety levels showed the efficacy of Effexor to be stronger than that of Celexa at the end of week 12.

    The risk of drug interaction should be considered before the administration of antidepressant medications. The interaction of active compounds in the drugs may cause potential side effects. For example, taking Celexa together with Lyrica (a medicine used to treat nerve disorders) may increase the risk of developing psychological drug dependency and other mental ailments.

    Celexa is a well-known inexpensive antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorders (MDDs) such as depression, anxiety, pain attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorders, mood swings, and irritability. The key ingredient, citalopram, helps ease the symptoms of depression. Celexa can be used as a standalone drug or as a combination drug with other antidepressants.

    No, Celexa and Xanax are different types of antidepressant medication. But they are commonly used to treat anxiety. Xanax belongs to the triazolobenzodiazepine class and works by stimulating GABA-A (gamma-aminobutyric acid-A), a calming neurotransmitter receptor in the brain whereas Celexa works by regulating the serotonin (a feel-good hormone) in the brain.

    Long-term use of the antidepressant drug is believed to change dietary habits. Celexa, a class of antidepressants used to treat depression, is less likely to be associated with weight loss than weight gain. For some, taking Celexa may reduce their appetite, leading to weight loss.

    Celexa can be taken at any time of day, and it is better to stick to taking antidepressants at the same time every day. For a person with a sleep disorder, it is better to take it in the morning. An improved mood while taking Celexa in the morning can make people more energized and happy throughout the day. For others, it is better to take Celexa at bedtime to avoid any digestive woes.

    Long Term use of the antidepressant drug is believed to change dietary habits. Celexa, a class of antidepressants used to treat depression, is notably reported to cause weight gain as a side effect. An improved mood while taking Celexa may increase appetite intake, leading to weight gain.

    Antidepressant agent citalopram in the Celexa calms the brain by enhancing serotonin secretion. In turn, it may cause drowsiness and fatigue as a side effect. Precaution such as taking the medication near bedtime, adjusting the dose, or taking a brief nap after medication may help you cope up with the effects caused by medication.

    Call Yashoda Hospitals to know more about Celexa, its uses, doses, precautions, and side effects. Contact our expert medical advisers for other medical emergencies or queries also.