Q:  What is Celexa?

A:  Celexa or citalopram hydrobromide belongs to a medical category known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs. It is produced by Forest Laboratories Inc. to cure depression and granted approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1998.

Q:  Has there been any updates on Celexa?

A:  FDA issued two warnings about Celexa in July 2006. The first warning showed the results of a study about the use of anti-depression drugs during pregnancy by mothers of babies who were born with a severe condition called persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn or PPHN.

The second warning given by FDA declared that there is a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome that results when SSRI like Celexa and other drugs used to cure migraine headaches called as 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists or triptans, are used simultaneously.

For the last few years, FDA coordinated with the producers if all anti-depressants such as Celexa that were available in the market. They assessed the risks of suicidal tendencies in children, adolescents, and adults who were cured using these medicines. The Forest Laboratories Inc., the producer of Celexa, placed a black box warning to Celexa prescribing the information and notifying the increasing risks of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and adolescents who are using anti-depressants.

Q: Who should not take Celexa?

A:  You must not use Celexa if you are taking another drug or medicine that cures depression, known as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor or MAOI, or if you have ceased using MAOI in the last 14 days. Using these two drugs close in time can lead to severe and sometimes fatal reactions which include high body temperature, seizures or convulsions, and coma.

Q: Are there any severe health risks related with Celexa?

A:  Damaging side effects may happen if you discontinue using Celexa abruptly. Your doctor should gradually reduce your dosage. Other health risks of using Celexa include increased suicidal thoughts or acts, mania, bleeding problems, seizures and sexual problems. Pregnant women are also exposed to high risks when they use Celexa while or during their pregnancy period.

Q:  Are there any side effect related with Celexa?

A:  Known side effects related to Celexa are nausea, sleepiness, and dry mouth.

Q:  What should I tell my doctor before he/she prescribes Celexa?

A:  It is vital to inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, particularly if you have liver and kidney problems or glaucoma. Tell him/her also if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed your baby.

Q:  Can other medicines or food affect Celexa?

A:  It is of importance to inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins you are taking.  Avoid taking Celexa with Laxapro (escitalopram), another medicine to cure depression.  Since Celexa and Lexapro are the same, taking them simultaneously has chances of over dosage. Discuss this with your doctor if you are planning to drink alcohol while taking Celexa.

Q:  What should I do if I think I have been injured due to Celexa?

A:  If you or your family has experienced any harmful symptoms or rare medical conditions associated with Celexa, you should see your doctor immediately. Then, you can find an experienced lawyer to deliberate your options and to protect your rights to a legal treatment for any injury which is caused by the use of Celexa.