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Celexa Side Effects
Celexa is commonly prescribed for the treatment of major depression.
'Major Depression' is described as a stubbornly low mood that persists nearly
every day for at least two weeks and which interferes with everyday living.
Symptoms of Major Depression may include loss of interest in normal activities,
insomnia or excessive sleeping, changes in appetite or weight, frequent fidgeting
or a slowdown in movement, fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, difficulty
thinking or concentrating, and possibly even repeated thoughts of suicide.
Similar to other antidepressants in its class including Paxil, Prozac, and
Zoloft, Celexa is said to work by boosting serotonin levels in the patient's
brain. Serotonin is one of the nervous system's primary chemical messengers
and is known to elevate mood.
Common Celexa Side Effects
The most frequent Celexa side effects, as reported in some clinical trials,
included nausea, dry mouth, somnolence, insomnia, increased sweating, tremor,
diarrhea and ejaculation disorder (in men).
Less Common Celexa Side Effects
Weight gain, weight loss, depression, excessive urination, fever, gas, decreased
sexual drive, lack of emotion, impaired concentration, increased appetite,
increased salivation, itching, joint pain, amnesia, attempted suicide, confusion,
coughing, loss of menstruation, low blood pressure, migraine, muscle pain,
rapid heartbeat, rash, skin tingling, taste disturbances, visual disturbances
and yawning.
It is quite possible for side effects other than those listed here to occur.
If this happens and/or if any seem particularly strange or bothersome, contact
a doctor or other healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Special Celexa Precautions
It is important to avoid taking Celexa for two weeks before or after using
any antidepressant that is known as an MAO inhibitor. Antidepressants in this
category include Nardil, Marplan, and Parnate. Combining Celexa with any of
these medications may lead to a serious, possibly even fatal reaction.
There is a slight possibility that Celexa will trigger a manic episode. Patients
who suffer from manic-depression (bipolar disorder) should use Celexa with
caution. Additionally, patients over 60 years old, those with liver or kidney
problems, or who suffer from heart disease or high blood pressure, or have
ever had seizures should use Celexa with caution.
At its recommended dosage, Celexa does not seem to impair judgment or motor
skills. However, there is a theoretical possibility that such problems could
arise, thus, Celexa patients should exercise caution when driving or operating
dangerous equipment (until they are certain of Celexa's effect).
The effects of Celexa during pregnancy have not been adequately studied, and
the potential for harm to the foetus is always a possibility. If you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant while on Celexa therapy, let your doctor know immediately.
Celexa also appears in breast milk and will affect the nursing infant. Nursing
mothers should consider discontinuing either breastfeeding or Celexa, and
speak with a doctor about the pros and cons of each option.
If Celexa is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be
increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with
your doctor before combining Celexa with any of the following drugs - Carbamazepine
(Tegretol); Cimetidine (Tagamet); Erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab); Fluconazole
(Diflucan); Itraconazole (Sporanox); Ketoconazole (Nizoral); Lithium (Lithobid,
Lithonate); Metoprolol (Lopressor); Omeprazole (Prilosec); Sumatriptan (Imitrex);
Warfarin (Coumadin); Other antidepressants such as Elavil, Norpramin, Pamelor,
and Tofranil. Do not combine Celexa with alcohol.
Warning: This information is intended to
supplement, not be a substitute for the expertise and judgment of
a doctor. Please consult a doctor for final and more detailed information
about the possible side effects of this prescription medication.
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