The Rudiments of Celexa
Celexa is an anti-depressant that is used to treat major depression
and other related conditions. It is always used in conjunction with therapy as
depression rarely goes away with just medicine alone. Here is everything that
you may want to know about the drug and broaden your understanding.
How Does Celexa Treat Depression?
Celexa is similar to the other anti-depressants that are out in the market.
It belongs to the class known as SSRI or selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors. Like its name suggests, it prevents the reuptake of serotonin from
being carried out so quick in a bid to maintain the delicate balance or to
restore it since depression is always associated with serotonin imbalance.
Citalopram, as its generic name
is called, does not react so quickly in order to achieve that bid. It usually
takes at least a month or even more for the patient to feel any effect or
improve in their condition. This requires patient and constant monitoring by
the doctor so that any manifestation or change in the condition of his patients
is addressed accordingly.
The Ideal Doses and Administration of Celexa
Celexa Citalopram, just like
any other antidepressant (paxil), follow
a set rule for dosage and administration. That is because patients do not have
the needed tolerance for them to be able to avoid adverse effects of drug
overdose. Hence, patients are generally required to start at a dose of only 20
milligrams. This tablet is to be taken once a day. After at least week,
patients can then be upgraded to a dose of 40 milligrams. Any interval less
than one week can lead to possible problems. On the other hand, elderly
patients suffering from major depression can ideally receive doses of only 20
milligrams a day, and can only be upgraded to 40 milligrams a day if they are
unresponsive to the treatment. Due to its linear pharmacokinetics, Celexa
remains the best choice to be used for this group of patients. Doses are to be
taken only once a day. It is safe to be taken on an empty stomach.
Some Reminders about Using Celexa
Because it is an SSRI, there are some things that one should mind before
launching into an SSRI therapy with citalopram. Here are some things that you
should think about. Taking Celexa together with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
is a no-no. There should be a 14-day gap between stopping one and starting the
other if you plan to take a MAOI after citalopram, and vice versa. MAOI’s
include drugs like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, and a few others.
Before taking celexa, make sure that you do not have preexisting conditions
like liver or kidney disease, as well as bipolar disorders. You should also
make sure not to take Celexa if you have a history of suicidal thoughts,
depression and alcoholism without first consulting your doctor so that your
dose can be adjusted. You should consult your doctor if you are expecting a
child while taking Celexa. This is because the drug can be harmful to the baby,
especially if you breast-feed them. The drug can find its way to breast-milk
which can have effects on the nursing baby. Inform your caregivers, friends, or
families about your treatment. This is to help them understand your condition
since you are prone to having mood swings and even depression episodes while
you are being treated using citalopram and related therapy. The last thing you
would want is to cause problems to these people while you are taking care of
your own.
Availability of Celexa
Branded citalopram is available in 20 and 40 milligram tablets only.
You need to have a prescription before you can purchase the drugs from the
local pharmacy. Now, you know that most people prefer buying their medicines
online. There are many reasons for that. First, it is because of the
convenience. When you buy celexa online,
there is no need to leave the house and wait in line just to buy your
medicines. All you need to do is make some clicks of the mouse and you are done
for the day. Another advantage with shopping using the Internet is anonymity.
Understandable the condition may seem, some people may still not want to be
seen buying a medicine for depression. Online shopping provides them that
privacy and anonymity. No one else but you knows that you are buying drugs to
combat and treat depression, from the moment you buy the drug until the money
that you receive it in your doorstep.
