Celexa, or citalopram hydrobromide, is available in tablet form or as an oral solution. It acts as a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor in order to alleviate the symptoms of severe depression. Typically, severe depression is characterized by a near constant blue mood, loss of interest in typical daily activities, change in appetite or weight and loss of sleep or prolonged sleep.
Control studies have indicated severe effects to fetuses exposed to Celexa during their third trimester. Drugs.com lists the most common side effects as respiratory system disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety and insomnia.
General Respiratory Problems
Drugs.com lists coughing as a frequent side effect of Celexa use. Dyspnea, bronchitis and pneumonia are infrequent side effects, and rare side effects include asthma, bronchospasms, laryngitis and pneumonitis.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
An upper respiratory tract involves one or more of the following: nose, pharynx, larynx, sinuses or bronchi. ScienceDaily.com indicates that an upper respiratory tract infection is the most common cause of missed school and work. Although patients receiving Celexa in a control study appeared to obtain upper respiratory tract infections to a slightly higher degree than the placebo group, the mechanism of increased vulnerability is unclear.
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, or the common cold, is a frequent side effect of Celexa, occurring in approximately 5 percent of the control study population. Typically, doctors diagnose rhinitis if there is significant inflammation of the internal nose tissue that makes breathing through the nose more difficult. MayoClinic.com describes rhinitis as "chronic sneezing or having a congested, drippy nose with no apparent cause."
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is also a typical side effect of Celexa use. Studies to delineate if the same population of people that have respiratory tract infections are the same people that develop rhinitis and sinusitis have not been completed. MayoClinic.com indicates that allergies, colds, bacteria and fungal infections are all possible triggers of sinusitis. The mechanism that increases vulnerability for Celexa users is still not understood.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions are possible when any drug or substance is introduced into the body. RxList.com suggests immediate medical attention if trouble breathing, swelling of any part of the body or red skin rashes or hives occur.
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