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Celexa (Citalopram Hydrobromide) - Summary

 
 



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Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Celexa or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Celexa is not approved for use in pediatric patients. (See WARNINGS: Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk, PRECAUTIONS: Information for Patients, and PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use.)

 

CELEXA SUMMARY

Celexa® (citalopram HBr) is an orally administered selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with a chemical structure unrelated to that of other SSRIs or of tricyclic, tetracyclic, or other available antidepressant agents.

Celexa (citalopram HBr) is indicated for the treatment of depression.

The efficacy of Celexa in the treatment of depression was established in 4-6 week, controlled trials of outpatients whose diagnosis corresponded most closely to the DSM-III and DSM-III-R category of major depressive disorder (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).

A major depressive episode (DSM-IV) implies a prominent and relatively persistent (nearly every day for at least 2 weeks) depressed or dysphoric mood that usually interferes with daily functioning, and includes at least five of the following nine symptoms: depressed mood, loss of interest in usual activities, significant change in weight and/or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, a suicide attempt or suicidal ideation.

The antidepressant action of Celexa in hospitalized depressed patients has not been adequately studied.

The efficacy of Celexa in maintaining an antidepressant response for up to 24 weeks following 6 to 8 weeks of acute treatment was demonstrated in two placebo-controlled trials (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY). Nevertheless, the physician who elects to use Celexa for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.


See all Celexa indications & dosage >>

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Celexa (Citalopram)

Escitalopram treatment for depressive disorder following acute coronary syndrome: a 24-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. [2015]
CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that escitalopram has clinically meaningful

Augmentation of citalopram with aspirin for treating major depressive disorder, a double blind randomized placebo controlled clinical trial. [2014]
There are contradictory reports about the association of cytokines levels and major depressive disorder and the possible therapeutic role of aspirin for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). A clinical sample of adult out-patients with MDD was recruited...

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) versus escitalopram in major depressive disorder. [2014]
CONCLUSIONS: The results fail to support an advantage over placebo for either the

Citalopram and escitalopram in the treatment of major depressive disorder: a pooled analysis of 3 clinical trials. [2014]
disorder (MDD) using pooled analyses... CONCLUSIONS: The pooled analysis showed that over a 6-week treatment period,

Effects of escitalopram on markers of bone turnover: a randomized clinical trial. [2014]
CONCLUSIONS: Although the study was limited to 8 weeks, these results suggest

more studies >>

Clinical Trials Related to Celexa (Citalopram)

Brain Effects of Escitalopram and Citalopram Using fMRI [Completed]
Escitalopram (Lexapro) and citalopram (Celexa) are similar selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that alter blood flow to the amygdala and other brain structures involved in regulating mood. Escitalopram consists of S-citalopram while citalopram contains both S-citalopram and R-citalopram (racemic citalopram). There is evidence that R-citalopram may block the effects of S-citalopram. The hypothesis being tested is that because of the antagonist effect of R-citalopram, S-citalopram will have a greater effect on the mood circuit than racemic citalopram when equal doses of S-citalopram are administered. The study design consists of a two week medication period followed by blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while viewing affective visual stimuli.

EScitalopram PIndolol ONset of Action [Terminated]
The main purpose of this study is to determine whether the antidepressant response of escitalopram 30mg/day or escitalopram 20mg/day + pindolol, a beta blocker, is different (faster) compared to a standard dose of escitalopram 20mg/day.

An Efficacy and Safety Study of Escitalopram Long-Term Treatment in Major Depressive Disorder With Associated Anxiety Symptoms [Completed]
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of long term escitalopram treatment in participants with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with associated anxiety symptoms.

Modafinil - Escitalopram Study for Cocaine Dependence [Completed]

Bioequivalence Study of Citalopram Hydrobromide Tablets 40 mg of Dr.Reddy's Laboratories Limited Under Fed Conditions [Completed]

more trials >>

Reports of Suspected Celexa (Citalopram) Side Effects

Anxiety (37)Somnolence (24)Drug Hypersensitivity (24)Drug Ineffective (22)Depression (21)Weight Increased (20)Suicide Attempt (19)Dizziness (18)Weight Decreased (17)Fatigue (17)more >>


PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Based on a total of 23 ratings/reviews, Celexa has an overall score of 6.96. The effectiveness score is 8.09 and the side effect score is 6.87. The scores are on ten point scale: 10 - best, 1 - worst. Below are selected reviews: the highest, the median and the lowest rated.
 

Celexa review by 27 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Highly Effective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Panic disorder
Dosage & duration:   20 mg/day taken daily for the period of 2 years
Other conditions:   none
Other drugs taken:   birth control
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   I had debilitating panic attacks and agoraphobia and Celexa completely saved me, allowed me to go live my life again. I even took a low dose and it still worked amazingly well, though it did take nearly a month to "kick in."
Side effects:   In the beginning I had nightmares and some nausea, but that all passed within a few weeks. When I stopped taking the medication, I did suffer some side effects.
Comments:   I took 20/mg a day each day for some number of years.

 

Celexa review by 24 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Highly Effective
Side effects:   Moderate Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Depression/Panic Disorder
Dosage & duration:   20 mg taken daily for the period of 4 days
Other conditions:   n/a
Other drugs taken:   n/a
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   I'm only four days in, but I already feel more like myself than I have in a year and a half. The effects were almost immediate. I've taken more responsibility, had more energy, and been more outgoing already.
Side effects:   Nausea, Restless Leg Syndrome, dry mouth, teeth clenching, bouts of fatigue, mania (temporary...first night only), insomnia, acne, inability to edit myself in some social situations
Comments:   With continue chemical therapy using Celexa, I look forward to massive improvement in my overall mood and personality.

 

Celexa review by 38 year old male patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Ineffective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   depression
Dosage & duration:   40mg. daily taken once daily for the period of 6 months
Other conditions:   anxiety
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   I took Celexa for approximately 6 months and I found it to be totally ineffective. This was not surprising considering I have taken several other psychotropic (SSRI's) drugs, with the same ineffectiveness. I'm finally thinking mabye I don't have a serotonin deficiency, and mabye there are other issues. Going back to dr. to see if there may be another course of action.
Side effects:   sexual side effects, yawning, dry mouth
Comments:   40mg. daily for 6 months.

See all Celexa reviews / ratings >>

Page last updated: 2015-08-10

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