Overview of Celexa -- a Drug that Treats Depression Associated with Mood Disorders

Depression is one of the greatest problems and even killers in the United States. While there are cases where people are only mildly depressive, there are a lot of people that can't function in life to the point where they feel that they should end it. The three depressive disorders that are mostly affecting our society are:

- Major Depressive Disorder: Also known as Clinical Depression and Major Depression, this disorder has been officially called "the common cold of psychiatric disorders" according to the FDA. Most people in between the ages of 18-45 get this type of depression, and it is called a disorder of young adults, but can also occur in young children or old age. It hasn't been fully proven to why people develop Major Depressive Disorder.
- Dysthymic Disorder: This is a depressive mood disorder cause by a chronic condition. Many people with Dysthymic Disorder report that they have been depressed all of their lives. In order for someone to be diagnosed with this disorder, they would have to be fully depressed. Dysthymic Disorder usually lasts about 2 years in adults and 1 year in adolescents and children. If you have two or more of these symptoms, you are a candidate for this disorder: Poor Appetite; Overeating; Insomnia; Hypersomnia; Low Energy; Fatigue; Low Self-Esteem; Poor Concentration; Difficulty Making Decisions; Feelings of Hopelessness.
- Bipolar Disorder: This is a very common disorder amongst people in the United States. Bipoler Disorder is not a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated mood, as known as mania. There are different classes of this disorder, Bipoler I, Bipolar II, Bipolar NOS, and Cyclothymia. In simple terms, people with Bipolar Disorder have sudden mood swings, which can be very severe.

While depression is a large scale problem, Celexa (Citalopram) is a medication that works by restoring the balance of serotonin, which is a natural occuring substance in the brain that controls a person's moods. Since depression is so large, it is unknown why so many people have such major chemical imbalances in their brains, but with the distribution of medication, this problem has been getting a lot better. Celexa may not work on everyone, so be sure to allow your doctor to monitor you while you are on it.

* Celexa may be used for purposes other than those listed in this article.

Celexa is generally taken once a day at doses ranging 20 to 60 mg per day. Celexa is available in both tablet (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg) and liquid forms (10 mg/5 mL). Celexa has a plethora of adverse reactions (side effects) that over 10 % of people have experienced. The side effects can be read below:

- Nervousness, Restless or Unable to Sit Still
- Drowsiness, Dizziness, Trouble Concentrating
- Insomnia (Having Trouble Sleeping)
- Nausea, Gas, Upset Stomach, Loss of Appetite
- Weight Changes
- Frequent Urinating
- Low Sex Drive, Impotence or Difficulty Having an Orgasm
- Dry or Watery Mouth, Yawning, Ringing in Ears

Celexa can also cause severe side effects that if one were to experience any of them, they would need to contact their doctor right away. Celexa can cause allergic reactions such as: skin rash; hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of a person's face, lips, tongue, or throat. If any of the following severe side effects below occur, seek help immediately:

- Seizure(s) or Convulsions
- Tremors, Shivering, Muscle Stiffness, Twitching
- Problems with Balance or Coordination
- Agitation, Confusion, Sweating, Fast Heartbeat

* Side effects that aren't listed above may occue, so if you experience any other that what is listed in this article, seek medical attention immediately.

Like any other medication, if one either uses the medication for a prolong period of time and stops abruptly, or increases the dosage so that they feel the same effects as they did before, that person can experience withdrawal symptoms. While Celexa isn't one of the top drugs that's abused, the withdrawal can still be fairly uncomfortable, but is temporary. The symptoms are below:

- Minor Flu Symptoms, Nausea, Fatigue, Fever, Headache, Diarrhea, Chills & Hot Flashes, Vomiting, Restlessness, Irritability, Abdominal Discomfort
- Dizziness, Confusion, Memory and Concentration Difficulties, Visual Hallucinations, Vertigo, Suicidal Thoughts
- Nightmares, Lethargy, Vivid Dreams, Insomnia
- Tingling Sensations, Crying Spells, Aggression

These are most of the withdrawal symptoms that can be experienced, but it is possible to feel symptoms that aren't on this list as well. Depending on how much, andor how long you have been on Celexa will determine the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal Symptoms usually last 7-10 days, but can last either less or more than the average duration. Tapering off of the drug is highly recommended, and your doctor will tell you the same thing.

If one is depressed, the right thing to do would be going to a doctor or psychiatrist to figure out what the problem is. There are ways to treat depression, and it might take a few medications before one finds the right one, but eventually it will work out.