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Citalopram
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Important Resources for Citalopram:
Celexa (citalopram) is a prescription drug used for the treatment of depression.
Celexa belongs to a family of antidepressant drugs known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Other members of this family include Prozac and Paxil.
Celexa is marketed by Forest Labs.
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Uses
Celexa is specifically indicated for the treatment of depression.
How Celexa is Taken
Celexa is available in oral tablets and a peppermint-flavored oral solution.
Celexa is administered at an initial dose of 20 mg once daily, generally with an increase to a dose of 40 mg per day.
Dose increases occur in increments of 20 mg at intervals of no less than one week.
How Celexa Works
Citalopram, like other SSRI's, works by increasing the serotonergic activity in the brain. This results from the inhibition of the brain cells' ability to reuptake the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT).
How the Body Affects Celexa
Following a single dose, peak circulating levels occur at about 4 hours post-dose.
Citalopram is metabolized into several metabolites in the body. The liver enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 are the primary liver enzymes involved in the metabolism of citalopram.
Citalopram and its metabolites are cleared via the urine.
Side Effects
The most common side effects observed with Celexa use are:
- Dry Mouth
- Increased sweating
- Tremor
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dyspepsia (indigestion)
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Arthralgia (joint aches)
- Myalgia (muscle aches)
- Sleepiness
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Anorexia
- Agitation
- Dysmenorrhea
- Decreased libido
- Yawning
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Rhinitis
- Sinusitis
- Ejaculation disorder
- Impotence
Risks and Precautions
Use of antidepressants like Celexa may cause an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Drug Interactions
The following drugs have been shown to induce drug interactions with Celexa use:
- Serotonergic drugs
- Triptans
- CNS drugs
- Alcohol
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Drugs that interfere with blood clotting (NSAIDs, Aspirin, Warfarin, etc.)
- Cimetidine
- Digoxin
- Pimozide
- Metoprolol
- Imipramine and other tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of citalopram in the treatment of depression was established in five placebo-controlled studies in patients who met the professional criteria for major depression.[1]
References
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