- Used to treat severe depression
- Also used in the treatment of OCD and panic disorder
- Sometimes used to treat hot flashes
- Used in the treatment of anxiety
Celexa is the brand name for the generic drug Citalopram which is manufactured by Forest Laboratories Inc. It is available in tablets of 10, 20 and 40 mg as well as in a liquid with a strength of 10 mg/5 mL which comes with a peppermint flavor. The 10 mg tablets are oval and beige, the 20 mg tablets are pink and oval and the 40 mg tablets are white and oval.
Indications
The drug Citalopram is indicated when certain chemicals in the brain become unbalanced and this leads to a feeling of depression. The patient experiences mood swings and could even become suicidal and this can be a dangerous situation. This stage of the condition can be devastating and this drug could bring a lot of relief to people who are going through major depression.
Action
The drug inhibits the production of the chemicals in the brain which cause the depression. Celexa is transported to the brain because of the Pgp or the permeability glycoprotein that it contains and here, it functions as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI. It acts on the central nervous system in order to stabilize the production of these chemicals and bring about a decrease in mood swings.
Side Effects
There are a number of side effects that could occur when this drug is taken. Some of them are not very serious while others could be very serious. Whatever the side effect, it must be reported immediately and medical help should be sought. The side effects could be a feeling of tiredness, insomnia, discomfort like dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness and an increase in perspiration. There could be more serious effects like increased mood swings, increased activity or suicidal tendencies. Sometimes, patients experience tremors and even changes in sexual ability. There could be bloody stools and well as muscular weakness, irregular heartbeat and weight gain. Some have experienced hallucinations and co-ordination problems as well as fever, rash and swelling.
Caution
If you suffer from any allergies, you should inform your doctor before he prescribes this drug for you. You should also tell him your full medical history and also inform him about any medication, vitamins or supplements you might be taking. There could be reactions between the drug and some supplement you might be taking regularly and this could happen even with natural supplements. You should also tell him about your medical condition and whether you suffer from conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, bladder or kidney problems or cardiac conditions.
Contraindications
The drug is contraindicated in women who are pregnant or even if they are thinking of getting pregnant. It should also not be taken by nursing mothers because the drug does pass through to the baby through the milk. It is also contraindicated in the very old as it tends to bring on reactions.