Celexa - Citalopram

What is it?

Composition

Celexa contains the active substance citalopram, which is the main component that provides the therapeutic effect of the drug. Depending on the form of release, each tablet may contain a different dosage of citalopram - usually 10 mg, 20 mg or 40 mg. The composition of the drug also includes excipients that ensure the stability, absorption and storage of the active ingredient.

• Citalopram hydrobromide is the active substance.
• Microcrystalline cellulose is a filler.
• Croscarmellose sodium is a disintegrant that promotes the disintegration of the tablet.
• Glycerol distearate is a stabilizer and lubricant.
• Lactose monohydrate - provides the consistency and taste of the tablet.
• Povidone is a binder that improves the adhesion of the components.

How to use?

Proper use of Celexa is important to achieve optimal results and minimize possible side effects. The dosage and duration of treatment are selected individually by the attending physician, depending on the patients condition, the severity of symptoms, and the response to the drug.

1. The initial dose is usually 20 mg per day. The doctor may gradually increase the dosage to 40 mg per day, depending on the therapeutic response.
2. The tablet should be taken once a day, preferably at the same time, regardless of food intake. This helps maintain a stable level of the drug in the blood.
3. The drug should be washed down with a sufficient amount of water, without chewing the tablet.
4. Sudden discontinuation of the drug is not recommended. If it is necessary to stop treatment, the dose is reduced gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

How does it work?

Celexa works due to its active ingredient, citalopram, which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood, emotions, and overall well-being. Serotonin levels in the brain can decrease in depression and anxiety disorders, leading to a worsening mood, apathy, and anxiety.

Citalopram in Celexa blocks the reuptake of serotonin by nerve cells, which allows for more of it to be released into synapses — the spaces between nerve cells. This helps improve the transmission of nerve impulses and, as a result, stabilize mood, reduce anxiety, and improve overall psychoemotional state. The effects of Celexa usually become noticeable after 1-4 weeks of regular use, so it is important to continue treatment even if improvements are not immediately visible.

Indications

Celexa is used to treat a variety of mental and emotional disorders associated with abnormal serotonin levels in the brain. The main indications for this drug are:

• Depressive episodes, including clinical depression and dysthymia (chronic depression).
• Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety.
• Panic disorders, characterized by sudden attacks of severe anxiety or fear.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is characterized by obsessive thoughts and repetitive actions.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), associated with trauma.

Celexa helps stabilize the emotional state and reduce the severity of symptoms, improving the quality of life of patients with these disorders.

Contraindications

Celexa, like any other drug, has its contraindications, which are important to consider before starting treatment. The main cases when the use of Celexa is not recommended or prohibited include:

• Hypersensitivity or allergy to citalopram or other components of the drug.
• Concomitant use with other SSRIs or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which can lead to serious side effects.
• Congenital abnormal heart rhythms, such as long QT syndrome, or other cardiovascular diseases that may be worsened by taking citalopram.
• Severe renal or hepatic insufficiency, which impairs the elimination of the drug from the body.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding, unless absolutely necessary, since the drug may adversely affect the development of the fetus or child.

Before starting to take Celexa, you should always consult with your doctor and discuss all possible risks and limitations, especially if the patient has concomitant diseases or is taking other medications.

Side effects

Like any antidepressant, Celexa can cause side effects that vary in severity and frequency. Most side effects occur in the first weeks of use and may decrease or disappear over time as the body adapts to the drug.

• Nausea and digestive upsets, such as diarrhea or constipation.
• Headache, dizziness, or feeling tired.
• Drowsiness or, conversely, insomnia and sleep disturbances.
• Changes in weight and appetite, most often decreased appetite.
• Increased sweating or dry mouth.
• Decreased libido or difficulty achieving orgasm.

In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, such as abnormal heart rhythms or the development of serotonin syndrome. If side effects become intense or cause significant deterioration in health, you should consult your doctor to adjust the dose or change the treatment regimen.