Does Celexa Help With Anxiety?

Celexa is a prescribed medication primarily used to treat the symptoms of depression. The drug can also be prescribed to treat specific anxiety disorders such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Celexa (generic name citalopram hydrobromine) can be an effective treatment for those coping with symptoms of both depression and anxiety.

Treatments

• Celexa works by increasing absorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin in your brain cells. Celexa is in a class of medications known as SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. According to helpguide.org, SSRIs are an effective medication used to gradually treat the symptoms of anxiety, as SSRIs present less severe side effects and addictive qualities than other anti-anxiety medications.

  According to the MedLine Plus medical encyclopedia, Celexa can also be prescribed to treat some of the symptoms of alcoholism, eating disorders and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Celexa is available in tablet and liquid forms.

Usage

• Before taking any kind of medication, consult your doctor. Take your medication exactly as prescribed. Don't skip a dose or "double dose" (take two servings of the medication at once) if you accidentally miss a dose.

  When taking Celexa as a treatment for anxiety, you should also consider therapy. According to the article "Therapy for Anxiety Disorders" at helpguide.org, the most effective treatment for anxiety disorders is therapy. Medication helps lessen some of the physiological symptoms of anxiety (sweating, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness and trembling) while therapy can go a long way in undoing the psychological conditions that allow your anxiety disorder to continue.

Warnings

• Celexa, like all medications, has some side effects. According to drugs.com some of the less severe side effects of Celexa include cold-like symptoms (runny nose, congestion, muscle aches), nausea, indigestion, sleep difficulties and frequent urination. More severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, high fever, sweating, memory and concentration problems, headache, seizures, muscle rigidity and fainting can be signs of a potential harmful interaction or overdose, so contact your mental health professional immediately or visit an emergency room if you experience any of these symptoms.