Citalopram is an antidepressant. Originally made in 1989 by the pharmaceutical company Lundbeck, it’s an SSRI antidepressant that is occasionally used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Today, Forest Laboratories manufactures and markets Celexa, along with a more potent SSRI antidepressant called Lexapro. Citalopram (Celexa) and Lexapro share a pharmacological make-up.
A lot of doctors are prescribing Celexa for their patients. It helps people with depression. Patients taking Celexa seem less stressed, which can allow them to function better. Some doctors prescribe Celexa because they are not sure precisely what is causing their patient’s symptoms or if it might be due to more than one problem at the same time.
The following information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be used during any medical emergency or for diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed physician should always be consulted for health-related questions and concerns.
Concerning antidepressants, there are both benefits and drawbacks to the medication. People need to be educated on this topic before deciding if they want to take an antidepressant or not.
Celexa is a drug for depression that blocks these protein transporters found in your body’s cells. The SSRIs block the serotonin reuptake pumps, which are designed to remove excess serotonin from inside of brain cells. When this happens, it leaves the serotonin to accumulate and relieves the symptoms like depression and anxiety.
Many people who suffer from depression do not know that they can take medication to help them with their symptoms. This is one reason why it’s essential to be aware of the benefits and drawbacks associated with antidepressants.
However, there are also problems with using SSRIs like Celexa. This is because SSRI medications alter the chemical balance in your brain and can also cause other issues for some people. The most common side effects of taking this type of antidepressant include:
Headache; diarrhea; drowsiness; insomnia (trouble sleeping); nausea or vomiting; dry mouth; loss of appetite. Some people also experience sexual problems like reduced libido, delayed ejaculation, or an inability to orgasm during sex.
It’s also important to know that there can be withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking antidepressants. Some serious risks are associated with antidepressant medication, such as worsening depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. This is why it’s vital for patients who decide to take an antidepressant (or any other type of medication) not to stop taking them suddenly.
Also, some people should not take antidepressants because of the risks associated with them. For example, pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers should not take SSRIs like Celexa (citalopram) and Lexapro (escitalopram). Celexa lawsuits are common due to the adverse side effects on pregnant women and their children after birth.
Children younger than 18 years old are also at a higher risk for the severe side effects of antidepressants. People who have a history of seizures should not take SSRIs either.
People with bipolar disorder or psychosis may need to avoid antidepressants because they can trigger the manic phase in patients with this mental illness. If you are taking an antidepressant and begin experiencing unusual mood changes, contact your doctor right away.
People who have suffered from any of the following health problems should avoid taking Celexa: liver disease, kidney disease, heart attack, or stroke. This is why it’s essential to know what you are suffering from before deciding whether you would like to take antidepressant medication or not.
If you decide to take an antidepressant, it’s good to know that there are some things you can do to make taking them as safe as possible. For example, tell your doctor if you have any allergies or kidney or liver problems before starting a medication like Celexa (citalopram).
Also, be sure to tell your doctor what other medication you are taking and if you smoke or drink alcohol.
This is important because certain medications can interact with antidepressants making the side effects worse or cause more severe problems. Also, smoking while taking an antidepressant increases a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease, which can be dangerous.
Finally, people who have a history of suicidal thoughts should contact their doctor right away before starting antidepressant medication.
