Get Informed: Celexa
Active Ingredient(s)
Citalopram
What does it do?
This product is primarily used for the treatment of depression. It works by prolonging the effect of serotonin, an important chemical in the brain.
- Last Text Update:
- 2009-Nov-07 11:09 AM
- Last Data Update:
- 2009-Nov-07 8:28 AM
Other Names
- Celapram
- Celesta
- Celexa
- Cipramil
- Citalopram
- Citalopram HBR
- Citalopram Hydrobromide
- Feliz
- Talomil
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- C
Black Box Warning
This product has a black box warning relating to increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior when used in children, adolescents, and young adults with depression. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, the following national suicide hotlines are available in the U.S. to help you: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) and 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 17 Jul 1998
- Est US Patients*
- 3,882,000
- Generic Available
- Yes
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Celexa or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Celexa Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
- Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Celexa interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.
What is Celexa used for?
iGuard.org is currently tracking more than 22,400 patients that use Celexa (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Depression | 77% | 
|
| Anxiety | 34% |
|
| Bipolar Disorder | 11% |
|
| Osteoarthritis | 3% |
|
| Insomnia | 2% |
|
| Premenstrual Syndrome | 2% |
|
| Other | 8% |
|
How well does Celexa work?
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 22,400 users taking Celexa (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 84%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Celexa outweigh the bad things.
- 17%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Celexa.
Common Side Effects of Celexa
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 22,400 users taking Celexa (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
43% of patients experience side-effects on Celexa
6% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Celexa
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Fatigue
-
Drowsiness
-
Loss of Libido
-
Dry Mouth
-
Headache
-
Weight Gain
-
Mood/Behavior Changes
-
Sexual Problems
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Altered Taste, Anxiety, Depression, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Dryness, Grogginess/Confusion, Heartburn/Reflux, Increased Appetite, Insomnia, Memory/Speech Problems, Nausea/Vomiting, Sweating, Tremor, Vivid Dreams, Weight Loss
Global Patient Feedback for Celexa (Citalopram) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I've been on citalopram (the generic for Celexa) for several months & recently have developed some edema in my feet & ankles. A friend told me she had a friend who had this happen & it turned-out to be a reaction to an antidepressant she was on. I'm going to see my doc about this, since it could well be caused by something else, but just wanted to see if anyone else has had a similar experience. Thanks!
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-20 09:32:30
Question/Comment:
has anyone out there on celexa had excessive urination. I can't seem to stop peeing. I am on 20mg for 2 1/2 weeks. Didn't know if something else was going on.
40 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-15 10:29:40
Answer/Reply:
I've noticed this with various antidepressants I've been on, including the Celexa I'm currently taking. It's annoying; just depends on how bad it is for an individual as to whether it's bad enough to warrant discontinuing (weaning off of course, w/ your doc's knowledge) the med.
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-20 09:27:05
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
There are no reports of excessive urination by iGuard members who take Celexa and this side effect currently is not listed in the prescribing information for Celexa. Please follow up with your doctor for an evaluation of what might be causing this symptom.
Posted: 2009-10-20 11:12:53
Question/Comment:
For me celexa has been a lifesaver. I was having panic attacks daily and thought I was going to die for no reason. My thoughts and life revolved around the idea of death. I am two weeks into taking 20 mg of Celexa and I already feel a million times better. Weight loss and lack of appetite are my most obvious side effects. Some difficulty reaching orgasm but if you stay confident that improves. I promise.Zoloft and sinequan were no good but this works!
23 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-14 01:58:22
Question/Comment:
It's unfortunate to hear of people having side effects from taking Celexa. Most reader reviews that I have read have been very positive but I suppose it's all according to who takes it. After all, we are all made up differently and what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. Actually, it was the reader reviews that I had read that made me want to try this antidepressant. I began taking 20mg for the first month and then my Dr. upped my dosage to 40mg-(40 mg which i am/have been taking) for approx. 3 1/2 weeks now. Luckily I did not have any side effects while beginning this med and presently, as well. The only drawback that I have encountered while on the Citaprolam-(generic for Celexa), would be the fatigue-(since he has upped me to 40mg., anyway). Other than that, I have noticed the difference within myself with regards to my depression, worrying about things that would warrant worrying about as opposed to every little thing, racing thoughts, anxiety, etc. This med has certainly helped me on a positive note. I can only hope that others can benefit as well. Best of luck to all-
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-30 17:32:12
Question/Comment:
My husband was prescribed celexa 2 years ago for ocular migranes. Since that time he has changed into a different person. Always responsible, he has gambled away tens of thousands of dollars. No more retirement money - car repossessed and we will probably loose our home of 30 years. No amount of tears, pleading or reasoning can reach him. Our marriage will probably end after 39 years and he cannot see he has changed. I KNOW it is the celexa. Has anyone else seen this, or am I crazy?
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-30 10:35:14
Answer/Reply:
Haven't heard of this w/ Celexa, but with any med, especially a psychoactive one, a few people will have odd reactions to it. So no, I don't think you're crazy! Is he willing to talk to his doc about this, or do you need to notify the doc? Do it yourself if you have to; this is obviously seriously affecting your life. Hope things get straightened out soon for you both!
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-20 09:30:16
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Approximately 5% of iGuard patients taking celexa reported mood and behavior changes as a side effect. In your husband's case the mood and behavior changes you described seem very extreme and need additional followup from a doctor to definitively determine the root cause. If possible, try to go to an appointment with him so you can express the concerns you have.
Posted: 2009-10-29 21:04:58
You may post comments for the benefit of other patients or post questions other patients might be able to answer. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Only your age and gender will be published with your comment, although your other user details will be securely recorded for verification purposes.
Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.
104
Patient Comments about
Celexa