From the Guidelines
Celexa (citalopram) can cause several side effects, including nausea, dry mouth, increased sweating, drowsiness, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction, as well as more serious but less common side effects like serotonin syndrome, abnormal bleeding, low sodium levels, and QT prolongation, particularly at daily doses exceeding 40 mg/d, as noted in the study by 1.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Increased sweating
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Sexual dysfunction (decreased libido or difficulty reaching orgasm) Most of these side effects are mild and often improve after the first few weeks of treatment as your body adjusts to the medication.
Serious Side Effects
- Serotonin syndrome (confusion, rapid heart rate, high fever)
- Abnormal bleeding
- Low sodium levels
- QT prolongation (a heart rhythm problem) Celexa may also cause increased suicidal thoughts, particularly in young adults and adolescents, especially during the first few weeks of treatment, as mentioned in the study by 1.
Dosage and Administration
The typical dosage ranges from 10-40mg daily, with 20mg being the standard starting dose for most adults, as indicated in the study by 1.
Important Considerations
If you experience severe side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Never stop taking Celexa suddenly as this can cause withdrawal symptoms; dosage should be gradually reduced under medical supervision, as advised in the study by 1.
Mechanism of Action
These side effects occur because Celexa works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can affect various body systems beyond just mood regulation, as explained in the study by 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Citalopram tablets and other antidepressant medicines may cause serious side effects, including: 1 Suicidal thoughts or actions: Citalopram tablets and other antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, or young adults within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Changes in the electrical activity of your heart (QT prolongation and Torsade de Pointes) Serotonin Syndrome Severe allergic reactions: Abnormal bleeding: Seizures or convulsions Manic episodes: Changes in appetite or weight Children and adolescents should have height and weight monitored during treatment. Low salt (sodium) levels in the blood. Visual problems
Common possible side effects in people who take citalopram tablets include: Nausea Sleepiness Weakness Dizziness Feeling anxious Trouble sleeping Sexual problems Sweating Shaking Not feeling hungry Dry mouth Constipation Diarrhea Respiratory Infections Yawning
Celexa (citalopram) side effects may include:
- Serious side effects: suicidal thoughts or actions, changes in heart electrical activity, serotonin syndrome, severe allergic reactions, abnormal bleeding, seizures, manic episodes, and changes in appetite or weight.
- Common side effects: nausea, sleepiness, weakness, dizziness, feeling anxious, trouble sleeping, sexual problems, sweating, shaking, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Other side effects: visual problems, low salt levels in the blood, and changes in height and weight in children and adolescents. 2 2 2
From the Research
Celexa Side Effects
- Celexa, also known as citalopram, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that has been associated with a risk of QT interval prolongation, which can increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias 3, 4, 5.
- Studies have shown that citalopram has a higher risk of QT interval prolongation compared to other SSRIs, such as sertraline, fluoxetine, and paroxetine 4, 6.
- The risk of QT interval prolongation with citalopram is dose-dependent, and the US Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning about the risk of QT interval prolongation with citalopram doses above 40 mg per day 5.
- Combination therapy with citalopram and other psychotropic drugs, such as antipsychotics, may also increase the risk of QT interval prolongation 7.
- Other SSRIs, such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, and sertraline, appear to have a lower risk of QT interval prolongation compared to citalopram, but may still pose a risk in certain individuals, particularly those with underlying heart conditions or taking other medications that can affect the QT interval 6.
- The decision to use citalopram or other SSRIs should be based on individual patient risk factors and medical history, and patients should be closely monitored for signs of QT interval prolongation and other adverse effects 5, 6.