Celexa and Anxiety disorders can be devastating, impacting an individual’s day-to-day life, and their overall well-being. While there are many treatments for anxiety, medication is often the first line of defense for those who suffer from it.
One such medication is Celexa, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Celexa for anxiety, how it works, and what to expect from it.
What is Celexa?
Celexa, also known as citalopram, is an antidepressant medication belonging to the SSRI class of drugs. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is a chemical that regulates mood, sleep, and other bodily functions. It is primarily used for treating depression, but it can also be effective in treating anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder.
How Does Celexa Work for Anxiety?
Celexa treats anxiety by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and other bodily functions.
By increasing serotonin levels, Celexa can reduce anxiety symptoms, and panic attacks. Celexa restores more serotonin in the brain, which regulates mood and reduces anxiety symptoms.
Celexa for Anxiety Dosage
If your doctor prescribes Celexa for anxiety, it is important to follow the dosage instructions carefully. Celexa is usually taken once a day, either in the morning or evening, with or without food. It may take several weeks for the medication to reach its full potential, and it is important to follow the prescription, even if you do not feel immediate relief from your anxiety symptoms.
Celexa Side Effects
The most common side effects of Celexa include:
- Nausea: This is one of the most common side effects of Celexa. It can be mild or severe and may go away after a few days or weeks of taking the medication.
- Dry mouth: Celexa can cause dryness in the mouth, making it difficult to swallow or speak. It may also cause a bad taste or odor in the mouth.
- Drowsiness: Celexa can make you feel tired or drowsy, especially when you first start taking the medication.
- Dizziness: This is another common side effect of Celexa. It can make you feel unsteady or lightheaded, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
- Headaches: Celexa can cause headaches, which may range from mild to severe.
- Insomnia: While Celexa can cause drowsiness in some people, it can also cause insomnia or difficulty in sleeping.
- Sexual side effects: Celexa can cause sexual side effects, such as decreased libido, difficulty achieving orgasm, or erectile dysfunction in men.
- Sweating: Some people may experience excessive sweating while taking Celexa.
- Weight changes: Celexa can cause weight gain or weight loss in some people.
- Agitation: Celexa can cause restlessness, irritability, or agitation in some people.
These side effects usually go away after a few days or weeks of taking the medication as the body get adapted to the doses.
Celexa: Interaction with Other Medications
Celexa can interact with other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, including OTCs and supplements. It is also important to avoid alcohol while on Celexa, as it can increase the risk of side effects as well as decrease the effectiveness of the medication.
Bottom Line
If you suffer from anxiety, Celexa may be an effective treatment to manage your symptoms. It is important to follow the dosage instructions carefully and to talk to your doctor about your underlying medical conditions and other medications you are taking. While Celexa can cause side effects, they are usually mild and go away after a few days or weeks of taking the medication.