Celexa, generic name citalopram, is approved by the FDA for treatment of major depressive disorder, although like most of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) Celexa is often used off-label for the treatment of anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. IN recent years Celexa has been found to be associated with cardiac arrhythmias in higher doses and the maximum FDA approved Celexa dosage has been reduced to 40 mg daily in most patients, although the maximum Celexa dosage in patients over the age of 60 or with a known poor CYP-2D19 metabolism. Prior to the reduction in maximum Celexa dosage was 80 mg daily.

The usual starting Celexa dosage in adults with depression is 20 mg daily, most often used as a single daily morning dose. One of the potential Celexa side effects is trouble sleeping, and this is felt to be less common if the Celexa dosage is taken early in the day. In patients with anxiety often the starting Celexa dosage is 10 mg daily, which is then increased to 20 mg daily after 2-4 weeks if needed. After initiation of the usual Celexa dosage of 20 mg daily most patients will notice the earliest improvement between one and four weeks after the onset of treatment, and may continue to notice improvement for 8-12 weeks. Many physicians will consider a Celexa dosage increase after 4 weeks on the initial Celexa dosage if a patient has noted only slight improvement, but may wait longer if a moderate to good response has been noted.

Celexa has not been approved for use in children, and like all SSRIs carries a black-box warning for use in patients under age 25 years old. In younger patients the risk of suicide may be increased with Celexa, and careful observation is advised when Celexa is used in patients in this age range. Increased suicidality is not observed in patients age 25 and older, and may even be decreased in patients over age 65.

Common Celexa side effects include sexual dysfunction. In women difficulty achieving orgasm is often noted, and in men delayed ejaculation or even inability to ejaculate may be noted. Serious Celexa side effects worsening depression, the serotonin withdrawal syndrome (more below on this topic), hyponatremia, mania (especially in patients with bipolar disorder), extrapyramidal symptoms, and especially at higher Celexa dosage Torsades de Pointes. This serious cardiac arrhythmia that can be fatal is the reason the maximum Celexa dosage was reduced to 40 mg daily.

Like all SSRI medications when discontinuing Celexa it is recommended that the Celexa dosage be gradually tapered rather than abruptly stopped. Abrupt cessation of Celexa from a moderate or high Celexa dosage may result in a discontinuation syndrome. Symptoms of Celexa discontinuation vary from none at all in some patients, to minor balance issues, zinging or zapping sensations sometimes called brain-zaps, and can be very disconcerting to patients with more severe symptoms. The SSRI discontinuation syndrome is well recognized and varies a good deal from one patient to another. The incidence and severity of the SSRI discontinuation syndrome also varies from one medication in the SSRI class to another. In general the shorter the serum half-life of the SSRI the more frequent and more severe the SSRI discontinuation symptoms. Celexa has a serum half-life of approximately 35 hours which is longer than many of the other SSRI medications, and so the incidence and severity of discontinuation symptoms is less than with many other drugs in the class. For comparison Paxil (paroxetine) has a serum half-life of 21 hours, Zoloft (sertraline) has a half-life of 26 hours, Effexor (venlafaxine, an SNRI) has a half-life of 11 hours, and Prozac (fluoxetine) is extraordinary with its half-life of 4-6 days. This very long fluoxetine half-life allows weekly dosing of Prozac in some patients, and sometimes Prozac is used to alleviate SSRI discontinuation symptoms in patients with severe difficulty getting off another SSRI.

In summary Celexa dosage typically ranges from 10 mg to 40 mg daily except in patients with delayed Celexa metabolism such as persons over age 60 or with known slow CYP-2D19 metabolism in whom the maximum approved Celexa dosage is 20 mg daily. Celexa is usually taken as a single morning dose daily.

The combination of Celexa and alcohol is not something that is encouraged and recommended. But as expected some patients will wonder about it. In taking Celexa, a patient should be particular in taking may other medication or drink for that matter along with the drug. While some healthcare expert’s advice that Celexa and alcohol can be taken, it is still critical to get a doctor’s opinion. In case taking Celexa with a drink of alcohol may be allowed, practicing moderations is recommended. This is because the medication may bring about certain side effects that the body may not particularly be prepared for. This only means that there are risks involved. And it is one that should not be ignored. Instead, a patient should particularly pay attention to it to keep away from harm and eventually putting his life and health at risk.

Why Celexa and Alcohol makes a risky combination?

