Description

Celexa is a trading name of the active ingredient Citalopram. The drug neutralizes an emotional melancholy and stimulates the functions of the central nervous system.

A pharmacological action of Celexa happens by means of its interaction with receptors that inhibit the reuptake of serotonin. Due to this, a level of serotonin is increased, and a psychoemotional state is improved.

The use of Celexa helps to cope with such impairments as:

• Depression
• Panic disorder
• Phobias
• Emotional disorders
• Sleep disorders
• Obsessions
• Neuroses

One of the advantages of Celexa is no sedative effect. A patient is not tired or sleepy during the administration of the drug. An antidepressive effects develops within 2-3 weeks and gains its maximum in 4 weeks. Another important advantage of Celexa is the action of a pill within 24 hours, and the pills should be used just once per day. It is very convenient because a frequent application of the pills may be cost-intensive.

In what dose is Celexa used?

The pills of Celexa are used once per day, in the morning hours. The length of the treatments depends on a psychological disorder and its severity. The treatment usually last for 6 to 12 months. In rare cases, the use of Celexa may take a year.

The use of Celexa begins with a minimal daily dose of 10 mg per day. In 2 weeks, a daily dose should be increased up to 20 mg and the disease symptoms should be controlled. If using Celexa 20 mg causes a poor effect, the dose may be gradually increased.

The maximal dose of Celexa which effectively neutralizes the symptoms of depression/panic disorders or obsessive-compulsory disorders is 60 mg. This is a safe dose that does not cause side effects. If the maximal daily dose of Celexa 60 mg is exceeded, severe side effects may occur.

Patients over 60 years old are not recommended to take more than 20-30 mg of Celexa per day. A restriction of the dose for old people is related to the slow metabolism of the drug in their body.

Preventive measures

• The use of Celexa may be started in 2 weeks after the use of MAO inhibitors. The interaction of these drugs may cause the symptoms of serotonin syndrome
• A maniac syndrome may develop within the first 3 weeks of using Celexa. The treatment is stopped in case of a severe form of this disorder
• If a patient has chronic diseases of liver or kidneys, the daily dose of Celexa should not exceed 20 mg

Side effects

According to the international medical classification, Celexa (Citalopram) is considered one of the safest antidepressants. It seldom causes side effects, and most patients do not have a medical addiction even during a long-term treatment.

However, in rare cases, the side effects are possible. They are related to the high sensitivity of the body to Citalopram. These patients may have dry mouth, nausea, strong emotional excitement, palpitations, and constipation.

If the side effects bother you, reduce the daily dose for a while.