Side Effects

• Agitation.
• increase in the frequency of urination or amount of urine produced.
• lack of emotion.
• loss of memory.
• menstrual changes.
• skin rash or itching.
• trouble breathing.

In studies, Celexa was as effective and safe in people ages 65 and older as in younger people. However, older people who take Celexa may be at greater risk for a side effect known as hyponatremia, in which there is not enough salt in the fluid surrounding cells in the body. This can lead to swelling of the brain, which can be extremely dangerous.

Is Celexa safe for seniors?

March 28, 2012 — The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) citalopram ( Celexa , Forest Laboratories) should not be used at doses greater than 20 mg per day in adults older than 60 years because of a potential risk for QT prolongation, the FDA warns.

Which antidepressant should be avoided in the elderly?

Tricyclic antidepressants , especially amitriptyline and dothiepin ,¹⁶ are known to pose a high risk of death in overdosage. These drugs should therefore be avoided in older people whose medication is not supervised and who are at risk of taking an overdose.

Is Celexa linked to dementia?

Another study published last year from researchers in Taiwan also linked SSRIs with an increased risk of dementia . However, a U.S. team reported two years ago the SSRI citalopram (sold under the brand name Celexa ) appeared to reduce production of the deadly brain plaques tied to Alzheimer’s.

What is the most common side effect of Celexa?

The most commonly reported side effects were nausea , somnolence, dry mouth , increased sweating , tremor, diarrhea , and ejaculation disorder.

What is the best anti anxiety medication for the elderly?

Buspirone is an anti-anxiety drug that has been shown to be effective for older adults. Benzodiazepines , another anti-anxiety drug, are effective but should be prescribed carefully to older adults because of risk of memory impairment, unsteadiness, and falls.

Which SSRI is best for elderly?

SSRIs considered to have the best safety profile in the elderly are citalopram , escitalopram , and sertraline .

What medications make dementia worse?

New research links certain medications to dementia risk amitriptyline , paroxetine, and bupropion (most commonly taken for depression) oxybutynin and tolterodine (taken for an overactive bladder) diphenhydramine (a common antihistamine, as found in Benadryl ).

What is the most common inappropriately prescribed drug to the elderly?

Diphenhydramine and amitriptiline are the most common inappropriately prescribed medications with high risk adverse events while propoxyphene and doxazoxin are the most commonly prescribed medications with low risk adverse events.

Can antidepressants cause confusion in the elderly?

Many drugs that act on the brain can cause delirium, including narcotic painkillers, sedatives (particularly benzodiazepines), stimulants, sleeping pills, antidepressants , Parkinson’s disease medications, and antipsychotics.

Can I stop taking Celexa cold turkey?

Citalopram ( Celexa ) Medications And Detox Because this medication is an SSRI and adjusts the serotonin levels in the brain, patients wanting or needing to stop taking Citalopram ( Celexa ) should taper off the medication with the help of a doctor, instead of stopping suddenly or “going cold turkey ”.

What is the number one food that fights dementia?

Researchers developed the diet by looking at the Mediterranean and DASH diets, then focusing on the foods with the most compelling findings in dementia prevention. Vegetables , especially leafy greens , rose to the top. In general, fruit didn’t, though berries made the list.

What are the 3 most commonly prescribed drugs for dementia?

Three cholinesterase inhibitors are commonly prescribed: Donepezil (marketed under the brand name Aricept ), which is approved to. treat all stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Galantamine ( Razadyne ), approved for mild-to-moderate stages. Rivastigmine (Exelon), approved for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s as well.

Can Celexa make you gain weight?

Celexa has been associated with slight weight gain , but it’s thought that the drug itself doesn’t cause this effect. Rather, the weight increase is likely due to improved appetite from taking the drug. A better appetite can cause you to eat more, leading to increased body weight .

Do Celexa side effects go away?

Side effects such as tiredness, dry mouth and sweating are common. They’re usually mild and go away after a couple of weeks. If you and your doctor decide to take you off citalopram, your doctor may recommend reducing your dose gradually to help prevent extra side effects .

What happens when you stop taking Celexa?

Missing doses of citalopram may increase your risk for relapse in your symptoms. Stopping citalopram abruptly may result in one or more of the following withdrawal symptoms: irritability, nausea, feeling dizzy, vomiting, nightmares, headache, and/or paresthesias (prickling, tingling sensation on the skin).