Celexa is the trademark name for Citalopram hydrobromide, which is an anti-depressant. The drug is often used to treat conditions that result from mood disorders. Although Celexa was initially manufactured by Lundbeck company, many other companies currently manufacture the drug, since Lundbeck's patent expired in 2003.

Celexa is a substrate of Pgp, which transports it to the brain, where it helps to lift the depression that a patient suffers from. Pgp refers to permeability glycoprotein, which is one of the ABC proteins that transport molecules through cellular membranes.

Apart from being used as an anti-depressant, studies have shown that the drug is effective in the treatment of prostate cancer. Men who take hormonal therapy to treat prostate cancer usually suffer from hot flushes. Celexa has proved effective in combating this complication. Paroxetine, which is a component of Celexa, is what helps to eliminate the hot flushes.

In spite of its effectiveness, Celexa has a number of side effects, some of which can be quite serious. You should therefore weigh your options well before you start this form of treatment, which calls for medical advice first.

Some of the more prevalent side effects include high rate of flatulence, increased production of saliva, thirst, dehydration, dry eyes, amnesia, and migraines. In addition, Celexa often results in weight gain, as it inhibits metabolic reaction. This can result in obesity. Other serious side effects associated with the drug include high blood pressure, hypertension, gastritis, ulcers, and different types of cardiovascular complications. The drug can also interfere with the control of body movements.

You should therefore always seek medical advice before you start using Celexa. Never resort to self administration of the drug. You should always stick to the dosage that your doctor has prescribed, and get in touch with the physician during the course of your treatment, as there may be need of making some adjustments in the dosage. Close monitoring is also important because there are risks of developing suicidal thoughts. Other members of your family will also need to watch your reactions closely.

Pregnant women should also avoid using Celexa, as the unborn babies can suffer from persistent pulmonary hypertension, which results in oxygen deficit.

Stopping the drug at once can have adverse side effects, which still calls for medical consultation prior to stopping your treatment. During the treatment, you should try to take Celexa at the same time of the day to maintain its proper balance in the body. You should as well consult your doctor before you start taking other medications, particularly those meant for the relief of pain. Otherwise, you may risk being bruised easily and bleed profusely.

Another important reason for seeking medical consultation is because the drugs you were taking before can have an impact when you start using Celexa. Whenever you begin to experience any side effect, you should inform your doctor without delay.

However, this should not give the impression that there is nothing good about Celexa. Studies have proved that the drug is very effective in treating depression. In addition, patients who have used Celexa are not likely to suffer from a relapse, as is the case with other medications.