Celexa (citalopram) is a brand-name oral tablet that is recommended for anxiety in grownups. As with other drugs, Celexa can trigger adverse effects, such as modifications in weight or queasiness.
Celexa comes from a drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The drug is available as a generic.
Read on to learn more about prospective typical, moderate, and severe adverse effects. For a basic summary of Celexa, consisting of information about its usages, see this post.
Celexa can trigger specific adverse effects, a few of which are more typical than others. These adverse effects might be short-lived, lasting a couple of days to weeks. However, if the adverse effects last longer than that, trouble you, or end up being extreme, make certain to talk with your medical professional or pharmacist.
These are simply a few of the more typical adverse effects reported by individuals who took Celexa in scientific trials:
* For more details about this adverse effects, see “Side effect specifics” listed below.
Mild adverse effects can accompany Celexa usage. This list doesn’t consist of all possible moderate adverse effects of the drug. For more details, you can describe Celexa’s recommending details.
Mild adverse effects that have actually been reported with Celexa consist of:
- reduced muscle strength
- throwing up
- diarrhea
- drowsiness
- lightheadedness
- agitation
- increased sweating, consisting of hot flashes
- stress and anxiety
- anorexia nervosa
- agonizing menstrual durations
- trembling
- upper breathing infection, consisting of the cold
- swelling in the sinuses
- tiredness
- muscle discomfort
- joint discomfort
- queasiness*
- dry mouth*
- issues sleeping*
- weight gain or weight-loss*
- sexual adverse effects, such as reduced sex drive, issues getting an erection, and postponed ejaculation†
- moderate allergy*
These adverse effects might be short-lived, lasting a couple of days to weeks. However, if the adverse effects last longer than that, trouble you, or end up being extreme, make certain to talk with your medical professional or pharmacist.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorizes a drug, it tracks adverse effects of the medication. If you establish a negative effects while taking Celexa and wish to inform the FDA about it, go to MedWatch.
* For more details about this adverse effects, see “Side effect specifics” listed below.
† For information about this adverse effects, see “Celexa side effects in females vs. males” listed below.
Celexa might trigger severe adverse effects. The list listed below might not consist of all possible severe adverse effects of the drug. For more details, you can describe Celexa’s recommending details.
If you establish severe adverse effects while taking Celexa, call your medical professional immediately. If the adverse effects appear harmful or you believe you’re having a medical emergency situation, instantly call 911 or your regional emergency situation number.
Serious adverse effects that have actually been reported and their signs consist of:
- Serotonin syndrome. Symptoms can consist of:
- modifications in high blood pressure
- Increased danger of bleeding. Symptoms can consist of:
- blood in the stool or urine
- bruising more quickly than normal
- Mania or hypomania. Symptoms can consist of:
- Seizures. Symptoms can consist of:
- unmanageable motions of the limbs
- Low blood salt level. Symptoms can consist of:
- Withdrawal signs when you stop taking the drug.*
- Sexual adverse effects.†
- Risk of self-destructive ideas and habits‡
- Severe allergy§
* For more details about this adverse effects, see the “FAQs about the side effects of Celexa” area listed below.
† For information about this adverse effects, see the “Celexa side effects in females vs. males” area listed below.
‡ Celexa has a
§ An allergy is possible after taking Celexa. However, it’s unclear whether this adverse effects happened in scientific trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” area listed below.
Most of Celexa’s adverse effects are anticipated to be the very same in both males and women* who take the drug. However, in scientific trials of Celexa, women reported having agonizing menstrual durations. This was a frequently reported adverse effects.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this post describes sex designated at birth.
Sexual adverse effects
Sexual adverse effects were frequently reported in scientific trials of Celexa. The table listed below programs particular adverse effects reported by women versus males.
Talk with your medical professional about any sexual adverse effects you experience while taking Celexa. They might use methods to handle this adverse effects. Or, your medical professional might recommend a various treatment choice for your anxiety.
Celexa might trigger a number of adverse effects. Here are some often asked concerns about the drug’s adverse effects and their responses.
If I stop taking Celexa, will I experience withdrawal signs?
