Celexa use in bipolar disorder

Abstract

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacological treatment with the SSRI Celexa (citalopram) vs. escitalopram in patients with depression.

Methods

This is a retrospective study conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. A total of 672 patients with major depressive disorder and 651 patients with generalized anxiety disorder were included in the study. The patients were evaluated for the response to treatment and adverse reactions, as well as the treatment adherence according to the response criteria. Efficacy and tolerability of treatment were evaluated for each patient. The treatment was also assessed for adverse effects. The patients were advised to stop taking the medication and to return the medication to their doctor in case of any adverse reactions. The study was approved by the University of Ibadan ethics committee.

Results

The mean age of patients was 33.6 years (range 19–85 years), with a mean weight of 53.2 kg (range 21–125 kg) and a mean age of 55.1 (range 17–86) years. The mean depression scores were 13.2 (ranging from 7.4 to 23.5). The mean change in depression scores from baseline in all the patients was 1.0 (ranging from 0.6 to 0.9). The mean change in the response to Celexa (n = 652, range 2–2.1) and escitalopram (n = 651, range 2–3.4) was -0.1 (ranging from -0.4 to -0.6) and -0.2 (ranging from -0.6 to -0.8). The mean difference in the response to Celexa and escitalopram was 0.5 (ranging from 0.7 to 0.7). The mean change in depression scores was -0.2 (ranging from -0.5 to 0.3) and -0.6 (ranging from -0.7 to -0.4). The treatment adherence was assessed for each patient.

Conclusions

We found that the pharmacological treatment with Celexa and escitalopram did not affect patient’s response to the antidepressant. The pharmacological treatment was well tolerated and the drug was well tolerated, but patients showed more tolerability and compliance with the treatment. However, patients showed higher tolerability and compliance and showed greater tolerability of the treatment.

Citation:Agarwal S, Ghiwal M, O’Drone A, Nairi A, O’Shea M, and Nairi P, (2017) Evaluation of efficacy and tolerability of citalopram vs. escitalopram in patients with major depressive disorder.Am J Psychiatry133: 9–15.

Agarwal S, O’Shea M, Nairi A, O’Shea M, and Nairi P, (2017) Evaluation of efficacy and tolerability of citalopram vs.133: 9–16.</p

Copyright © 2017 The Authors. All Rights Reserved.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common disorder that causes considerable distress, even with limited treatment options. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 80% of the global population suffer from depression, with the most prevalent being in the sub-Saharan Africa region. Depression is considered a major global health threat, with approximately 60% of the global population experiencing an episode of major depressive disorder, or approximately 3 million people in the US having depression in the past year. Treatment for depression can be challenging, and in the absence of effective and safe alternatives, there is a need for new treatments. SSRI medications, such as citalopram (Celexa), are effective and safe but not effective for patients with depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacological treatment with Celexa vs. escitalopram in patients with MDD. This study was conducted in the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, between September and December 2012.

This was a retrospective case-control study conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, from September to December 2012.

Celexa (Citalopram) Medication Guide

Celexa (Citalopram) is a medication that is used to treat certain mental health conditions. It belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Celexa works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. It can help to reduce the amount of depression and anxiety that are associated with serotonin deficiency.

Common Uses of Celexa (Citalopram)

Celexa (Citalopram) can be used to treat:

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)is when someone suffers from depression. This condition affects many people who have it but doesn’t respond to other types of treatment such as counseling or antidepressants.

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)is a mental health condition that includes anxiety and depression. This condition is treatable with medication.

  • Panic Disorderis a condition where someone with panic disorder (Panic disorder) may experience panic attacks.

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)is a mental health condition that can cause anxiety and panic attacks.

  • Social Phobiais a condition where people with social phobia may experience symptoms of social anxiety such as irritability, anger, and depression.

Common Dosage and Side Effects

Celexa (Citalopram) is usually taken once per day. However, it can be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour before you plan on having sex. If your dosage is lower than that, your doctor may prescribe an alternative medication.

Some of the side effects of Celexa (Citalopram) may include:

  • Nausea (feeling and being sick): nausea and vomiting may occur as a result of the medication.

  • Diarrhea: diarrhea can occur as a result of taking Celexa.

  • Headache: headache, nausea, and dizziness may occur as a result of taking Celexa.

  • Insomnia: difficulty sleeping may occur as a result of taking Celexa.

  • Stomach upset: stomach upset can occur as a result of taking Celexa.

Celexa (Citalopram) Precautions and Drug Interactions

If you are prescribed Celexa (Citalopram), talk to your doctor about taking precautions to prevent side effects.

The following are some of the precautions that should be considered during the use of Celexa (Citalopram):

Adults: If you are taking Celexa (Citalopram), talk to your doctor about taking precautions to prevent side effects.

Children: Celexa (Citalopram) should not be taken by children.

Other forms of Celexa (Citalopram):

Celexa (Citalopram) can also be used to treat depression and other conditions in children.

