Celexa
Generic Name:
Brand Names:
Celexa
Celexa Description:
Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication that is prescribed to treat mental depression. Celexa works to restore the balance of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that regulates mood.
Celexa Side Effects:
Serious side effects of Celexa include suicidal thoughts, increased depression, hallucinations, aggression, and changes in behavior and mood.
For more information, see our Celexa side effects page.
Celexa Uses:
Celexa is an antidepressant prescribed to treat clinical depression, a serious condition that affects millions of people. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications such as Celexa work to increase the activity of serotonin in the brain to stabilize moods. When serotonin levels are in balance, a patient may experience positive changes from antidepressant medications.
Celexa Interactions:
Tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications you may be taking along with Celexa, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. The following drugs should not be taken in combination with Celexa, as interactions may occur:
- Aspirin
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Clorgyline
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Furazolidone
- Iproniazid
- Isocarboxazid
- Levomethadyl
- Linezolid (Zyvox)
- Lithium
- Moclobemide
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors
- Narcotic pain medications, muscle relaxers, or migraine medications
- Nialamide
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Other SSRIs, SNRIs, antipsychotics, or dopamine antagonists
- St. John's Wort
- Pargyline
- Phenelzine
- Pimozide
- Procarbazine
- Seizure or anxiety medications
- Selegiline
- Sleeping pills
- Toloxatone
- Tranylcypromine
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Triptans
- Tryptophan
- Warfarin and other anticoagulants
Celexa Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Celexa should only be taken when directed and prescribed by a doctor. It can be taken with or without food. Adults are typically prescribed 20 mg to be taken once a day. Dosage may be increased to 40 mg per day after a few weeks of treatment. Dosage depends on the condition being treated and other factors that a doctor will consider.
Missing a Dose of Celexa
If you miss a dose of Celexa take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule.
Celexa Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medication. Symptoms of Celexa overdose may include dizziness, sweating, tremors, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and an elevated heart rate.
Celexa FDA Approval:
July 17, 1998
Celexa Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Suicidal Thoughts Warning
There is a Black Box warning on Celexa concerning the potential for suicidal thoughts, especially among younger patients. Children, teenagers, and young adults who take antidepressants to treat depression or other mental illnesses may be more likely to become suicidal than children, teenagers, and young adults who do not take antidepressants to treat these conditions.
Discuss with your doctor the potential for serious side effects before starting treatment with antidepressants.
Abrupt Discontinuation
Celexa may not be effective until several weeks or months after starting treatment. Do not stop taking Celexa without first consulting with a doctor, as side effects of worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and other symptoms could occur. A gradual reduction in dosage is recommended when stopping treatment with Celexa.
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