Citalopram (Celexa) is a drug used for the treatment of depression and anxiety. It is an antidepressant medicine which affects the neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters are chemicals which help the nerves in the brain to communicate with each other. It has been noticed that any imbalance in the neurotransmitters may cause dipression. Citalopram (Celexa) prevents the uptake of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, by nerve cells after it is released. The medicine helps the brain in secreting free serotonin which stimulates the nerve cells.
Citalopram (Celexa) falls into the category of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In this category, you will find drugs like fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Citalopram (Celexa) was approved by the FDA in the year 1998. This medicine has been prescribed for panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric syndrome (PMDD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
The starting dose of Citalopram (Celexa) is 20 mg which may be taken either in the morning or the evening, depending on the doctor's prescription.
This may be increased to 40 mg daily after one week. Doses are adjusted slowly in order to find the most effective dose. However, it may take several weeks of treatment before maximum effects are seen.
Some of the common side effects caused by the intake of Citalopram (Celexa) are vomiting, excessive sweating, headache, nausea, dry mouth, tremor, drowsiness, and inability to sleep. Most people experience these kinds of side effects. The drug is also associated with sexual dysfunction. Withdrawal symptoms may be seen if the intake of the medicine is suddenly stoppped. The main symptoms of withdrawal are dizziness,a tingling sensations, tiredness, vivid dreams, and irritability.
Antidepressants are very harmful and risky during pregnancy and for lactating mothers. If a mother takes Citalopram (Celexa) during the third trimester, it may cause complications.
If a lactating mother takes this medicine, it will have an adverse effect on the baby.
Like any other antidepressants, Citalopram (Celexa) also increases the risk of suicidal thinking. This is very common in small children and adolescents. The clinical need of the patient should be taken into consideration along with his age and medical history. Patients who are taking this medicine should be monitored carefully.
Citalopram (Celexa) has also been used to treat eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa. Along with this, mental conditions can be treated with the help of this medicine.
To know more about antidepressants, have a look at the pages of anxietyxl.com.
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