Detailed Celexa Information
Pharmaceutical: Celexa
Manufacturer: Forest Laboratories
Generic name: citalopram
Drug Class: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
CAS Number: 59729-33-8
Guidelines:
Celexa (citalopram) is used to treat symptoms associated with major depression. The drug is administered orally in the form of a tablet. Warning:the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned physicians against prescribing more than 40 milligrams of citalopram per day due to a risk of changing the electrical activity of the heart, which can be fatal.
Contraindications:
- Celexa is contraindicated for people taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Use of MAOIs within two weeks of Celexa treatment can cause serotonin syndrome.
- Celexa should also not be taken with St. John’s Wort, tryptophan.
Adverse outcomes:
- drowsiness
- weight changes
- fatigue, insomnia
- nausea
- vivid dreaming
- decreased libido
- frequent urination
- dry mouth
- anorgasmia
- sweating
- increased trembling and excessive yawning
- increased anxiety
- mood swings
- bruxism
- vomiting
- cardiac arrhythmia
- dizziness
- headaches
- blood pressure fluctuation
- dilated pupils
- hallucinations
- convulsions
Serious Adverse Outcome:
Suicide and serotonin syndrome
Warnings:
- Do not take Celexa if you are allergic to active or inactive ingredients in the drug.
- Do not take Celexa if you are taking an MAOI.
- Allow two weeks after ending an MAOI before starting Celexa treatment.
- Likewise, allow two weeks after ending Celexa treatment before starting an MAOI.
Medical Studies:
- New England Journal of Medicine Study:Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors and Risk of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn
- New England Journal of Medicine Study:First-Trimester Use of Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors and the Risk of Birth Defects
Pregnancy Category:
The FDA classifies Celexa as a Pregnancy Category C drug. This means that even though the drug has not been studied in pregnant women, animal studies have demonstrated an increased risk to a fetus if Celexa is taken during pregnancy.