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Fighting Depression with Celexa
By Brandon | Last edited: June 2, 2008
Celexa is a prescription drug used primarily in the treatment of major depression, which is depression that involves being in a low mood that persists for at least two weeks and is negatively affecting everyday functioning. Symptoms of such depression include loss of interest in your usual activities, insomnia or excessive sleeping, a change in weight or appetite, constant fidgeting or a slowdown in movement, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and repeated thoughts of suicide. Celexa can help to treat this dangerous form of depression, however you should be aware of the medication itself and its potential side effects.Like other antidepressant medication such as Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft, Celexa is thought to work by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin, one of the nervous system’s primary chemical messengers, is known to elevate mood. Taken in either liquid or tablet form once a day for at least several months, Celexa has proven to successfully counter the symptoms of major depression.
Although Celexa, under recommended doses, has not been proven to affect motor or judgment skills, it is still recommended to use caution when handling motor vehicles while taking Celexa. There is a slight chance that Celexa will trigger a manic episode. Use Celexa with caution if you suffer from manic-depression (bipolar disorder). It is important to notify your doctor of such a disorder or if you suffer from liver/kidney problems, have heart disease, or have ever had seizures.
Celexa has quite a lengthy list of fairly common side effects. Although most are not serious, it is important to notify your doctor of any serious side effects or of any side effects that do not go away. Side effects can include abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, ejaculation disorders, fatigue, impotence, indigestion, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, painful menstruation, respiratory tract infection, sinus or nasal inflammation, sweating, tremor, vomiting, amnesia, attempted suicide, confusion, coughing, decreased sexual drive, depression, excessive urination, fever, gas, impaired concentration, increased appetite, increased salivation, itching, joint pain, lack of emotion, loss of menstruation, low blood pressure, migraine, muscle pain, rapid heartbeat, rash, skin tingling, taste disturbances, visual disturbances, weight gain, and weight loss.
Overdosing on Celexa can lead to serious consequences. Symptoms of Celexa overdose include amnesia, bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin, coma, confusion, convulsions, dizziness, drowsiness, hyperventilation, nausea, rapid heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and vomiting. Always be careful with dosages when taking Celexa.
Be careful to avoid taking Celexa for 2 weeks before or after using an antidepressant known as an MAO inhibitor. Drugs in this category include Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate. Combining Celexa with one of these medications could lead to a serious, even fatal, reaction. Celexa can also give allergic reactions and it is important to notify your doctor of any allergies you may have or of any potential allergic reactions that you are feeling while taking Celexa.