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Celexa: What is it any good
for?
Celexa:
Why is it prescribed?
 Celexa
(citalopram) is used to treat major
depression, which is a very low mood that usually persists every day for at
least two weeks and interferes with activities of daily living. The depression
symptoms which Celexa may help with include loss of interest in your usual
activities, insomnia or excessive sleeping, a change in weight or appetite,
constant fidgeting or a slowdown in movement, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness
or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and repeated thoughts of
suicide.
Celexa is very similar to other
antidepressant medications such as Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft, which are thought
to work by boosting the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is
one of the nervous system’s primary neurotransmitter’s (or chemical messengers)
and is known to elevate mood.
Some
important facts about Celexa:
You should be very careful to
avoid taking Celexa for two weeks before or after using an antidepressant known
as an MAO inhibitor. Medications in this category include Marplan, Nardil and
Parnate. Combining Celexa with these antidepressant medications could lead to a
serious or even fatal reaction.
Celexa: How should you take this medication?
You should take Celexa once a
day, in the morning or evening with or without food. Although your depression
may begin to feel better within one to four weeks, you should continue taking
Celexa regularly until your doctor tells you to stop. It usually takes several
months for the medication to yield its maximum benefits.
If you miss a dose…
If you miss a dose of Celexa
you should take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one that you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not
take two doses at the same time.
Storage instructions…
You should store selects a room
temperature.
Information provided by
The PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription Drugs - Sixth Edition
Additional pictures and dosages of
Celexa
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