Celexa is an antidepressant drug belonging to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Celexa is prescribed to treat depression that occurs almost every day or that persists for two weeks, PDR Health states. Like any SSRI drug, Celexa can have side effects, some of them serious. Some of the risks of Celexa are not specific to this drug, but common to all SSRIs.
Psychiatric Effects
While it seems contradictory that a drug to treat depression increases the risk of suicide and psychiatric disorders, Drugs.com reports that short term studies have shown an increased risk of suicide in teens and young adults taking antidepressants. This risk was only increased in young adults up to age 24 with major depressive disorders and other types of psychiatric disorders. Symptoms that may indicate an increased risk of suicide include anxiety or agitation (occurs in 2 to 5 percent of people), insomnia (occurs in 15 percent of those taking Celexa) and aggression; these behaviors and other similar behaviors should be reported to a medical practitioner.
Serotonin Syndrome
Serotonin syndrome is an uncommon but potentially dangerous side effect of SSRI that is the end result of too much serotonin accumulating in the body. Serotonin syndrome can be fatal, the Mayo Clinic warns. Symptoms include a fast heart rate, agitation, confusion, diarrhea, chills, sweating and headache. Muscle coordination may be poor. Dangerous symptoms include fever, seizures, loss of consciousness and an irregular heartbeat. Symptoms usually stop within 24 hours of stopping the medication, but muscle relaxants, oxygen, blood pressure medications, paralyzing agents and medications to reduce serotonin levels are used to treat symptoms.
Allergic Reactions
As with any drug, allergic reactions to Celexa can occur, including rash, hives, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, low blood pressure and coma. Severe allergic symptoms, especially those involving difficulty breathing, need immediate medical treatment.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Nausea is a common side effect of Celexa, affecting 21 percent of people taking the drug. Diarrhea occurs in 8 percent. Loss of appetite, heartburn, abdominal pain and indigestion occur in 2 to 5 percent, according to eMedTV. Weight gain occurs in less than 1 percent.
Upper Respiratory Effects
Upper respiratory infections, sinus infection, runny nose or nasal irritation occur in 2 to 5 percent of people taking Celexa, eMedTV states.
Systemic Effects
Drowsiness affects 18 percent of people taking Celexa. Eleven percent experience increased sweating, and 8 percent have tremors. Fatigue occurs in 2 to 5 percent.
Other Side Effects
Other common side effects include problems with ejaculation, which affects 6 percent of people taking Celexa, dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, occurring in 2 to 5 percent, and muscle and joint pain, also affecting 2 to 5 percent. Dry mouth occurs in 21 percent.
Member Comments