Celexa (Citalopram) and Anxiety Disorders

Celexa (Citalopram) and Anxiety Disorders Panic Disorder Treatment Print Taking Celexa for Anxiety Disorders By Katharina Star, PhD facebook linkedin Katharina Star, PhD, is an expert on anxiety and panic disorder. Dr. Star is a professional counselor, and she is trained in creative art therapies and mindfulness. Learn about our editorial policy Katharina Star, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on October 10, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD on October 10, 2019 Take A Pix Media/Blend Images/Getty Images More in Panic Disorder Treatment Symptoms Diagnosis Coping Related Conditions In This Article Table of Contents Expand Overview How Celexa Works   Common Side Effects Rare Side Effects Effectiveness Forgetting a Dose   Stopping Medication Precautions View All Back To Top If youve been diagnosed with panic disorder, your doctor may have prescribed an antidepressant medication such as Celexa (citalopram) to treat the condition and help you on your path to recovery.   Overview Celexa (citalopram) is an antidepressant medication thats often prescribed to treat both mood and anxiety disorders. Celexa belongs to a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs first came on the market for U.S. consumers in the 1980s and have grown in popularity ever since.   How Celexa Works   Celexa balances your level of serotonin, a naturally occurring chemical substance or neurotransmitter in the brain. Serotonin is responsible for regulating sleep, mood, and other functions. Research has shown that imbalanced brain chemicals can contribute to mood and anxiety disorders,?? but the exact cause of panic disorder remains unknown. An SSRI like Celexa can assist in balancing serotonin by preventing the nerve cells in the brain from absorbing it. By reducing the rate at which serotonin is reabsorbed, Celexa changes your brain chemistry, improving mood and reducing feelings of anxiety. Celexa can assist in decreasing the severity of panic attacks and other panic disorder symptoms. Plus, Celexa can also reduce symptoms if you have a common co-occurring condition, such as depression. Co-Occurring Panic Disorder and Depression Common Side Effects People taking Celexa may experience some side effects, including:?? NauseaSleep disturbancesDrowsiness and lightheadednessDry mouthFatigueIncreased sweatingSexual side effects Many of the side effects of Celexa subside or become more manageable over time. As with any medication, theres a risk of having an allergic drug reaction to Celexa. It is possible to experience serious drug interactions while taking Celexa with other substances or medications. Make sure your prescribing doctor is up-to-date on all of your current prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Rare Side Effects Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following rare side effects:?? Indicators of an allergic reaction (hives, rash, difficulty swallowing, restricted breathing, or swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue)HallucinationsConfusionVomitingSeizuresExtreme nervousness and anxietyAccelerated heart rateSuicidal thoughts or behaviors Rare and Potentially Serious Side Effects of Antidepressants Effectiveness Dealing with the symptoms of panic disorder can be extremely difficult and its normal to want to find relief as soon as possible. When starting a new antidepressant medication, its important to be patient and not expect immediate results. Many people report that they notice positive changes and reduced symptoms within the first days to weeks of starting on Celexa, but it can take up to several months before the full effect of Celexa kicks in.?? Forgetting a Dose   Take any missed dose of Celexa as soon as you remember, unless its close to the time for your next dose. Never take a double dose; instead, skip the missed dose and continue to follow your schedule of dosage times. Stopping Medication If you decide that you want to stop taking Celexa, your doctor can assist you in gradually reducing your dosage. Never abruptly stop taking your prescription. Suddenly discontinuing Celexa on your own can lead to some serious side effects and withdrawal-like symptoms, such as increased anxiety and irritability, headaches, confusion, and lightheadedness.?? Tips to Reduce Antidepressant Discontinuation Symptoms Precautions There are several precautions and contraindications to consider when taking Celexa, including: Black Box Warning The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a black box warning in 2007 cautioning that the usage of SSRIs may lead to increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors.?? The FDA warned that this problem can be especially problematic for adolescents and young adults who are on SSRIs. Doctors who prescribe SSRIs, including Celexa, need to monitor for potential worsening of mood or thoughts of suicide, especially for young people just beginning their prescription. Potential Adverse Effects of SSRI Use in Teenagers Alcohol Alcohol consumption should be minimized while taking Celexa. The effects of alcohol may be intensified with Celexa and alcohol has the potential to interfere with its effectiveness. Pregnancy and Nursing Celexa can be passed on from mother to child during pregnancy or while nursing.?? If youre pregnant or nursing, talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking Celexa. Taking Antidepressants During Pregnancy Lightheadedness, Dizziness, and Drowsiness Celexa can cause feelings of lightheadedness, dizziness, and drowsiness. When youre first getting used to the effects of Celexa, be cautious while driving or performing any other duties that require your full alertness and concentration.