Why take celexa

The effects of alcohol may be intensified with Celexa and alcohol has the potential to interfere with its effectiveness. It may take several weeks or longer for Celexa to be fully effective.

During this time, you may experience side effects before you notice benefits. Most side effects of Celexa pass with time. People taking Celexa may experience some side effects, including:.

If these side effects are troublesome or do not go away, discuss them with your doctor. They may lower your dosage or change your medication. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following rare side effects:. 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. The following medications can interact with Celexa:.

If you want to stop taking Celexa, it's extremely important to consult with your doctor first. They will help you gradually reduce your dosage. If you stop taking Celexa abruptly, you may experience withdrawal-like symptoms , which can include:. Celexa withdrawal symptoms can begin within three to six days of your last dose and last up to a month in some cases. Take any missed dose of Celexa as soon as you remember, unless it's close to the time for your next dose.

Never take a double dose; instead, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on your regular schedule. The information provided here is meant to be an overview of using Celexa for anxiety disorders. It doesn't cover all possible scenarios. Always consult your medical provider or pharmacist about any questions or concerns you may have about your Celexa prescription.

Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Food and Drug Administration. Celexa label. Published January 11, Revisions to Product Labeling.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use and risk of gastrointestinal and intracranial bleeding. J Osteopath Med. The revised drug label also describes lower doses that should be used in patients over the age of Changes in the electrical activity of the heart can lead to the risk of fatal abnormal heart rhythm; because of this risk in certain circumstances described below , health care providers may need to regularly monitor the heart — or check blood levels of potassium and magnesium -- in patients that must use Celexa.

The maximum recommended dose of Celexa is 20 mg per day for patients older than 60 years of age. Additional Information for Patients Do not stop taking Celexa or change your dose without talking to your healthcare professional. Stopping Celexa suddenly can cause withdrawal effects. If you are currently taking a Celexa dose greater than 40 mg per day, talk to your healthcare professional. Seek immediate care if you experience an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting while taking Celexa.

Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Citalopram may be taken with or without food. If your doctor tells you to take it at a specific time, follow your doctor's instructions.

If you are using the oral liquid, shake the bottle well before measuring each dose. Use a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe or medicine cup to measure each dose. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.