What is Celexa?
Celexa (citalopram) is a prescription medication used to treat depression in adults. Depression is a mental health condition that causes ongoing sadness, low energy, and loss of interest in daily activities.
This medication increases the amount of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that affects mood and emotions.
Studies show that Celexa can reduce symptoms of depression and help prevent them from coming back.
Doctors may also prescribe Celexa for other conditions, even though it is not officially approved for those uses. These are called off-label uses.
Here are some of the common off-label indications of Celexa:
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Menopausal symptoms
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Agitation in dementia
Celexa withdrawal symptoms may happen if you stop taking it too quickly. These can include headaches, nausea, mood changes, and trouble sleeping.
To avoid this, your doctor may gradually lower your dose. Additionally, certain health conditions or medications may render it unsafe to take Celexa. These are known as Celexa contraindications.
Always consult your doctor about your health history and any other medications you are taking before starting Celexa.
How Does Celexa Work?
Celexa helps treat depression by changing the way certain chemicals work in the brain. People with depression often have low levels of a chemical called serotonin. Serotonin plays a crucial role in regulating mood, emotions, and sleep. When there is not enough serotonin, it can lead to feelings of sadness, low energy, and loss of interest in daily life.
Celexa contains citalopram, which is part of a group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. This medication works by stopping the brain from quickly absorbing serotonin. This means more serotonin stays in the brain, which helps improve mood over time.
Celexa mainly affects serotonin and does not have strong effects on other brain chemicals like dopamine or norepinephrine.
It also does not strongly interact with other types of brain receptors that regulate functions such as blood pressure, alertness, or movement. This makes it a targeted treatment for depression with fewer unwanted effects.
Most people begin to feel better after taking Celexa for a few weeks, but it may take up to a month to feel the full benefits. Celexa helps the brain build a better balance of chemicals, which can improve your mood, sleep, and overall well-being when used as prescribed over time.
Celexa Dosage and Usage
Celexa is an antidepressant that comes in tablet form and is usually taken once a day. It is available in three strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg.
Most people start with a lower dose, which may be increased based on how well the medication works and how well it is tolerated.
You can take Celexa with or without food. Always follow your doctor’s instructions for the correct doses of Celexa based on your condition and health needs.
Dosage Form and Strengths of Celexa
Celexa is available in the following tablet forms:
- 10 mg tablet
- 20 mg tablet
- 40 mg tablet
These tablets are taken by mouth and should be swallowed whole.
How to Take Celexa?
Follow these simple steps for safe and effective use of Celexa:
- Take Celexa once a day. Try to take it at the same time each day, either with food or without food.
- Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, split, or chew the tablet before taking it.
- Follow the instructions given by your doctor. Take only the exact dose prescribed for you.
- Do not take more than 40 milligrams in one day. Taking higher doses can increase the risk of heart problems such as QT prolongation.
- If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and take your next dose as scheduled. Never take two doses at the same time.
Celexa Side Effects
Celexa is a commonly used antidepressant that can help improve mood, but like all medications, it may cause side effects.
Some of the most common Celexa side effects include nausea, dry mouth, tiredness, and sexual problems.
However, there are also more serious side effects of Celexa, such as changes in heart rhythm, serotonin syndrome, and low sodium levels in the blood.
Knowing both the common side effects and severe reactions associated with Celexa is crucial for safe use.
Common Side Effects
Here are the Celexa common side effects of Celexa that may occur, especially when starting treatment:
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Sweating or hot flashes
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Dizziness
- Increased anxiety or agitation
- Muscle or joint pain
- Tremor (shaking)
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sexual problems, such as low sex drive or trouble with ejaculation
- Painful menstrual periods
- Common cold or throat infection
Severe Side Effects
Although less common, these serious side effects of Celexa need medical attention right away:
- Fast, irregular, or skipped heartbeats
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hallucinations or seeing things that are not there
- High fever, stiff muscles, and confusion (signs of serotonin syndrome)
- Sudden mood changes or thoughts of self-harm
- Seizures or convulsions
- Severe muscle stiffness or twitching
- Sudden vision changes or eye pain
- Easy bruising or unusual bleeding
- Strong headache with confusion or unsteadiness (low sodium levels)
- Racing thoughts, extreme happiness, or reckless behavior (mania)
- Ringing in the ears or electric shock feelings (discontinuation symptoms)
Always consult your doctor if you experience any side effects that persist or worsen. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital immediately.
Warnings and Precautions for Celexa
Before taking Celexa, it is essential to be aware that this medication can have serious side effects in some individuals. Doctors carefully weigh the risks and benefits before prescribing it.
Patients, families, and caregivers should be alert for any changes in behavior, especially during the first few weeks of treatment or when the dose is changed.
