Celexa is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat depression.

Celexa is also used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD).

Celexa belongs to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Citalopram works by increasing the amount of
serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental
balance.





Get emergency medical help if you have **signs of an allergic reaction to
Celexa** : hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.

Tell your doctor right away if you have new or sudden changes in mood or
behavior, including new or worse depression or anxiety, panic attacks, trouble
sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive,
restless, more active or talkative, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting
yourself.

**Citalopram may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you
have:**

  * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

  * blurred vision, eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights;

  * fast or pounding heartbeats, pain or fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);

  * a seizure;

  * **unusual bleeding** \- nosebleeds, bleeding gums, abnormal vaginal bleeding, any bleeding that will not stop;

  * **manic episodes** \- racing thoughts, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, risk-taking behavior, being agitated or talkative;

  * **severe nervous system reaction** \- very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors; or

  * **low blood sodium** \- headache, confusion, problems with thinking or memory, weakness, feeling unsteady.

**Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin
syndrome, such as:** agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering,
fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea,
vomiting, or diarrhea.

Citalopram can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is
not growing at a normal rate while using Celexa.

**Common Celexa side effects may include:**

  * sexual problems;

  * dizziness, drowsiness;

  * dry mouth, thirst, increased sweating or urination;

  * loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, constipation;

  * feeling anxious, agitated, or shaky;

  * feeling weak or tired, sleep problems (insomnia), yawning;

  * increased muscle movement;

  * nosebleed, heavy menstrual bleeding; or

  * cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to
FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Celexa side effects (more detail)

## Related/similar drugs

sertraline, trazodone, fluoxetine, Lexapro, venlafaxine, citalopram, Zoloft