In general, taking Celexa and drinking alcohol is prohibited. This is due to the fact that alcohol as well as anti depressant drugs such as Celexa result to influencing brain chemicals. The main concern surrounding the issue is that a drug such as Celexa may only cause the effects of alcohol to be heightened. In other words, when a patient taking Celexa ingests alcohol too, he may experience further symptoms of depression or in other cases, his motor skills may be affected.

Although some healthcare providers do not strictly prohibit the intake of alcohol with Celexa, they do release proper warning about the moderation in drinking when under the treatment of Celexa. They strictly advise that patients should first and foremost understand the possible effects of Celexa and alcohol in their body before taking these two at the same time.

Defining Moderation In Drinking

In attempting to understand the effects of Celexa when taken with alcohol or vice versa, it is important to note and put proper emphasis on moderation. Different people may have different understanding on what the word moderation means especially when it comes to alcohol drinking. When healthcare providers advise about moderate alcohol intake what they mean is one drink per day for a woman and for a man that is two drinks per day. But this can rather be confusing as some drinks have different levels of alcohol content. So to be more specific moderation in drinking means twelve ounces of beer or five ounces of wine, an ounce of whiskey with 80-proof and an ounce of a 100-proof spirit.

Celexa by itself has its corresponding effects to the brain activity and motor skills of an individual. When taken further with alcohol, just imagine what effects there could be. This is why the best piece of advice is still to avoid any alcoholic drink while under the Celexa medication. No one can really know what is going to happen. There is no way of telling for sure. As such, the best way is still be on the safe side and that is to avoid drinking alcohol with Celexa.

If medication is not properly administered, there are risks that may result to it. For someone under a Celexa treatment, a Celexa overdose is a common occurrence too. This is because the patient may have not been careful enough in noting the proper dosage as prescribed by their respective doctors.

There are varying effects of a Celexa overdose. It varies depending on the elements taken along with the medication such as other drugs, alcoholic drinks and the like. When a patient suffers from overdose, he is likely to feel the following symptoms including dizziness, shakiness and nausea. When this happens, there are certain medications that can help treat the overdose. At times, simple pumping exercise on the stomach can alleviate or treat the condition.

Awareness On The Symptoms Of Celexa Overdose

There are different symptoms including dizziness of the patient, excessive sweating, nausea and vomiting. In some cases, an overdose can also cause episodes of tremor or shakiness. In an overdose condition, a patient may also notice an increase in the heartbeat rate. There are worse scenarios when a patient may suffer memory loss or amnesia, confusion as well as labored breathing. Seizures and irregular heart rhythm is also a common occurrence for overdose patients. The skin may turn blue and cause muscle pain. If an overdose is not properly addressed or if it is really to the extremes, the patient may fall under a comatose or may even lead to death. There are research studies that prove Celexa alone is not life threatening. But this may only occur if Celexa is taken along with any other medication the patient is taking or when drinking alcohol.

Treatment For Celexa Overdose

There are varying treatments that can be used for patients who suffer from Celexa overdose. It also depends if the occurrence is but recent. If this is the case, a doctor may administer medications that will be helpful in treating the condition. Some cases would require the placement off tube inside the stomach. The stomach will then be pumped. Some treatments concentrate on supportive care.

Examples of supportive care in treating overdose of Celexa include the administration off fluids through an IV or intravenous line. Medicines that are meant to control the symptoms including that of seizures and irregular heart rhythm may also apply. Such things are very important in addressing the symptoms and controlling the effects of the overdose.

A patient who suffers from overdose of Celexa needs to be closely monitored. Particular attention should be given in the heart and lung organs. In most cases, a tube is placed into the body of the patient to help with his breathing. As the complications from the overdose occurs, the application of treatments progress.

Since an overdose can become life threatening, a patient should be duly aware of the symptoms and the necessary treatments required and help alleviate the condition. Medical attention should be sought immediately as soon as any sign of an overdose occurs. The condition should be taken seriously.

Depression can hit anyone. It is a condition that everyone is prone to. For treatment, a patient is advised to seek the help of an expert for therapy as well as medication to help ease the case. One of the popular antidepressant drugs is Celexa.

What is Celexa?

Celexa or Citalopram falls under the category of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors also known as SSRIs. What it does is it works to influence certain chemicals in the brain that causes the imbalance and in turn leads to depression. It is used as one of the effective ways to treat a patient suffering from depression.

Being an SSRI, patients are not advised to take the medication without proper consultation with an expert. Although it may be effective in the treatment of depression, it also has various side effects of Celexa. Its use is not generically applied to everyone. There are particular cases that recommend the use of Celexa. But for the rest, the medication may not be recommended for various reasons.

