Experiencing Side Effects with Celexa: Guidance for Managing Them
Celexa is a brand-name oral tablet, commercially known as citalopram, primarily prescribed for treating depression in adult individuals. Similar to other medications, Celexa can induce side effects, such as alterations in weight or nausea.
Classified under the category of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Celexa can also be obtained in its generic form.
Continue reading to gain insights into the common, mild, and serious side effects associated with Celexa. For a comprehensive understanding of Celexa, including its purposes, refer to this article.
Common Side Effects of Celexa
Celexa can result in various side effects, some of which are more prevalent than others. These side effects may be transient, lasting a few days to weeks. Nevertheless, if they persist, worsen, or become severe, communicate with your medical professional or pharmacist.
Listed below are a few typical side effects reported by Celexa users during clinical trials:
- Decreased muscle strength
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Delayed ejaculation
- Dry mouth*
- Nausea*
*To learn more about this side effect, scroll down to 'Side effect specifics'.
Mild Side Effects of Celexa
Mild side effects can surface while utilizing Celexa. This list does not include all potential mild side effects of the drug. For more information, consult Celexa's prescribing information.
Mild side effects associated with Celexa include:
- Decreased muscle strength
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Agitation
- Increased sweating, including hot flashes
- Anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Painful menstrual periods
- Tremor
- Upper respiratory infection, including the common cold
- Swelling in the sinuses
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Nausea*
- Dry mouth*
- Sleep problems*
- Weight gain or weight loss*
- Sexual side effects, such as decreased libido, problems getting an erection, and delayed ejaculation†
- Mild allergic reaction*
These side effects may be temporary, persisting for a few days to weeks. However, if they last longer, trouble you, or become severe, contact your physician or pharmacist.
(Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) keeps track of side effects following the approval of a drug. If you experience a side effect while taking Celexa and wish to inform the FDA, visit MedWatch.)
Serious Side Effects of Celexa
Celexa may induce severe side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, consult Celexa's prescribing information.
If you develop serious side effects while taking Celexa, contact your doctor promptly. If the side effects seem life-threatening or you believe you're experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Serious side effects reported and their symptoms include:
- Serotonin syndrome. Symptoms may include:
- Changes in blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Agitation
- Increased risk of bleeding. Symptoms may include:
- Nosebleeds
- Blood in stool or urine
- Easier bruising than usual
- Mania or hypomania. Symptoms may include:
- Restlessness
- Sleep problems
- Enhanced energy
- Racing thoughts
- Seizures. Symptoms may include:
- Sudden confusion
- Staring into space
- Loss of consciousness
- Uncontrollable movements of arms and legs
- Low blood sodium level. Symptoms may include:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Weakness
- Loss of balance
- Withdrawal symptoms when stopping the drug†
- Sexual side effects†
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors‡
- Severe allergic reaction§
Celexa Side Effects in Females vs. Males
Most Celexa side effects are expected to be consistent in both male and female users of the drug. However, during Celexa's clinical trials, females reported experiencing painful menstrual periods frequently.
Sexual side effects
Sexual side effects were prevalent in Celexa's clinical trials. The table below demonstrates specific side effects reported by females compared to males.
| | || --- | --- || Females | Males || • Decreased libido • Delayed orgasm or inability to have an orgasm | • Delayed ejaculation or inability to ejaculate • Problems getting or maintaining an erection • Decreased libido |
Communicate with your doctor about any sexual side effect you encounter while using Celexa. They may propose effective measures to manage this side effect or suggest alternative treatment options for your depression.
- worry
- perplexity
- headache
- exhaustion
- queasiness
- sweating
- emotional changes
- irritability and agitation
- dizziness
- trouble sleeping
- tingling sensation
- hypomanic state
- ringing in your ears
It's crucial not to discontinue Celexa without consulting your doctor initially. They'll decrease your dosage gradually instead of stopping the medication completely at once. This measure can help decrease the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms.
Will I experience certain side effects during the first week of Celexa treatment?
The details concerning Celexa's side effects come from studies that lasted for 6 weeks. The prescribing information does not specify the precise timing of each symptom during those 6 weeks.
It's also essential to pay attention to any changes in mood, thoughts, or behaviors. Celexa has been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions.* This is particularly significant when starting treatment or experiencing any dose changes. Make sure to contact your doctor promptly if you start experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Usually, it takes approximately a week for Celexa to reach a consistent concentration in your body. Speak with your doctor if you observe any side effects that are concerning to you following the initiation of Celexa.
