Celexa (Citalopram) : An effective solution for Anxiety and Depression

Celexa(brand name for Citalopram) belongs to the drug class called SSRIs(selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and is used for treating depression and anxiety. This medication has FDA approval for treating depression. However, doctors also prescribe this medication for anxiety relief as an “off-label” use. Celexa increases the serotonin(“feel-good” chemical) levels in your body to provide a calm and relaxing sensation. This medication is not considered addictive and the cases of misuse associated with it are low. 

Although, some people may abuse the medication for the drug-like euphoric feeling. To limit this misuse, a valid prescription from a medical professional is mandatory to purchase and use this medication. You can get Celexa from both offline and online pharmacies. If you want to buy Celexa online, choose a licensed pharmacy and avoid websites that offer huge discounts. Also, do not buy the medication from websites that do not ask for a prescription.

Uses of Celexa

Primarily, this medication is used for treating anxiety and depression. But the doctors may prescribe you Celexa for some different conditions. Some of those conditions are listed below:

• Celexa can effectively reduce OCD(obsessive-compulsive disorder) symptoms. The treatment duration of OCD with Celexa depends on the severity of symptoms. 
• The use of Celexa is shown to reduce alcohol consumption in alcoholics.
• Treating Panic disorder as an “off-label” use.
• Celexa is also shown to treat the key symptoms related to PTSD like relieving sadness and tension.
• Celexa can be effective in the case of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder as it provides relief from mood swings and irritation.

Celexa is beneficial for the above conditions but it does not mean that the benefits are guaranteed. The benefits of this medication for your particular case may be different. The use and benefits depend on your mental/physical health and the severity of your condition. Before using this medication for any disorder, consult with your doctors.

How does it provide relief?

Celexa belongs to the group of medications called Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs). Serotonin is a natural substance in our body that helps to improve mood and provide healthy sleep. Celexa increases the serotonin levels in our body to provide relief from anxiety and depression.

Cost of this medication

Celexa is a brand name for the generic medicine Citalopram. The cost of the generic Citalopram is less than the brand version of Celexa

• Without Insurance

• Generic Citalopram
  • 30 Capsules of 30mg – around $200
  • 30 Tablets of 10 mg – around $30
  • 30 Tablets of 20 mg – around $30
  • 30 Tablets of 40 mg – around $30

• Celexa
  • 100 Tablets of 10mg – $900 to $1000
  • 100 Tablets of 20mg – $1000 to $1050
  • 100 Tablets of 40mg – $1050 to $1100

• With insurance
  • The cost of Celexa with insurance depends on your insurance plan.

This is a general estimation of the cost, the actual cost of this medication may vary. Pharmacy location, discount coupons and some additional costs may affect the actual cost of the medication.

Who should avoid this Medication?

Celexa(Citalopram) is effective in many cases but there are situations where using the medication can do more harm than providing relief.

• Diabetic patients
  • Using Celexa can affect the sugar levels in your blood which may prove to be dangerous for some diabetic patients. Either avoid Celexa or consult with your doctors before taking the medication.

• People allergic to Citalopram should avoid taking any form or dosage of the medication.

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
  • During pregnancy or breastfeeding, the use of Celexa can introduce some unwanted complications in the infant. It is suggested by doctors, to avoid this medication during pregnancy. However, untreated depression during pregnancy can also harm the infant. The best course of action is to choose a safer medication for depression, after consulting with your doctors. In case you use anti-depressant medication while breastfeeding or during pregnancy, constantly monitor the baby’s health.

• Heart-related problems
  • Doctors strongly advise avoiding Celexa in patients with heart-related problems. The use of this medicine can cause irregular changes to your heart-beat rhythm and may increase the heart-beat. If you have any heart-related problems, discuss it with your doctors and choose a safer alternative.

• Blood-related disorders
  • This medication can affect your blood-related disorders. It can cause abnormal bleeding and bruises.

• Using other medications
  • Certain medications may interact with Celexa to cause adverse effects. Before using this medication, inform doctors about the medicine you are taking currently.

• Drug abuse history
  • There are cases of abuse and misuse associated with the medication. If you have a history of drug abuse, you should avoid using Celexa.