In scientific trials, withdrawal signs have actually been reported when stopping Celexa cold turkey. Symptoms can consist of:
- stress and anxiety
- confusion
- headache
- fatigue
- queasiness
- sweating
- state of mind modifications
- irritation and agitation
- lightheadedness
- issues sleeping
- paresthesia (an electrical shock experience)
- hypomania
- ringing in your ears
It’s crucial not to stop taking Celexa without talking with your medical professional initially. They’ll lower your dosage slowly over time rather than have you stop the drug all at once. This can help decrease the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Will I experience certain side effects during the first week of treatment of Celexa?
The information about Celexa’s side effects comes from clinical trials that lasted for 6 weeks. The prescribing information does not specify the timing of each symptom during those 6 weeks.
It is also important to look out for any changes in mood, thoughts, or behaviors. Celexa has a
Typically, it takes about a week for Celexa to reach a steady concentration in your body. Talk with your doctor if you notice any side effects that are concerning to you after starting Celexa.
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
Do the different strengths of Celexa, including 20 mg and 10 mg, cause different side effects?
It’s possible. In clinical trials, people taking higher doses of Celexa were more likely to report certain side effects. These side effects consist of:
- fatigue
- impotence
- problems sleeping
- increased sweating
- sleepiness
- yawning
However, most side effects are expected to be the same with the different strengths of Celexa.
Talk with your doctor if you notice any changes in side effects after taking a new dosage of Celexa.
Can Celexa cause long-term side effects?
Yes, sometimes. Celexa’s side effects may go away on their own, or they may last as long as you take the drug. There have even been reports of people continuing to have certain side effects after stopping Celexa. These include:
- sexual side effects*
- heart rhythm problems
If you are concerned about long-term side effects of Celexa, talk with your doctor.
* For details about this side effect, see the “Celexa side effects in females vs. males” section above.
Is hair loss or tardive dyskinesia a side effect of Celexa?
During clinical trials of Celexa, hair loss was reported as a possible side effect of the drug. However, this side effect was infrequent. This may mean that only one person reported this side effect or that hair loss was caused by something other than Celexa.
Tardive dyskinesia (uncontrollable movements) is not a known side effect with Celexa.
If you have concerns about hair loss or tardive dyskinesia while taking Celexa, talk with your doctor.
Learn more about some of the side effects that Celexa may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Celexa.
Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Celexa has a
As with other antidepressants, Celexa may increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults ages 24 years and younger. This risk was found to be greatest in the first 4 months of treatment. For this reason, doctors typically will not prescribe Celexa to people ages 24 years and younger. (Celexa is not approved for use in children.)
Symptoms may include:
- any sudden or unusual changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings
- problems sleeping
- thoughts about suicide or dying
- stress and anxiety that is new or getting worse
- depression that is getting worse
- restlessness or agitation
- aggression, anger, or violent behavior
- mania (increased activity or talking)
- suicide attempts
- acting out on dangerous impulses
- irritability
- panic attacks
What you can do
It’s important to monitor how you’re feeling while taking Celexa. Also, have friends or family watch out for changes in your behavior. Call 911 or talk with your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms or have thoughts of harming yourself while taking Celexa.
Weight gain or weight loss
During clinical trials of Celexa, weight gain was reported as a frequent side effect of Celexa. This may mean that only one person reported this side effect or that weight gain was caused by something other than Celexa. In some cases, weight loss of about 1 pound was also reported.
What you can do
Talk with your doctor if you notice any weight changes while taking Celexa. They can suggest ways to maintain a weight that is healthy for you.
Nausea
Nausea was a common side effect in Celexa’s clinical trials. Some people stopped taking Celexa because of this side effect.
Symptoms of queasiness can include:
- feeling like you’re going to throw up
- lack of appetite
- sweating
- stomachache
- pressure in your abdomen or throat
- retching
What you can do
Talk with your doctor about any nausea that does not clear up on its own or becomes bothersome. In some cases, they may recommend a different treatment for your depression. To help manage nausea, you can try:
- eating bland foods
- avoiding greasy fried foods
- eating smaller, more frequent meals
- drinking small sips of cold beverages
- avoiding exercise after a meal
Problems sleeping
In clinical trials of Celexa, sleeping problems were a common side effect. Some people stopped taking the drug because of this side effect. Symptoms can include:
- problems falling asleep
- problems staying asleep
- waking up too early
- feeling tired or sleepy during the day
- problems focusing or remembering
What you can do
If you have problems sleeping while taking Celexa, talk with your doctor. They may adjust your dosage or suggest a different treatment option for your depression.
