Celexa Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Celexa is the brand name for citalopram. Celexa is prescribed to patients suffering from depression and other anxiety disorders. It is effective in treating patients who have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), categorized as depression lasting for more than two weeks that interferes with daily functioning.^[1] Celexa, which belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), blocks the reabsorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Changing the amount of serotonin in the brain can improve mood.^[2]

The FDA has recently released a safety announcement regarding Celexa side effects. While Celexa can be administered in daily doses up to 60 mg, studies have determined that daily doses greater than 40 mg can cause abnormal heart rhythms. The announcement also states that patients with congenital long QT syndrome should not take Celexa. ^[3] Other potential Celexa side effects include abdominal pain, irritability, and muscle aches.^[4]

Contents 1 Common Celexa Side Effects 2 About Drug Side Effects 3 Celexa Allergic Reactions 4 Celexa Precautions and Warnings 5 References

Common Celexa Side Effects

Common Celexa side effects include changes in sex drive or ability, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive sweating, excessive tiredness, headache, irritability, loss of appetite, muscle or joint pain, nausea, nervousness, stomach pain, uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body, and vomiting.^{[1] [4]} Serious Celexa side effects, which may require immediate medical attention, include confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, hallucinations, seizures, severe muscle stiffness, and sweating.^[4]

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Celexa, may cause suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults (patients under the age of 24). Patients over the age of 24 may experience suicidal thoughts at the beginning of treatment or when dosages are changed. Patients experiencing extreme worry, panic attacks; difficulty sleeping, aggressive behavior, or frenzied abnormal excitement may require medical treatment.^{[1] [4]}

About Drug Side Effects

Celexa Allergic Reactions

Patients who are allergic to citalopram should not take Celexa. If an allergic reaction is experienced, medical assistance may be necessary. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or rash, itchy welts or blisters, alone or with fever or joint pain.^[5]

Celexa Precautions and Warnings

• Celexa should not be used in patients who have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within the last 14 days.^[5]
• Celexa is contraindicated in patients taking Orap (pimozide), which is used to control motor tics caused by Tourette's disorder.^{[6] [5]}
• Bleeding events ranging from severe bruising to life-threatening hemorrhages have been known to occur when Celexa is taken with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Coumadin (warfarin), and other anticoagulants.^[1]

Also See: Drug Side Effects, Drug Side Effects, Celexa Coupons, Celexa and Pregnancy, Celexa and Autism, Citalopram Side Effects, Cymbalta, Lexapro, Cymbalta Coupons, Cymbalta Free Samples, Effexor XR Coupons, Effexor XR Free Samples, Lexapro Side Effects, Tramadol Side Effects, Wellbutrin XL Free Samples, Wellbutrin XL Coupons, Zoloft Free Samples, Zoloft Patient Assistance Programs, Zoloft Side Effects

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4} http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=6c96373f-6744-49d4-aec5-3720bc993fab
2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ssris/MH00066
3. ↑ http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/25/fda-recommends-lowering-celexas-maximum-daily-dose/
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4} http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001041/
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1 5.2} http://www.frx.com/pi/celexa_pi.pdf
6. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000864/