• Avoid using Celexa if you have low sodium or potassium in your blood as it can cause Long QT syndrome.

• Children under the age of 12 should not use this medication as it can cause adverse effects.

Do not use Celexa if you are taking medicines that also increase the serotonin levels in your body. Tramadol is one such medication that also increases serotonin levels. Using Tramadol and Celexa together can lead to serotonin syndrome. This can have fatal consequences.

How to Take Celexa–Important Directions on Dosage

Celexa is meant to be taken for a long duration of about 6 to 9 months. It is important to take the medicine in the prescribed amount to avoid any harmful consequences. The following are some important directions for taking Celexa:

In case you want to increase or decrease the dose, consult with your doctors before doing so.

• Fix a schedule and take the medicine consistently at that time.
• The medication should be taken once per day.
• There are no harmful interactions of Celexa with food items. Celexa can be taken with or without food.
• Follow the prescription and your doctor’s advice for a healthy and safe treatment.

Different Forms Available

Celexa is available in three forms:

• Tablets
• Capsules
• Liquid solution (Use this solution by mixing its drops with water)

All of the above forms of Celexa are taken directly by mouth with or without food. Doctors prescribe the dosage and form of Celexa according to your requirements. It is important to follow the prescription while taking strong anti-depressants like Celexa.

Possible side effects from Celexa treatment

The use of Celexa is associated with both common and severe side effects. It is very important to know about these side effects to avoid any fatal consequences. Possible side effects associated with Celexa treatment are given below:

Common Side-effects

These common side effects associated with the use of Celexa do not require professional attention. They are experienced during the start of the treatment or when the dosage is increased. These side effects gradually reduce over time and in case they are persistent, you can take your doctor’s advice.

• Sweating
• Nausea
• Frequent Headaches
• Lack of sleep and tiredness
• Sex-related problems, lack of sex drive and reduced performance
• Lack of appetite due to digestive problems

Severe Side-effects

Severe side effects of Celexa are not common and can have fatal consequences. If you experience any side effects written below, contact the emergency helpline immediately.

• Suicidal thoughts
  • The use of Celexa can increase suicidal thoughts and may affect your mental health

• Changing Heart Rate and long QT syndrome prolongation

• Serotonin Syndrome
  • The use of Celexa increases the serotonin level in your body to treat depression and provide a happy feeling. However, this increase in serotonin levels can lead to serotonin syndrome. This happens when there is too much serotonin in your body and it can cause fatal consequences.

• Maniac Episodes are observed in people after using Celexa. The risk is higher for patients suffering from Bipolar disorder.

• Overdosing Celexa may cause seizures.

How to Stop Using Celexa–The Right Way

Suddenly stopping the use of Celexa can cause withdrawal symptoms including:

• Mood swings
• Regular irritation and agitation
• Anxiety attacks
• Insomnia
• Electric tingling in your hands and feet
• Dizziness and Concentration difficulty

The severity of these withdrawal symptoms depends on the duration of treatment and the dosage of your medication. To avoid withdrawal symptoms, stop the treatment with your doctor’s advice. Instead of immediately stopping the medication, doctors will gradually decrease the dose over time.

Conclusion

Celexa(Citalopram) is primarily prescribed for treating depression and has a low risk of addiction and misuse. However, doctors also prescribe this medication for other “off-label” uses. This includes anxiety relief, alcoholism, relief from OCD symptoms, treating panic disorders and alleviating symptoms of PTSD. The use of this medication requires professional consultation and supervision to avoid complications. This medication is safer to use for a short duration.

However, with long-term use and heavy doses, Celexa(Citalopram) can be addictive and cause mental dependence. This dependence on the medicine can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Just like withdrawal symptoms, there are other risks associated with the use of Celexa. These risks include mild and severe side effects.

You can avoid the risks of addiction and side effects by following the prescribed doses and constantly monitoring your mental and physical health. The medicine is available under the brand name Celexa and in generic form as Citalopram. You can purchase the medication from an online pharmacy or a physical store. Before you Buy Celexa Online from a website, check for a valid license. It is strictly advised to avoid websites that offer huge discounts and do not ask for a prescription.