Important Notes What Is Celexa

Before taking Celexa, doctor consultation is required. When doing a consultation, a patient should inform the doctor of any other notable conditions he may have including history of heart disease, occurrence of congestive heart failure, background on Long QT syndrome, potassium and magnesium deficiency and heart rhythm disorder among others. The patient should also notify the doctor of any allergic reactions to Citalopram. The doctor should also learn about the current medications of the patient before writing a prescription for Celexa. Interaction between Celexa and MAO inhibitors is potentially dangerous and may cause some serious side effects.

Learning what is Celexa dosage and keeping with it is also crucial. A patient should never try taking more than the doctor allows. This is very important to keep in mind because Celexa overdose can lead to life threatening side effects including a heart rhythm disorder.

Patients with suicidal tendencies who are prescribed with Celexa should be properly and regularly monitored. A patient especially one who is at 24 years of age or younger should check with the doctor and make religious visits with the doctor within the first 12 weeks of the Celexa treatment. The condition is critical hence it needs proper and regular monitoring.

A patient who experiences symptoms from the treatment of Celexa should notify his doctor about it. Examples of symptoms that should be duly reported include changes in mood and behavior, sleeping trouble, panic attacks, irritation, anxiety, aggressiveness, hostility, restlessness and further feelings of depression or even suicidal thoughts.

Understanding What Is Celexa

Understanding Celexa and its possible effects is very important before taking the medication. The brain activity is a complex one and should be duly attended to. These types of antidepressant drugs are supposed to be helpful given the proper administration. This is why due waning is released upon its prescription. Treatment with Celexa is a complicated process that only expert doctors truly understand. To be treated properly, the patient should be more than willing to cooperate.

Celexa is a drug taken mainly to treat depression and is commonly referred to as Citalopram. It positively affects the chemicals in brain, which might have developed an imbalance, and therefore, have led to depression. Apart from depression, Celexa can also be taken for treating other health problems such as anxiety and panic disorders.

The recommended starting celexa dosage for patients suffering from depression is 20mg per day. This is subject to change depending upon the patient’s medical condition. At the maximum, 60mg celexa dosage per day can be given to a patient suffering from depression. However, it is not recommended to give celexa dosage of more than 40mg per day to a patient. This is because a high dose of celexa can lead to irregularities in heart beat.

The celexa dosage for patients also suffering from liver problems and for elderly people should not be more than 20mg per day. Only if required, the dosage should be increased. The physician can decide to increase or decrease the celexa dosage on the basis of regular monitoring of patient’s medical condition.

The physician will prescribe celexa dosage depending upon three main factors; age, patient’s medical condition, and other medication patient might be taking simultaneously. However, as a word of caution, it is not safe to take or change celexa dosage without consulting your physician or health care provider. Here are few things to remember while taking celexa dosage.

Key Points to Remember for Taking Celexa Dosage

• Generally, it takes multiple weeks for Celexa to show its effects. So, do not worry if the benefits of taking celexa are not seen immediately.

• Monitor the drug effects on the body after taking Celexa and accordingly take the dose either in the morning or before sleeping at night. Some people experience drowsiness, whereas others experience insomnia. If you feel drowsy, take the dose before sleeping at night; whereas, if you experience insomnia, take the dose in morning.

• You are free to take the prescribed celexa dosage without or with food. If you feel that it is badly affecting your stomach, take the dose with food.

• Try and take celexa dosage at the same time every day. This will help to sustain an even drug level in the blood.

• Avoid sudden discontinuation of the celexa drug because it might lead to minor to major withdrawal symptoms or side effects.

• Celexa drug must be taken as per the prescription of your physician. This will ensure that the drug will yield desired results.

• If you have any doubt about celexa, consult your physician and avoid changing or stopping the dose.

After understanding key factors related to taking celexa dosage, let’s now understand some of the side effects of celexa dosage.

Side Effects of Celexa Dosage
• The most common side effect of celexa is delayed or total inability to have orgasm. This is generally experienced by females as compared to male patients. This side effect does not generally reduce with time and often patients tend to stop the medication in order to overcome it.

• Patients taking celexa dosage also complaint about weight gain, vomiting sensation, decrease in sex drive, insomnia, fatigue, and excessive yawning.

• Patients, sometime, also experience confusion, muscle pain, stiffness in the body, fever, sweating, and irregular heartbeats.

• Celexa might lead to risk of suicide among children and young people below the age of 25.