About Celexa

Similar to antidepressant drugs sertraline, paroxetine hydrochloride and fluoxetine hydrochloride, Celexa increases the level of serotonin in the brain. Such body chemical as serotonin is a messenger of the nervous system and is meant to raise mood.

Uses or Indications

Celexa is a prescriptive drug which overcomes major depression persisting for weeks and interferes with routine behavior and social functions. Symptoms may include disinterest in usual activities, change in appetite, insomnia or excessive sleeping, constant fidgeting, motor movement inadequacies, fatigue, guilt feelings, loss of concentration, and repeated suicidal thoughts.

How to take Celexa

Available both in liquid form and tablet, Celexa can be taken one time a day, in the morning or night even on an empty stomach. Though depression symptoms may subside in 1-4 weeks, the patient should pursue the course of treatment using Celexa until the doctors says otherwise. It usually takes some months for Celexa to take the full effect.

Side effects

Side effects may show as respiratory tract infection, sinus or nasal inflammation, agitation, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dry mouth, insomnia, drowsiness, body fatigue, abdominal pain, painful menstruation, ejaculation disorders, indigestion, sexual impotence, loss of appetite, anxiety and abnormal sweating. If you detected one of these symptoms, inform your doctor immediately as only he/she can ascertain if you can discontinue or keep on taking Celexa.

Drug Precautions

1. Celexa effects on pregnancy are yet to be adequately studied. If the patient is pregnant or plans to become one, she should check with her doctor as soon as possible. Tests showed that Celexa may appear in breast milk and may have a negative impact on the infant.
2. Celexa has not been tested on children and is not approved for treatment of patients below 18 years of age.
3. If the patient is over 60 years old, suffers from high blood pressure, heart diseases or manic-depression (bipolar disorder), has problems with liver or kidney, and has a history of seizures, he/she should inform the doctor and use Celexa with caution.

Drug Interactions

1. Celexa must never be combined with any MAO inhibitor such as phenelzine sulfate and tranylcypromine sulfate as the mix can be fatal. Avoid taking Celexa for 2 weeks before or after using such antidepressants.
2. In general, inform your doctor of any prescriptive or over-the-counter medication you are using before starting with Celexa.

Missed Dose

Forget the one you missed and just resume your regular schedule. Don`t double take to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

Overdoes symptoms may include skin discoloration, amnesia, coma, mental confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, muscular convulsions, nausea and vomiting, hyperventilation, palpitation, and sweating. Any medication taken in excess can be dangerous. If you took excessive dose of Celexa, seek medical help as soon as possible.

Storage

Celexa should be stored at room temperature.