What is Celexa?

Celexa or generic Citalopram may be prescribed to treat major depression. This mood disorder does not simply fix itself and go away, it is a medical condition that requires speaking with your doctor about medication to help set your brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) right. Along with taking Celexa, seeking professional help to learn how to deal with the symptoms of depression is also very important in order to getting your life back and enjoying your days. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Celexa Can Help with Symptoms of Depression

Celexa is a type of medication known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Serotonin is an inhibitory brain chemical that can become depleted over time with continued use of stimulant drugs and caffeine. Taking Celexa as directed helps to increase the time that serotonin stays circulating in your brain before it is reabsorbed. Because serotonin helps to stabilize your moods, improving the levels of it in your brain can lift feelings of sadness, dark thoughts, and isolating yourself from family and friends so you can start doing the things that you once enjoyed.

Conditions Treated by Celexa

It's natural to feel down sometimes, but if that low mood lingers day after day, it could be an indication of depression. Major depression is an episode of sadness or apathy along with other symptoms that lasts at least two consecutive weeks and is severe enough to interrupt daily activities.

The primary symptoms of depression are a sad mood and/or loss of interest in life. Activities that were once pleasurable lose their appeal. Patients may also experience a sense of guilt or worthlessness, lack of hope, and recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe Celexa for other disorders such as obsessive/compulsive disorder, anxiety or panic disorders, and post-partum depression. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that can present as persistent and intrusive ideas, thoughts, and impulses. You may find yourself with a strong compulsion to wash your hands repeatedly, count or arrange things, or perform certain rituals before you can continue with your daily tasks.

Before You Take Celexa

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast-feeding before taking Celexa as it may be harmful to your unborn or nursing baby. Disclose other medical conditions you have and any OTC or Rx medications you take or use, including homeopathic remedies and vitamin or dietary supplements, so your doctor can decide if Celexa is the right medication for you.

Important Info About Taking Celexa

You should immediately report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, agitated, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about hurting yourself. Celexa and all other meds should be stored safely out of children’s sight and reach.

Possible Side Effects of Celexa

• Sleepiness
• Headache
• Decreased sexual drive or ability
• Dry mouth
• Sweating

Drugs Similar to Celexa

• Cymbalta
• Zoloft
• Paxil