1. Just the Facts
Citalopram is the generic name for the antidepressant, Celexa, which is made by Forest Pharmaceuticals. It is one of the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) class of antidepressants and has been FDA approved since July 1998. In addition to depression, Citalopram is used to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Premenstrual Dysphoric Syndrome, Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Panic Disorder.
2. What it Does
The human brain passes serotonin through tiny synapses between cells. In some people, the serotonin is taken up too quickly when it should be resting in the synapse. Citalopram, like all SSRI medications, prevents nerve cells from reabsorbing the serotonin that should be passing to other nerve cells. Recent research shows that depression is often caused by low levels of serotonin, which is why inhibiting the reuptake of this neurotransmitter aids in the treatment of depression.
3. Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
Your prescription is probably for 20 or 40mg once a day, and can be taken either morning or night. Citalopram can cause drowsiness, so you may prefer to take it in the evening. Positive effects may occur in as little as one week, but maximum improvement in mood could take up to a month of continuous dosing. As with most antidepressants, Citalopram builds up in the system and will not give immediate results.
4. Understand the Side Effects
Side effects of Citalopram tend to be minor and usually go away within a few weeks. These may include insomnia, difficulty breathing, reduced sex drive, nausea, dry mouth, reduced appetite, fatigue or sleepiness, headaches and more. Though the majority of antidepressant side effects are judged to be worth the benefits received, some serious possible side effects include hallucinations or seizures. If you have either of these, you should report it to your doctor right away.
5. Watch Out for Drug Interactions
As an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor), Citalopram, or Celexa, could have serious interactions with other medications that affect serotonin levels including MAOIs such as Nardil, Zelapar and Orap; migraine medications containing triptan such as Relpax, Imitrex and Zomig; and sedatives, sleeping pills, Ultram and natural supplements like St. John's Wort and tryptophan. These medications (as well as the street drugs LSD and Ecstasy) affect the serotonin levels in the system and can cause Serotonin Syndrome, a potentially dangerous condition.