Do the various Celexa strengths, including 20 mg and 10 mg, result in different side effects?
It's plausible. Individuals taking higher doses of Celexa were more likely to report certain side effects in studies. These side effects include:
- fatigue
- erectile dysfunction
- problems sleeping
- increased sweating
- sleepiness
- yawning
However, most side effects are expected to be equivalent among the various Celexa strengths' strengths.
Consult your doctor if you notice any modifications in side effects following a dosage change of Celexa.
Can Celexa induce long-term side effects?
Yes, sometimes. Celexa's side effects may vanish on their own, or they may persist as long as you take the medication. There have even been reports of people continuing to experience certain side effects after stopping Celexa. These include:
- sexual side effects*
- heart rhythm problems
If you are worried about long-term side effects of Celexa, speak with your doctor.
Is hair loss or tardive dyskinesia a Celexa side effect?
During studies of Celexa, hair loss was reported as a possible side effect of the medication. However, this side effect was uncommon. This could imply that only one individual reported this side effect or that hair loss was caused by something else besides Celexa.
Tardive dyskinesia (uncontrollable movements) is not a known side effect of Celexa.
If you have concerns about hair loss or tardive dyskinesia while taking Celexa, consult your doctor.
Specific side effect information
Learn more about some of the possible side effects that Celexa may cause. To find out how frequently side effects occurred in studies, see the prescribing information for Celexa.
Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Celexa carries a warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.* This is the most significant warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
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 often will not prescribe Celexa to people ages 24 years and younger. (Celexa is not approved for children.)
Symptoms may include:
- any sudden or unusual changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings
- problems sleeping
- thoughts about suicide or dying
- anxiety that is intensifying
- depression that is worsening
- restlessness or agitation
- aggression, anger, or violent behavior
- mania (increased activity or talking)
- suicide attempts
- acts on dangerous impulses
- irritability
- panic attacks
What you can do
It's essential to note how you're feeling while taking Celexa. Also, have friends or family watch out for changes in your behavior. Contact 911 or talk with your doctor immediately if you observe any symptoms or have thoughts of hurting yourself while taking Celexa.
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it's safe to do so.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Females
Find more links and local resources.
During trials of Celexa, weight gain was frequently reported as a side effect. This could mean that a single individual reported this side effect, or weight gain was caused by factors other than Celexa. In some instances, weight loss by approximately 1 pound was also noted.
What you can do
Discuss any weight changes with your doctor during Celexa use. They can offer advice on maintaining a healthy weight.
Nausea
Nausea was a prevalent side effect in Celexa's trials. Some individuals discontinued taking Celexa due to this side effect.
Symptoms of nausea can include:
- feeling sick to your stomach
- decreased appetite
- sweating
- stomach discomfort
- pressure in your abdomen or throat
- repeated retching
What you can do
Consult your doctor about persistent nausea or bothersome symptoms. In some cases, they may propose an alternative treatment for depression. To alleviate nausea, consider:
- eating bland foods
- avoiding greasy, fried foods
- consuming smaller, more frequent meals
- sipping small amounts of cold beverages
- avoiding exercise after meals
Sleeping problems
Sleeping difficulties were a common side effect in Celexa's trials. Some people stopped taking the drug due to this side effect. Symptoms can include:
- trouble falling asleep
- trouble staying asleep
- waking up too early
- daytime fatigue or drowsiness
- focus or memory issues
Males
What you can do
If you experience sleeping problems while on Celexa, speak with your doctor. They may adjust your dosage or recommend an alternative treatment for depression.
If you have sleeping problems in conjunction with changes in mood or behavior, notify your doctor immediately. Celexa carries a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain individuals. (See "Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors" above for further details.)
Dry mouth
Dry mouth was a frequent side effect in Celexa's trials. Some individuals discontinued the drug due to this side effect. Symptoms can include:
- dryness or stickiness in the mouth
- thick, heavy saliva
- sore throat or hoarse feeling
- altered sense of taste
What you can do
If dry mouth develops after starting Celexa, consult your doctor. They might suggest ways to manage this side effect, such as:
- drinking frequent sips of water or sugar-free beverages
- chewing sugar-free gum
- using over-the-counter saliva replacement products, like Biotene
Allergic reaction
Like many drugs, Celexa may induce an allergic reaction in some individuals. However, it's unclear whether this side effect was observed during Celexa's trials.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:
- a skin rash
- itching
- flushing
- swelling in areas such as the eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it difficult to breathe
What you can do
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. They may provide suggestions for easing your symptoms and determine whether it's safe for you to continue taking Celexa. If your symptoms are severe and you believe you're experiencing a medical emergency, promptly call 911 or your local emergency number.
