On July 17, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for marketing the new antidepressant medication, Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide). This highly selective SSRI has already been available throughout Europe, where it has been clinically used for the treatment of depression in more than eight million people.

Results from studies show that Celexa improves the symptoms of depression, regardless of patient age, race, or gender. In addition, other studies indicate that Celexa may be effective in preventing relapse of depression.

Following is a NAMI fact sheet about this new medication.

Facts about Celexa

What is Celexa?

Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide) is a new, highly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that was approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression in July of 1998. More than five million consumers have already been prescribed Celexa, which is currently available in 49 other countries. Celexa was developed by the Danish pharmaceutical firm H. Lundbeck A/S and will be marketed in the U.S. by Forest Laboratories, which will also co-promote the medication with Parke-Davis.

How is Celexa different from other antidepressants?

Celexa has a chemical structure unrelated to that of other SSRI’s. It is a highly selective inhibitor of serotonin reuptake with little or no affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors. This selectivity may result in fewer sexual side effects, such as decreased libido and delayed ejaculation, than other SSRI’s. Celexa may also cause less drug interactions, which could make the antidepressant a good choice for medically compromised individuals such as the elderly or those with comorbid illness. Additionally, Celexa appears to be safe to use on a long-term basis and may cause less withdrawal when use is stopped.

Several studies have also revealed other possible applications for this antidepressant. Celexa was shown to be effective in treating post-stroke depression and in alleviating emotional disturbances in elderly consumers with dementia disorders. Like other SSRIs, Celexa may also prove to be effective in the treatment of panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is important to note that these observations are based on a few limited studies. So far, Celexa has only been approved for the treatment of depression.

What are the side effects of Celexa?

The side effects most frequently reported with Celexa tend to be those associated with other SSRIs. However, some note these effects to be less extreme. The most commonly reported side effects are increased sweating, sleepiness, nausea, tremor, dry mouth, lack or loss of strength, headache, weight loss or gain, dizziness, and restlessness. Less commonly reported are sexual side effects and drug interactions. Such adverse events usually decrease in intensity and frequency as the depressive state improves.

Clinical evidence also shows that Celexa is not associated with tachycardia or postural hypotension.

How does Celexa interact with other medications?

Like other SSRIs, Celexa should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Although Celexa is noted for its reduced instances of drug interactions, you should always let your doctor know what other medications you are taking.

What is the standard dosage of Celexa?

It is recommended that Celexa be administered as a single oral dose of 20 mg daily. Dependent on individual patient response, this may be increased to a maximum of 60 mg daily for adults or 30 mg daily for the elderly.

Reviewed by Jerry Cott, M.D., chief, Adult Psychopharmacology program, 7/98

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