Celexa

What is Celexa?

Celexa belongs to a group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This drug acts by influencing certain chemicals in the brain and helps treat depression.

What is the most important information I should know about Celexa?

Never combine Celexa with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors), for instance, rasagiline (Azilect), isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). If you have recently taken such drugs and need to use Celexa, you should let at least two weeks pass.

If you are taking such antidepressants as Celexa for the first time, there is a risk of suicidal thoughts, especially if you are under 24. Consider visiting your health care provider on a regular basis - within 12 first weeks of treatment or more.

Inform your doctor at once if after using the drug you notice such symptoms as depression, changes in mood and behavior, trouble sleeping, panic attacks, anxiety, suicidal thoughts; or if you feel hostile, hyperactive, restless, agitated, aggressive or irritated.

Keep in mind that in some cases Celexa may lead to serious and even life-threatening problems with lungs in a fetus if the mother took the drug. If you are pregnant and using Celexa, you shouldn't stop taking it at once to prevent more intense depression from developing. Consult with your doctor.

Such health conditions require medical tests to be passed and a proper dose to be adjusted. Thus, you should inform your health care provider in case you have a kidney disease, a liver disease, manic depression (known as bipolar disorder), epilepsy, seizure or a history of suicidal thought or drug addiction.

Inform your family about the possible changes in your behavior beforehand.

FDA pregnancy category C. Celexa is likely to result in serious or even fatal problems with lungs in an unborn baby, if the mother was under this drug during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or going to become one, see your doctor beforehand. Celexa also appears in breast milk, so avoid taking this drug while you are breastfeeding a child.

Celexa wasn't approved for use in patients younger than 18 years.

How should I take Celexa?

Do not exceed the dosage and keep your standard schedule, using the medication at the same time each day.

Liquid Celexa should be measured with a special medical cup or a marked measuring spoon to be sure your dose is correct.

Remember that Celexa may need 4 weeks or longer to have a positive effect on your health condition. You shouldn't stop using the medication without informing your doctor; otherwise undesirable side effects may occur. Store the drug in a safe place, away from heat and moisture. Try to keep Celexa at room temperature.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you occasionally missed a dose of Celexa, take it asap. Do not use an additional dose to catch up.

What happens if I overdose?

The common symptoms of Celexa overdose include vomiting, tremor, coma, seizure, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, confusion and sweating. Seek immediate medical help if you think you took too much of the drug.