Celexa

Celexa (Citalopram) belongs to a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and may be described as an anti – depressive medication.

Furthermore, Celexa (Citalopram) may also be described as a fine, white to off – white powder which is freely soluble in ethanol.

Celexa (Citalopram) is used to help effectively treat depression caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters present within the brain.

Furthermore, Celexa (Citalopram) is also used to help effectively treat anxiety attacks and prevent the adoption of a certain neurotransmitter, namely serotonin, by nerve cells after this particular neurotransmitter has been released.

Celexa (Citalopram) is available in tablet form and in different strengths of 10mg, 20mg and 40mg respectively which must be taken once daily either in the morning or evening, with or without food or as directed by your health care professional. This medication is also available in oral suspension form.

Be aware that while on a course of Celexa (Citalopram), the medication may take approximately 1 – 2 weeks to make you feel partially better and approximately 4 weeks for you to feel almost 100% better. But, this depends on how serious your condition is at that point in time and which only your health care professional will be able to gauge well.

Furthermore, you must be sure to follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and ask your health care professional or pharmacist to explain any part of Celexa (Citalopram) you do not understand. You must also be sure to take this medication exactly as directed and refrain from taking a greater or lesser quantity of this medication or altogether taking this medication more or less often than prescribed by your health care professional. Be sure that you do not suddenly discontinue Celexa (Citalopram) without prior confirmation from your health care professional. Your dose must be gradually decreased, since certain conditions may worsen when this medication is abruptly discontinued.

Lastly, you must also consult and reconfirm with your health care professional prior to commencing a course of Celexa (Citalopram), since you must be certain of taking the right potency prescribed by your health care professional in the case of this particular medication whether in tablet or oral suspension form.

Caution is advised when using this medication in the case of children less than 18 years of age. However, if your health care professional has prescribed Celexa (Citalopram) for a child please watch for certain side effects which may develop suddenly, such as agitation, insomnia, irritability, restlessness or frenzied excitement. You must inform your health care professional if your child experiences any of the above mentioned changes.

While on an ongoing course of Celexa (Citalopram) if you notice any of the symptoms listed below or any other symptoms which may seem severe or persistent, you must contact your health care professional.

Sometimes, Celexa (Citalopram) may cause the patient to experience mild stomach pain, insomnia, fainting spells, drooling, weight fluctuations, loss of appetite, sweating, a dry mouth, diarrhea and disorientation.

Furthermore, Celexa (Citalopram) may cause the patient to experience agitation, low fever, anxiety, restlessness, dizziness, a sore throat, light – headedness, skin rashes and an itching sensation.

Lastly, Celexa (Citalopram) may cause the patient to experience overactive reflexes, hives, vomiting, sexual complications, nausea, excessive yawning, palpitations, fatigue, drowsiness and involuntary tremors.

If you are on an ongoing course of Celexa (Citalopram) before you commence taking any new medication (either prescription or OTC), you must first consult your health care professional or pharmacist.

Furthermore, you must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are allergic to Celexa (Citalopram) or any other medication in any other form. Your health care professional must also be informed if you are taking any other medication in any other form, including nutritional supplements or herbal products whilst on an ongoing course of this medication.

Sometimes, Celexa (Citalopram) interacts with various medications, such as Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Furazolidone, Procarbazine, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine, Escitalopram, Cisapride, Sibutramine and Phentermine.

Furthermore, Celexa (Citalopram) interacts with various medications, such as Nefazodone, Trazodone, Venlafaxine, Carbamazepine, Cimetidine, Warfarin, Ibuprofen, Melatonin, St John`s wort, Ayahuasca, Lithium and Fluoxetine.

Lastly, Celexa (Citalopram) interacts with various medications, such as Sertraline, Tramadol, Sumatriptan, Almotriptan, Naproxen, Triptan, Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Diphenhydramine, Diazepam, Codeine and Aspirin.

In case of an overdose of Celexa (Citalopram), call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Furthermore, an overdose of Celexa (Citalopram) may cause one to experience dizziness, unusual sweating, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe drowsiness, or fast heartbeat.

Your health care professional may order certain laboratory and/or medical tests to be performed, such as blood pressure levels, smooth functioning of the kidneys, blood electrolyte levels and blood cholesterol levels to check your response to Celexa (Citalopram), monitor your progress and check for side effects. You must be sure to keep all appointments with your health care professional and the laboratory. Do not let anyone else take your prescribed dosage of Celexa (Citalopram) and ask your health care professional or pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Furthermore, if you need to undergo any kind of surgery including dental surgery, or you conceive whilst on a course of Celexa (Citalopram) inform your health care professional. You must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are pregnant, breast feeding or planning to conceive. You must know that Celexa (Citalopram) does pass into breast milk.

Lastly, avoid consuming alcohol and beverages containing even a small percentage of alcohol whilst on an ongoing course of Celexa (Citalopram). It is important that you do not discontinue this medication without first consulting your health care professional. While on an ongoing course of Celexa (Citalopram), you must also refrain from driving a car or operating any kind of machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

It is important that you do not take a double dose of Celexa (Citalopram) to make up for a missed one unless you have consulted your health care professional.

Celexa (Citalopram) is also used to effectively treat eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa (eating much less than normal), bulimia nervosa (eating much more than normal or bingeing) and other varied complications, such as obsessive – compulsive disorders and panic disorders. Furthermore, you must speak with your health care professional about the possible risks of using Celexa (Citalopram) for your condition and be sure to consult your health care professional or pharmacist for more information, since this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses.

Store Celexa (Citalopram) in the container it came in, keep the lid tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature (between 59 – 86 degrees F or 15 – 30 degrees C) and away from excess heat and moisture.

Furthermore, you must be sure to throw away any Celexa (Citalopram) medication that has gotten outdated or is no longer required. But, speak with your pharmacist or health care professional, or consult your local waste disposal company about the proper method by which you can safely and effectively discard your unused Celexa (Citalopram) medication.

It is important for the patient to know that before consuming Celexa (Citalopram); they must inform their health care professional, if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from heart complications, such as a recent heart attack, high or low blood pressure, a bipolar disorder (manic depression), thyroid complications, hyponatremia (low sodium levels within the blood) or seizures.

Furthermore, it is also important for the patient to know that before consuming Celexa (Citalopram); they must inform their health care professional, if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from kidney complications, suicidal thoughts (any previous suicidal attempts included), liver complications or diabetes. While on an ongoing course of this medication, you must also make sure you inform your health care professional if you have ever received or are currently receiving electroconvulsive therapy.

Lastly, you must know and make sure that your health care professional is informed of any elderly patient in your family who is on an ongoing course of Celexa (Citalopram), since they may be more likely to develop hyponatremia (a type of mineral imbalance), especially if they are simultaneously taking diuretics along with this medication.