Physicians and psychiatrists prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors of SSRIs, such as Celexa for the treatment of patients who suffer from mental depression. Celexa, generically named citalopram, helps to reduce depression symptoms by forcing the neurotransmitter called serotonin to be more active in the person’s brain. The Mayo Clinic indicates medical researchers believe citalopram functions in this manner, but do not know for certain. Celexa will be taken as a pill or solution.
Sexual Side Effects
Primarily when a person begins using Celexa to treat his depression, he may find his libido lowers its activity. This means he may have less interest in participating in sexual activities, such as intercourse. He also may have less of an ability to perform sexually because of the medication. These side effects, Drugs.com reports, begin when he starts taking Celexa, but should decrease and vanish within three to seven days in most cases. Celexa, like many antidepressants, can cause sexual problems in the early part of treatment commonly, but they generally do not continue. He should consult his physician or psychiatrist if he still has trouble sexually after a week of taking citalopram, Drugs.com suggests.
Postural Hypotension
Celexa may induce a problem as a side effect known as postural hypotension. A sudden drop in the person’s blood pressure may occur when she stands up or sits up quickly from a position of lying down. This side effect can induce dizziness or a sense of spinning, as well as lightheadedness. Because the blood pressure decrease occurs suddenly, the blood does not reach her head for a moment, which causes these problems. Postural hypotension rectifies itself momentarily in most cases, however she may stumble or fall if she moves too quickly after rising. This side effect also only occurs during the initial phase of using the antidepressant and should be gone in a day or two, Drugs.com reports.
Nausea
Taking Celexa can cause the person to lose his appetite, largely because it may make him feel nauseous when he first starts using the antidepressant. This side effect happens with many medications during the early stage of treatment because the body tries to deal with the introduction of a new substance that alters the body chemistry. The same disturbance of the body’s balance also may produce diarrhea as a side effect of Celexa. None of these side effects constitute serious problems for most people who experience them.
Member Comments