If you have problems sleeping, along with any changes in your state of mind or behavior, let your doctor know right away. Celexa has a boxed warning about suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. (See “Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors” above for more details.)
Dry mouth
In Celexa’s clinical trials, dry mouth was a common side effect. Some people stopped taking the drug because of this side effect. Symptoms can include:
- dryness or stickiness in your mouth
- thick saliva
- sore throat or hoarse feeling
- change in your sense of taste
What you can do
If you notice dry mouth after starting Celexa, talk with your doctor. To help manage this side effect, they may suggest:
- taking frequent sips of water or a sugar-free beverage
- chewing sugar-free gum
- using an over-the-counter saliva replacement product, such as Biotene
Allergic reaction
As with most drugs, Celexa can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:
- skin rash
- itching
- flushing
- swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
What you can do
For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Celexa. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Celexa has several precautions.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
This drug has a
Other precautions
Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Celexa. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are considered drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:
Angle-closure glaucoma. If you have angle-closure glaucoma, your doctor may recommend that you not take Celexa. That’s because Celexa can make your pupils expand, which may bring on an attack of angle-closure glaucoma. Tell your doctor if you have this condition before starting Celexa. They may ask you to get an eye exam to check for angle-closure glaucoma before prescribing Celexa.
Bleeding problems. Celexa can increase your risk of bleeding. If you take other medications that increase bleeding, such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), tell your doctor. They can tell you whether Celexa is a safe option for you.
Seizures. If you’ve had seizures in the past, taking Celexa may increase your risk of seizures. Tell your doctor if you’ve been treated for seizures or take any medications to treat seizures.
Low blood sodium levels. Before taking Celexa, let your doctor know if you’ve had low blood sodium levels in the past. Celexa can also cause low blood sodium levels. Your doctor may monitor you more closely and check your sodium level while taking Celexa.
Heart rhythm conditions. If you have certain problems with your heart rhythm, taking Celexa may make them worse. These include QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Tell your doctor if you’ve been diagnosed with these conditions or if you take any medications to manage them. They may recommend a different treatment option for your depression.
Bipolar depression. If you have bipolar depression and take Celexa, you have an increased risk of mania or hypomania. Your doctor may screen you for bipolar depression before starting treatment with Celexa.
Serotonin syndrome. If you take certain medications, such as tramadol (ConZip, Qdolo) along with Celexa, you may be at a higher risk of serotonin syndrome. Tell your doctor about any prescription medications or over-the-counter products you take.
Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Celexa or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Celexa. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.
Alcohol with Celexa
There’s no known interaction between Celexa and alcohol. However, drinking alcohol may make your depression worse. Alcohol may also worsen some of Celexa’s possible side effects, such as sleepiness.
Talk with your doctor about how much, if any, alcohol is safe for you to drink while taking Celexa.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Celexa
It isn’t clear whether Celexa is safe to use in pregnancy. In animal studies, Celexa caused fetal harm when given at high doses. In humans, Celexa may increase the risk of pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. It can also cause poor feeding, unstable temperature, or irritation in a child after birth.
However, stopping antidepressants, such as Celexa, during pregnancy may make depression worse. If you become pregnant while taking Celexa, talk with your medical professional. They can help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of taking Celexa during pregnancy.
There is a pregnancy registry for people who take antidepressants during pregnancy. You can register for the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants on its website or by calling 866-961-2388.
Celexa passes into human breast milk. A child who is breastfed by someone taking Celexa may experience the following symptoms:
- irritability
- restlessness
- excessive sleepiness
- weight loss
Talk with your doctor about safe ways to feed your child while taking Celexa.
As with all medications, Celexa may cause side effects. Usually these are mild and may go away with time. However, some are serious. If you’d like to learn more about Celexa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.
Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make specific that all details is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug details contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other details for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all clients or all specific usages.
