Citalopram (Celexa) Drug for Depression: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Citalopram
(Celexa, United States)

Use:

Citalopram or Celexa is an anti depressant drug which is useful in panic disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders. It is a member of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRI anti depressant drugs.

How It Works:

Citalopram or Celexa inhibits the reuptake of neuro chemicals such as serotonin in the nervous system. With more of these circulating neuro chemicals, the nervous system is able to function better.

Side Effects:

Citalopram or Celexa use is associated with nausea, drowsiness, sweating, tremor, a feeling of numbness, dizziness, dry mouth, and insomnia. Men taking Citalopram or Celexa may experience problems with their sex life. These side effects are comparable to other SSRI anti depressants, and as with the other SSRI anti depressants, with time these side effects may wear off or become tolerable.

Cautions for People:

Several weeks of therapy are need to see results with Citalopram or Celexa. The usual doses are started low and increased until an effective level is reached.
Withdrawal symptoms are sometimes seen when the drug is stopped - dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue, poor concentration, mood changes. The withdrawal syndrome is thought to be due to a shortage of serotonin in the body when Citalopram or Celexa is stopped. Tapering off the dosage slowly will eliminate this problem.

Drug Interactions:

Citalopram or Celexa's advantage over other SSRI anti depressants is its lower incidence of drug interactions. Fluoxetine can interact with tricyclic antidepressants and lithium; paroxetine with barbiturates and theophylline. Citalopram or Celexa only significant drug interaction is considered to be with monoamine oxidase inhibitor or MAOI anti depressants.

Further Reading:

Br J Psychiatry 1995;167:374
Inter Clin Psychopharmacol 1995;10:45
Drugs 1995;49:328
Int J Clin Psychopharmacol 1997;12:323
Clin Drug Invest 1997;14:77

Added to Virtual Drugstore October 1998.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.