- Celexa may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people younger than 25, especially during the beginning of treatment or when the dose is changed.
- Celexa can cause changes in heart rhythm, called QT prolongation, which may lead to serious heart problems such as fainting or sudden death.
- People with heart conditions, low potassium or magnesium levels, or those taking other drugs that affect heart rhythm should not take Celexa unless their doctor decides the benefit is greater than the risk.
- Celexa should not be used at doses higher than 40 mg per day because of the risk of serious heart rhythm problems.
- People with liver problems, older adults, or those taking certain medications that affect how Celexa is broken down in the body should not take more than 20 mg per day.
- Patients at risk for low potassium or magnesium should have these levels checked and corrected before starting Celexa.
- If a patient exhibits signs of heart problems, such as dizziness, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or fainting, they should seek immediate medical attention.
- Celexa can lead to serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition caused by too much serotonin in the brain.
- Serotonin syndrome symptoms include confusion, high body temperature, shaking, stiff muscles, or fast heart rate, and it can happen when Celexa is taken with other drugs that increase serotonin.
- Celexa should not be taken with certain medications, such as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or methylene blue.
- Celexa can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken with drugs like aspirin, NSAIDs, or blood thinners such as warfarin.
- Patients should inform their doctor if they are taking any other medications that may affect their ability to bleed.
- Celexa may trigger mania or hypomania in people with bipolar disorder, so doctors usually check for any personal or family history before starting treatment.
- Stopping Celexa can cause withdrawal symptoms like nausea, dizziness, trouble sleeping, mood changes, or electric shock feelings in the body, so it is better to stop the medication slowly.
- Celexa should be used carefully in people with a history of seizures because it may increase the risk of having a seizure.
- Celexa can cause angle-closure glaucoma, a sudden eye condition that can lead to vision loss, particularly in individuals with narrow drainage angles in the eyes.
- Celexa may lead to low sodium levels in the blood, a condition called hyponatremia, which can cause confusion, headaches, weakness, and in severe cases, fainting or seizures.
Let your doctor know about all the medications you are taking and any health problems you have before starting Celexa.
Celexa Interactions
Celexa can interact with many medications, supplements, and herbs. These interactions may change how Celexa works or increase side effects.
Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking before starting Celexa.
Medications that interact with Celexa:
- Tramadol
- Opioid pain medications
- Phenobarbital
- Alprazolam
- Clonazepam
- Lorazepam
- Phenelzine
- Selegiline
- Duloxetine
- Venlafaxine
- Sertraline
- Escitalopram
- Fluoxetine
- Paroxetine
- Imipramine
- Amitriptyline
- Desipramine
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Aspirin
- Warfarin
- Sumatriptan
- Frovatriptan
- Almotriptan
- Eletriptan
- Carbamazepine
- Lithium
- Pimozide
- Ketoconazole
- Cimetidine
- Omeprazole
- Clopidogrel
Supplements and herbs that interact with Celexa:
- St. John’s wort
- Tryptophan
Celexa Alternatives
If Celexa is not working for you or is causing side effects, there are other options available. Many people look for a safe and effective alternative to Celexa to treat depression.
Your doctor can help you select the most suitable medication based on your specific needs. Below is a list of common Celexa alternatives that are approved to treat depression.
- Zoloft (sertraline)
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Paxil (paroxetine)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Effexor (venlafaxine)
- Trintellix (vortioxetine)
- Norpramin (desipramine)
- Elavil (amitriptyline)
Get Budget-Friendly Celexa from Pharma Giant
If you are looking to save money on your depression medication, Pharma Giant offers a smart way to cut down your Celexa cost. We help you get the same trusted medication at a much lower price by working with licensed Canadian pharmacies.
To help you save more, we also offer a Celexa coupon that you can use during checkout.
Ordering is simple and safe. Every prescription is approved by a U.S. doctor and checked by a Canadian pharmacist. You can even order a 3-month supply at once to lower your cost over time.
With fast shipping and secure packaging, your medication will arrive at your door in just a few days. Pharma Giant makes it easy to get budget-friendly Celexa without leaving your home.
How to Order Celexa Online?
- Use the search bar to find Celexa. Choose the right strength and click “Buy” to add it to your cart. To add more items, click “Continue shopping.”
- When you are ready, click “Continue checkout.” Fill in your contact, shipping, and payment details. Use the code PGSAVE10 to get 10% off your first order. Click “Submit” to place your order and check your email for a confirmation.
- You can upload your prescription on the website, email it to info@pharmagiant.com, or fax it to 1-888-562-8159. If a prescription is not required, your order will be processed immediately.
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Disclaimer
Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.
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