Celexa is used to treat major depression--a stubbornly low mood that persists nearly every day for at least 2 weeks and interferes with everyday living. Symptoms may include loss of interest in your usual activities, insomnia or excessive sleeping, a change in weight or appetite, constant fidgeting or a slowdown in movement, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and repeated thoughts of suicide.
Like the antidepressant medications Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft, Celexa is thought to work by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin, one of the nervous system's primary chemical messengers, is known to elevate mood.
Be careful to avoid taking Celexa for 2 weeks before or after using an antidepressant known as an MAO inhibitor. Drugs in this category include Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate. Combining Celexa with one of these medications could lead to a serious--even fatal--reaction.
Celexa is available in tablet and liquid forms. Take either formulation once a day, in the morning or evening, with or without food. Although your depression will begin to lift in 1 to 4 weeks, you should continue taking Celexa regularly. It takes several months for the medication to yield its full benefits.
- vomiting;
- tremor;
- sweating;
- sinus or nasal inflammation;
- respiratory tract infection;
- painful menstruation;
- nausea;
- loss of appetite;
- insomnia;
- indigestion;
- impotence;
- fatigue;
- ejaculation disorders;
- dry mouth;
- drowsiness;
- diarrhea;
- anxiety;
- agitation;
- abdominal pain;
ADULTS
The recommended starting dose of Celexa tablets or oral solution is 20 mg once a day. Dosage is usually increased to 40 mg once daily after at least a week has passed. Do not exceed 40 mg a day.
For older adults and those who have liver problems, the recommended dose is 20 mg once a day.