Precautions for Celexa
Celexa has several precautions.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
This drug has a warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This is a severe warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more details, see the "Side effect specifics" section above.
Other precautions
Discuss your medical history with your doctor before starting Celexa. This drug may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or other factors that affect their 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 advise against taking Celexa. This is because Celexa can cause your pupils to expand, which may exacerbate an angle-closure glaucoma attack. Inform your doctor if you have this condition before starting Celexa. They may conduct an eye exam to evaluate for angle-closure glaucoma before prescribing Celexa.
Bleeding problems. Celexa can heighten your risk of bleeding. If you take other medications that increase bleeding, such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), inform your doctor. They can assess whether Celexa is a safe option for you.
Seizures. If you have a history of seizures, taking Celexa may elevate your risk of seizures. Inform your doctor if you have been treated for seizures or if you take medications to treat seizures.
Low blood sodium levels. Before starting Celexa, inform your doctor if you have previously had low blood sodium levels. Celexa can also lower your sodium levels. Your doctor may monitor you more closely and check your sodium level while on Celexa.
Heartbeat Disorder Concerns. If you have particular issues with your heartbeat pattern, taking Celexa might exacerbate them. These include prolonged QT interval and torsades de pointes. Inform your doctor if you've been diagnosed with these conditions or if you're using medications to manage them. They might suggest an alternative treatment for your depression.
Bipolar Depression. If you have bipolar depression and use Celexa, there's an increased risk of mania or hypomania. Your doctor might screen you for bipolar depression prior to starting Celexa treatment.
Serotonin Overload. If you're using certain medications, like tramadol (ConZip, Ultram ER), alongside Celexa, you might have a higher risk of serotonin syndrome. Share with your doctor any prescription medicines or over-the-counter products you're using.
• decreased libido • delayed orgasm or inability to have an orgasm
Allergy Risks. If you've had an allergic reaction to Celexa or its components, your doctor is unlikely to prescribe Celexa. Inquire about other suitable medications from your doctor.
Alcohol and Celexa
There's no known interaction between Celexa and alcohol. Nonetheless, consuming alcohol might worsen your depression. Alcohol might also intensify some of Celexa's potential side effects, such as drowsiness.
Discuss with your doctor the safe amount of alcohol for you to consume while using Celexa.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding with Celexa
It's unclear if Celexa is safe during pregnancy. In animal studies, Celexa caused fetal harm at high doses. In humans, Celexa might increase the risk of pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. It can also lead to poor feeding, unstable temperature, or irritability in a newborn.
However, stopping antidepressants, like Celexa, during pregnancy might worsen depression. If you become pregnant while using Celexa, consult your doctor. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of using Celexa during pregnancy.
There exists a pregnancy registry for individuals who use antidepressants during pregnancy. Register for the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants on its website or by calling 866-961-2388.
Celexa is excreted in human breast milk. A baby breastfed by someone using Celexa might experience the following symptoms:
- irritability
- restlessness
- excessive sleepiness
- weight loss
Discuss safe feeding options with your doctor while using Celexa.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
Like all medications, Celexa may cause side effects. These are generally mild and may improve over time. Nonetheless, some are severe. Should you desire more information about Celexa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions about side effects from taking the drug.
Besides talking with your doctor, you can conduct research on your own. These resources might be helpful:
• delayed ejaculation or inability to ejaculate • problems getting or maintaining an erection • decreased libido
- More Celexa Information. For further details about Celexa, consult this article.
- Drug Comparison. Learn how Celexa compares to Lexapro and Zoloft.
- Dosage Information. Discover details about Celexa's dosage in this article.
- Interactions. Learn about Celexa's interactions in this article.
- Depression Information. Discover information about depression in our depression and mental health hubs.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional's knowledge and expertise. Always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information 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 information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
- It's important to note that Celexa, like other SSRIs, can affect mental health, potentially leading to side effects such as anxiety, irritability, and agitation.
- If you're taking Celexa for depression and start experiencing thoughts of harming yourself, it's crucial to contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately.
- While using Celexa, taking certain medications such as tramadol could increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a serious condition that may require medical attention.
