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Celexa Side Effects

Celexa is the brand name of the drug citalopram, mainly prescribed to treat depression in adults. Distributed by Forest Pharmaceuticals, Celexa is an antidepressant which restores the balance of natural chemicals in the brain.

  1. Most Common Side Effects

    • The most common side effects associated with Celexa include nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, sleep problems and increased perspiration. These effects occurred in more than 10 percent of participants in clinical trials.

    Other Common Effects

    • Side effects occurring in 6 to 8 percent of Celexa clinical trial participants included shakiness or tremors, diarrhea and problems with ejaculation.

    Less Common Effects

    • Many more side effects were experienced by 2 to 5 percent of people. These include anxiety, fatigue, abdominal pain, indigestion or heartburn, loss of appetite, fever, menstrual cramps, muscle or joint pain, vomiting, upper respiratory tract infections and sinus infections.

    Uncommon Side Effects

    • Uncommon side effects include diabetes, dry eyes, hair loss, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, kidney stones and weight gain.

    Rare Dangerous Effects

    • Rare but dangerous psychological side effects can occur with Celexa. These include panic attacks, hostility or aggressive behavior, mania, bipolar symptoms and engaging in dangerous activity.

    Warning

    • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires all antidepressant medications, including Celexa, to carry a black box warning about suicidal thoughts or behavior. The risk associated with these drugs is particularly significant in people younger than 24 years of age. The black box warning is the most serious FDA action, outside of a recall.

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