Celexa

citalopram hydrobromide

Celexa is in a class of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) marketed for the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Celexa is also prescribed off-label for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy and premature ejaculation.

Some of the major risks and side effects associated with Celexa are:

• life-threatening serotonin syndrome when used with triptan medicines
• infant persistent pulmonary hypertension
• suicidal thoughts or actions:
• bleeding problems
• mania
• seizures
• sexual problems
• dry mouth, nausea, and sleepiness.

In July 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated information about SSRI’s to include facts about a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. This condition occurs when SSRI’s are taken at the same time as medicines used to treat migraine headaches, called triptans.

Also in July 2006, the FDA release information about a study on the effect SSRI’s may have on pregnancy. The study found that babies born to women who took SSRI’s at least 20 weeks into their pregnancies were 6 times as likely to have persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) than babies born to mothers who did not take SSRI’s during pregnancy.

Babies who are born with PPHN have abnormal blood flow through the heart and lungs and do not get enough oxygen to their bodies. PPHN makes babies very sick and is possibly fatal.

Source: “Citalopram Hydrobromide (marketed as Celexa),” Food and Drug Administration Patient Safety Sheet, July 19, 2006.