- Mental Health
- Depression
Celexa
Celexa (Citalopram) prescription available online
If you are suffering from depression, Celexa can help. Get a same-day prescription or refill of Celexa from a caring, board-certified doctor online.*
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About Celexa Prescription Antidepressant
Celexa is considered part of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) drug class, which functions by reducing the reuptake of serotonin, a type of neurotransmitter that is naturally present in the brain. Like any of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on the market, this medication can only be used as a long-term treatment option. It is ineffective against acute anxiety attacks because it will not work immediately.
Some conditions that Celexa is known to treat include major depressive disorder. Celexa is an antidepressant that is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation as well as under different brand names, including citalopram.
Celexa may be prescribed as a capsule. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage that you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed Celexa, be sure to complete the full course of the antidepressant medication unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop.
If you don’t complete your prescription, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor may not fully treat your depression. The prescription medicine is used for different types of depression. This includes major depressive disorder. While using this medication, the doctor will consider other drugs that the patient takes. For panic disorder, the doctor may combine the use of Celexa with a fast-acting drug that can provide results in a few minutes.
Celexa uses
There is a single FDA-approved use for Celexa, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your health care provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.
Depression
Celexa is used to treat depression in a large number of patients. It may be used alone or with other drugs in order to assist with certain types of depression. This includes major depressive disorder (MDD). The medication primarily works on serotonin levels in the brain. It reduces the risk amount of serotonin that is absorbed, which allows more of the neurotransmitters to be available in the brain.
If Celexa is used to treat psychiatric disorders, the patient will generally be made aware of the maximum dose they can take but will also likely start with a low dose. This can help to provide efficient treatment of mental illness without causing an increase in the risk of side effects. Sometimes, the medication may also provide a good treatment choice for other psychiatric disorders that accompany depression as a mental illness, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Celexa side effects
The side effects associated with taking Celexa are typically mild or moderate for most patients. Celexa has some common side effects. They may include:
Dizziness
Drowsiness
A loss of appetite
Constipation or diarrhea
Nausea
A weak feeling
Insomnia
An increase in muscle stiffness or movement
Nosebleeds
Stuffy or runny nose
Sore throat
Yawning
Dry mouth
Increase the risk of excessive sweating
There are also cases where the medication causes sexual function problems in the patient. In female patients, the medication may also lead to bleeding problems, such as heavy menstrual bleeding.
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Serotonin syndrome: Patients who take Celexa to treat depression should ensure they know the symptoms of serotonin syndrome. When symptoms of serotonin syndrome occur, tell your doctor immediately. This can lead to new or worsening symptoms of depression. The complication happens when there is too much serotonin in your brain. It can cause hallucinations, a fast heart rate, twitching, muscle stiffness, nausea, severe dizziness, and several other symptoms.
Mania: Whether treating depression, bipolar disorder, or another mental illness, some patients experience a manic episode as a complication. This can cause racing thoughts, a reduction in the need to sleep, and a boost in energy. It also increases risk-taking behaviors and can lead to serious complications.
Nervous system reaction: There have been cases where patients experienced nervous system reactions while taking serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Patients also need to ensure they take the medication as advised. Withdrawal symptoms can occur if they suddenly stop using the drug. It is important to tell your doctor about a personal or family history of serotonin syndrome or other similar conditions too. Take note that allergic reactions have been detected in patients who use Celexa to help increase the natural serotonin substance during depression treatment.
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. Celexa treatment is generally only used to treat depression in adult patients and is not advised for children. In pediatric patients, there may be a greater risk for serotonin syndrome or worsening symptoms of depression.
How to take Celexa (citalopram)
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Celexa prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Celexa can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. It is typically prescribed only once a day. Some specific instructions may include the ideal timing and starting with a low dose. The dose and instructions will depend on the condition. For example, a person with the major depressive disorder may receive a different dose compared to one with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What to avoid while taking Celexa
Celexa has potential drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
Drug interactions that can occur with Celexa can sometimes increase the risk of bleeding problems, alter the concentration of either drug, or possibly even raise the chances of developing serotonin syndrome. Some potential drug interactions can occur with the following medicine:
St. John's Wort
Tramadol
Blood thinners
Cimetidine
Lithium
Tryptophan
It is important to tell your doctor about any other drugs you use when taking Celexa. Other drugs may also cause specific drug interactions. Your doctor can help to prevent problems like persistent pulmonary hypertension, worsening symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD), and other issues by analyzing the other drugs that you take.
Medication alternatives to Celexa
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or an antidepressant in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Unresolved major depressive disorder (MDD)
In some cases, using an SSRI, like Celexa, does not seem to provide the patient with significant improvements in their symptoms - even after a couple of weeks. In this case, tell your doctor. They can look at making dose adjustments, but you cannot exceed the maximum dose. There are also cases where other drugs may provide you with more benefits in this case. This can help to reduce the risk of worsening depression, for example.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
Celexa antidepressant prescription FAQs
How much does Celexa antidepressant cost?
Several factors need to be taken into account when it comes to the cost of using Celexa to treat your mental illness. You can discuss the cost with your healthcare provider or ask for a generic version of the drug too.
What should I know before taking Celexa medication?
Sometimes, your healthcare provider may suggest eating something before you take Celexa. It is important to ensure you take the drug exactly as prescribed to ensure symptoms of your mental illness improve.
What should I avoid on Celexa?
Do not take other antidepressant drugs with Celexa. You should also avoid using the medication with certain medical conditions. Start your medication with a low dose, then have your healthcare provider adjust the dose gradually.
What should I monitor with Celexa?
Make sure you know the signs of an allergic reaction. When an allergic reaction occurs, you need medical attention. Additionally, ensure you understand what symptoms may occur with serotonin syndrome, which is a risk factor associated with these antidepressant drugs. It is also important to monitor for high blood pressure.
How long does it take for Celexa to take effect?
Celexa does not have an immediate effect. If you are on Celexa treatment, it usually takes six to eight weeks to experience results. This accounts for young adults and older individuals who use the medication.
How can I refill my Celexa prescription?
You should visit your local pharmacy every month to get a refill for your prescription medicine.
Who should not take Celexa?
People with a high risk of bleeding should be careful about taking Celexa. You should also not take this medication if you use antiplatelet or certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
What happens if I miss a dose of Celexa?
You should not take more of Celexa on your next dose if you have a missed dose. Consider how much time is left for your next dose, then decide whether it is a good idea to take the missed dose.
What happens if I take too much Celexa?
Too much of the drug can lead to a higher risk of developing serotonin syndrome. You may also experience other side effects and withdrawal symptoms once you reduce the dose.
3 simple steps to request your Celexa (citalopram) prescription online
Step 1
Book a Celexa prescription request appointment.
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Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Celexa prescription.
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Step 3
Pick up your Celexa prescription.
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Celexa prescription pricing details
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Celexa prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information
"Celexa: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings." Drugs.com, Accessed October 12, 2023, www.drugs.com/celexa.html
"Celexa Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing." WebMD, Accessed October 12, 2023, https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-8603/celexa-oral/details
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