Before taking Celexa (Citalopram), talk to your doctor about the following:

  • Medication Interactions: Some antidepressants can cause changes in the levels of serotonin, which may be dangerous for children.

  • Drug Interactions: Celexa (Citalopram) can interact with certain medicines. This includes medicines for mood disorders and cancer.

Celexa has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these reactions do not disappear within a few days or become severe.

Common side effects reported from Celexa use:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Heartburn
  • Weight loss
  • Decreased appetite
  • Increased thirst
  • Dry mouth
  • Runny nose
  • Insomnia
  • Drowsiness/ fatigue
  • Sweating

This is not a complete list of adverse reactions. If you experience difficulty breathing, unusual bleeding or bruising, chest pain, a skin rash, hives, fever, joint pain, muscle stiffness, swelling, seizures, hallucinations, hoarseness, or changes in your heart rate while taking Celexa, seek medical attention immediately.

Antidepressant drugs like Celexa increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, so patients taking Celexa should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or unusual changes in mood or behavior.

As with all prescription medications, inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been diagnosed with and any medications or supplements you currently take before starting treatment with Celexa. Celexa can interact with other medicines and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. Before beginning treatment with Celexa, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant.

How long do I have to take Celexa?

Celexa will not cause depression unless there is a rise in prolactin, which will continue for at least 14 days after taking it.

How long will I have to take Celexa?

Celexa will not cause anxiety or depression for most patients unless precautions must be taken by the doctor. However, some patients may experience worsening of symptoms or changes in behavior, especially if they are also taking tricyclic antidepressants or thioridazine.

What are the side effects of Celexa?

Celexa can cause side effects, but they are more likely to occur with other medications or in conjunction with alcohol. The most common side effects of Celexa are:

  • Weight gain
  • High blood pressure
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • inability to move the knees
  • Hives
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Liver problems

These could be side effects of Celexa, but they are not experienced by all patients. If you experience any severe side effects, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

The time it takes to see an adverse reaction may vary, but it is often several weeks after the patient takes action to alleviate the problem, or sooner. Call your doctor for advice about treating your condition the most effectively.

What is Celexa prescribed for?

Celexa is a medication used to treat major depressive disorder and schizophrenia.

It is also used off-label for conditions like anxiety or PTSD.

Herbal supplements for Celexa are also available, but the dosage and/or treatment plan depend on your condition. The most common recommended supplements are:

  • Antidepressants
  • Thioridazine
  • Cytospan supplements
  • Oral supplements
  • Lithium

These are not complete methods of treating or preventing any conditions.

It is important to consult a doctor before taking any medication during treatment.

Celexa is not recommended for close monitoring until close attention is given.

Voriconazole

Voriconazole is an antifungal medication that is used to treat vaginal infections, including post-surgical vaginal infections.

Voriconazole can cause a serious increase in heart rate or temperature, so it is strongly recommended that patients taking Voriconazole receive medical attention as soon as possible within 4 hours of taking the medication.

Voriconazole has only been experimentally evaluated in clinically relevant populations and is not recommended for patients with heart disease or those with a known allergy to voriconazole, ketoconazole, any other ingredients in Voriconazole.

What are the costs of a medication prescribed for depression?

Depression can be life-changing. The cost of depression medications will depend on several factors, including your income, insurance coverage, the type of medication you have, and whether you have insurance coverage for depression treatment.

It is estimated that depression medication costs $1,764 per month to $5,946. That's approximately $1,069.00 per year for a person with depression. That's roughly $2,053.00 per year for a person with depression.

For example, one of the first-ever antidepressant medications prescribed for depression is Celexa. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The FDA approved Celexa for the treatment of depression in 2007 and continues to be one of the most prescribed medications in the U. S. and Canada. SSRIs can lead to a number of side effects, including nausea, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, fatigue, nausea, and constipation.

Depression medications can also be expensive. The cost of depression medications will vary by brand name and generic drug, depending on your insurance coverage and what you're paying. Many pharmaceutical companies, including Eli Lilly and Company, offer a free trial program, which can be a part of any Medicare or Medicaid program.

In addition to the costs of depression medication, you will also pay for a few other expenses, including:

  • Dental procedures
  • Lab tests
  • Home care
  • Surgery
  • Inpatient and outpatient visits
  • Treatment for depression

While you may be able to afford the medications, the cost of depression medications will vary depending on several factors, including the type of antidepressant you're taking. The cost of depression medications will depend on your insurance coverage and whether or not you have insurance coverage for depression treatment. If you have insurance coverage for depression treatment, your out-of-pocket expenses will depend on whether your insurance covers the medication.

The average cost of depression medication costs for Medicare Part D beneficiaries will range from $50 to $200 per month. However, the cost of depression medications will vary depending on whether or not you have insurance coverage for the medication.

It was approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The FDA approved Celexa for the treatment of MDD in 2007 and continues to be one of the most prescribed medications in the U. SSRIs can lead to a number of side effects, including nausea, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea.