Celexa is a prescription medication that belongs to the group of antidepressants called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used to treat depression in adults. Depression is a condition that causes people to feel sad and makes them lose interest in the things that used to make them happy. It can affect people of any age, but this medication is meant for adults only.

Celexa is an effective medication that increases serotonin levels to help maintain mental balance and manage depression. The active ingredient in Celexa is citalopram.

Dosage

Celexa comes as a tablet to be taken once daily, and it is precisely for adults; there are no studies that prove its effects on children. 

The duration of treatment will be determined by your doctor, and you can take Celaxa with or without food as prescribed. If you are using the liquid version of this drug, carefully use a measuring device to confirm the dosage. Do not use a household spoon because the dosage may be incorrect. 

In addition, to reduce your risk of side effects and to monitor your response to treatments, your doctor may ask you to start with lower doses and gradually increase the dose. So follow your doctor’s prescription thoroughly. Do not increase the dose at will, do not self-prescribe the drug and don’t exceed the duration of the prescription. 

Side Effects of Celexa

This drug does not cause serious side effects in most people; however, patients with allergic reactions usually experience difficulty breathing, hives, swollen lips, face, throat or tongue. Also, speak to your doctor if you notice a sudden change in behaviour or mood, like worsened depression, panic attacks, anxiety, impulsiveness, trouble sleeping, suicidal thoughts, restlessness, aggressiveness or more. 

Some common and less severe side effects of Celexa include: 

• Blurred vision, eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights.
• Drowsiness.
• Tiredness, feeling weak.
• Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, loss of appetite.
• Nosebleed, heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Increased muscle movement.
• Cold symptoms. 
• Weight gain or weight loss.

Precaution

Do not take Celexa if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, a methylene blue injection, or pimozide; these combinations can cause severe to fatal reactions. 

Do not stop taking Celexa without consulting your healthcare provider.

Tell your doctor immediately if your condition worsens and if you notice suicidal thoughts or sudden changes in behaviour and mood. The medication may make you drowsy or sleepy, so do not drive or operate any machines after taking it.