Celexa 20mg: Uses, Advantages, Dosage, Side Effects & Safety

Celexa 20mg contains citalopram which is a medicine that belongs to a group of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Physicians frequently prescribe citalopram to help manage depression and associated symptoms. It increases the availability of serotonin, a chemical messenger that helps regulate mood and emotional balance.

Celexa is a prescription medicine, and should be used only as directed by your healthcare provider.

What Is Celexa 20mg?

Celexa 20mg is a tablet taken by mouth. It contains 20 mg of citalopram. It is mainly used to treat major depressive disorder. The medicine works slowly and patients may have to take it regularly for several weeks before they feel the full effect.

Citalopram may be prescribed for other conditions if your doctor considers it appropriate. However, the dose prescribed should not be changed and the drug should not be used for another condition without medical advice.

What Is Celexa 20mg Used For?

Celexa works by primarily inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. This means there is more serotonin available in the spaces between nerve cells.

This means that regular treatment can help improve mood and reduce symptoms associated with depression. But Celexa doesn’t work right away. Instead, benefits typically develop gradually with continued treatment.

Uses of Celexa 20mg

Doctors mostly prescribe Celexa 20mg for depression. Depending on the individual’s condition, a healthcare professional may also consider citalopram for some conditions related to anxiety.

Treatment can help you manage common symptoms such as:

• Chronic Low Mood
• Decreased interest in normal activities
• Alterations in sleep
• Low power
• trouble concentrating
• Feelings of low self-esteem
• Appetite changes

But not everyone responds to antidepressants in the same way. Before prescribing a treatment, a doctor must assess the symptoms.

dosage and administration Celexa 20mg

The dose of Celexa that is right for you will depend on your age, medical history, how you respond to the treatment, and other medicines you take.

Healthcare professionals may initiate a treatment dose lower than recommended and increase it accordingly. Celexa is generally taken once daily and patients should follow the exact instructions on their prescription.

Take the tablet with or without food, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Try to take it around the same time every day.

Do not stop taking Celexa suddenly. If you stop abruptly you can get withdrawal like symptoms. Instead, when it’s time to stop treatment, a healthcare provider can taper off the dose gradually.

Side Effects May Include

Celexa can cause side effects, as with other medicines. Some effects are short term and may improve as your body gets used to the medicine.

Possible side effects include

• Nausea.
• •Dry mouth (xerostomia)
• sweat
• Headache
• sleepiness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Tiredness
• Appetite changes
• Sexual side-effects

However, seek medical attention for any severe or unusual symptoms.

Celexa can rarely affect the electrical rhythm of the heart. So patients with some heart conditions or on medicines affecting heart rhythm must discuss their medical history with their doctor before treatment.

Important Safety Information

Tell your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you use before taking Celexa 20mg.

Some medicines can interact with citalopram in particular. MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) and other medications that increase serotonin. Some medications affecting heart rhythm require special caution.

Also, antidepressants can sometimes increase suicidal thoughts or unusual behaviour in children, adolescents and young adults, particularly when starting treatment or when the dose is changed. If you see any major changes in mood or behaviour, call your doctor immediately.

Do not stop suddenly taking Celexa without talking to your doctor.

Celexa 20mg and Pregnancy

You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding. Talk with your healthcare professional about the benefits and risks of taking Celexa. Your doctor can weigh up the possible benefits and risks and decide whether continuing, changing or stopping treatment is appropriate.

FAQs

How long does it take Celexa 20mg to work?

Some symptoms may improve in the first few weeks but the full antidepressant effect may take longer. Keep taking it as directed unless your doctor says to stop.

Can I stop Celexa 20mg abruptly?

No. Discontinuation symptoms may occur with abrupt discontinuation. A doctor can help with a gradual tapering plan if appropriate.

Celexa 20 mg is a prescription drug.

Yes. Celexa/citalopram use should be supervised by a qualified healthcare professional.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take your medication as directed. If you miss a dose, do not take extra medicine to make up for it unless your doctor or health care professional tells you to.

Concluding Thoughts

Celexa 20mg is an SSRI antidepressant with citalopram. It helps treat depression mostly by increasing activity of serotonin in the brain. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your health care professional as individual treatment needs vary and discuss side effects, interactions, pregnancy and any existing medical conditions with your health care professional.