What it means
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used mainly for major depression and often for anxiety. Side effects include nausea, sleepiness or trouble sleeping, sweating and sexual side effects. At higher doses it can lengthen the QT interval on the ECG, so the dose is capped, especially in adults over 60.
For the nurse
Watch mood and suicidal thoughts closely early in treatment (boxed warning). Check potassium and magnesium and the ECG in clients at risk of rhythm problems. Teach not to stop suddenly. Celexa is easily confused with Celebrex and Cerebyx.
At a glance
| Drug class | antidepressant (SSRI) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Celexa |
| Spanish | citalopram |
| Also written | Celexa |
Easy to confuse with
celecoxib
An NSAID drug that targets the COX-2 enzyme, used for arthritis pain and inflammation and for short-term pain.
olanzapine
A second-generation antipsychotic drug used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
escitalopram
An SSRI antidepressant used for depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
fosphenytoin
An IV or IM anticonvulsant drug that the body turns into phenytoin, used to stop and prevent seizures.
Related terms
antidepressant
A drug used to treat depression and often anxiety, which works by changing the levels of brain chemicals such as serotonin.
sertraline
An SSRI antidepressant used for depression, anxiety disorders, OCD and PTSD.
escitalopram
An SSRI antidepressant used for depression and generalized anxiety disorder.