Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesEffectivenessPrecautions and ContraindicationsSide EffectsWarnings and Interactions

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Table of Contents

Uses

Effectiveness

Precautions and Contraindications

Side Effects

Warnings and Interactions

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Celexa (citalopram) belongs to a class of antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).Serotonin, sometimes called the feel-good neurotransmitter, regulates several aspects of brain function including sleep, mood, and emotion.

An SSRI like Celexa can prevent serotonin from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells that previously released it. This simple act can improve mood, reduce feelings of anxiety, and decrease the severity ofpanic attacksand otherpanic disorder symptoms.

Other off-label uses for Celexa include:

Although commonly prescribed to adults, Celexa is rarely given to anyone younger than 18 years of age.

When Is the Best Time to Take Antidepressants?

Dealing with thesymptoms of panic disordercan be extremely difficult and it’s normal to want to find relief as soon as possible.

When starting a new antidepressant medication, it’s important to be patient and not expect immediate results.

Many people report that they notice positive changes and reduced symptoms within the first days to weeks of starting on Celexa, but it can take up to several months before the full effect of Celexa kicks in.

Celexa may not be right for you if you have or have had certain medical conditions, including:

Talk to your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins that you currently take. While some drugs pose minor interaction risks, others may outright contraindicate use or prompt careful consideration as to whether the pros of treatment outweigh the cons in your case.

Pregnancy and Nursing

Celexa can be passed on from mother to child during pregnancy or while nursing.If you’re trying to become pregnant, already pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking Celexa.

Are Antidepressants Safe in Pregnancy?

Black Box Warning

The FDA released a black box warning in 2007 cautioning that the use of SSRIs may lead to increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors.The FDA warned that this problem can be especially problematic foradolescents and young adultswho are on SSRIs.

Doctors who prescribe SSRIs, including Celexa, need to monitor for potential worsening of mood or thoughts of suicide, especially for young people just beginning their prescription or changing dosages.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Alcohol Use

Alcohol consumption should be minimized while taking Celexa. The effects of alcohol may be intensified with Celexa and alcohol has the potential to interfere with its effectiveness.

It may take several weeks or longer for Celexa to be fully effective. During this time, you may experience side effects before you notice benefits. Most side effects of Celexa pass with time.

Common

People taking Celexa may experience some side effects, including:

If these side effects are troublesome or do not go away, discuss them with your doctor. They may lower your dosage or change your medication.

Severe

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following rare side effects:

Negative Side Effects of Antidepressants

It is possible to experience serious drug interactions while taking Celexa with other substances or medications. Make sure your prescribing doctor is up to date on all of your current prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.

The following medications can interact with Celexa:

If you want to stop taking Celexa, it’s extremely important to consult with your doctor first. They will help you gradually reduce your dosage. If you stop taking Celexa abruptly, you may experience withdrawal-like symptoms, which can include:

Celexa withdrawal symptoms can begin within three to six days of your last dose and last up to a month in some cases.

Celexa Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment

Forgetting a Dose

Take any missed dose of Celexa as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to the time for your next dose. Never take a double dose; instead, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on your regular schedule.

Tips for Antidepressant Withdrawal Relief

A Word From Verywell

The information provided here is meant to be an overview of using Celexa for anxiety disorders. It doesn’t cover all possible scenarios. Always consult your medical provider or pharmacist about any questions or concerns you may have about your Celexa prescription.

3 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Celexa label. Published January 11, 2019.Food and Drug Administration.Revisions to Product Labeling.Yuet WC, Derasari D, Sivoravong J, Mason D, Jann M.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use and risk of gastrointestinal and intracranial bleeding.J Osteopath Med. 2019;119(2):102-111. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2019.016

3 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Celexa label. Published January 11, 2019.Food and Drug Administration.Revisions to Product Labeling.Yuet WC, Derasari D, Sivoravong J, Mason D, Jann M.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use and risk of gastrointestinal and intracranial bleeding.J Osteopath Med. 2019;119(2):102-111. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2019.016

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Celexa label. Published January 11, 2019.Food and Drug Administration.Revisions to Product Labeling.Yuet WC, Derasari D, Sivoravong J, Mason D, Jann M.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use and risk of gastrointestinal and intracranial bleeding.J Osteopath Med. 2019;119(2):102-111. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2019.016

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Celexa label. Published January 11, 2019.

Food and Drug Administration.Revisions to Product Labeling.

Yuet WC, Derasari D, Sivoravong J, Mason D, Jann M.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use and risk of gastrointestinal and intracranial bleeding.J Osteopath Med. 2019;119(2):102-111. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2019.016

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