Celexa Addiction and Abuse

What Is Citalopram (Celexa)?

Citalopram, also known as Celexa, is an antidepressant prescription drug within a group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain. This allows for more serotonin to be readily available for nerves to absorb throughout a period of time. It allows for messages to be sent more effectively for those suffering from depression and other related disorders. Ultimately, Celexa restores the balance of serotonin within the brain and body as a whole and gives the person taking the drug energy. Many enjoy this medication as it doesn’t cause drowsiness like other antidepressants.

Celexa is used to treat a series of medical conditions including:

• Depression
• Major depressive disorder
• Anxiety
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Bipolar
• Binge Eating Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome

How is Citalopram (Celexa) Used?

To avoid Celexa addiction, it’s important that patients take this prescription antidepressant exactly as it was directed by their doctor. Celexa, even when taken as prescribed does have a high potential to develop the psychological disease of addiction, however, when you follow instructions you help to lower that risk. Patients are warned to never take more Celexa than they’ve been prescribed, to take it more often or to take it in ways it wasn’t intended to be used.

Celexa may be taken orally in tablet or liquid form. These tablets should never be crushed, opened or broken. Take this medication with or without food as directed by your doctor. The dosage will depend on your medical condition, your age, other medications you’re taking and your response to treatment. The maximum dosage of Celexa daily is 40 mg.

Never stop taking Celexa suddenly as withdrawal symptoms can occur. If you miss a dose of Celexa, skip the missed dose if it close to your next scheduled dose. Common side effects associated with Celexa including headache, drowsiness, dry mouth, numbness/tingling, memory or concentration problems, increased appetite, nausea, sleep problems, changes in weight or cold symptoms.

To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may advise you start taking this at a low dose and to gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Never increase your dose or take this drug more than prescribed. It’s important to understand that it can take up to four weeks to feel a benefit from Celexa.

Citalopram (Celexa) Addiction

Celexa substance misuse doesn’t necessarily indicate addiction, however when someone does misuse any controlled substance, they are much more likely to become addicted to it. With Celexa addiction, a person may experience strong cravings for the drug. Antidepressants are among the most prescribed medications in America. Many prescribe them as a safer alternative to benzodiazepines as they see them as less potential for substance misuse. Despite this though, some people do in fact misuse antidepressants.

Antidepressants don’t give the euphoric feeling that other drugs do meaning they can’t get you high. However, since this medication improves the mood, high doses of it might induce this euphoric feeling. Most antidepressant addiction is caused by increasing one’s prescribed dose when they feel a drug isn’t working well enough or fast enough. It is common for antidepressants to stop working overtime leading some people taking the drug to increase their dosage when they can’t reach normal relief.

Also, some people combine their antidepressant medication with other substances like alcohol to try to amplify its effects. Combining alcohol and antidepressants can lead to sedation, dangerously high blood pressure, worsened depression or even overdose.

Some signs of Celexa addiction include changes in appetite, strange sleep patterns, slurred speech or diminished appearance. For those struggling with Celexa addiction, there are many treatment centers throughout the United States that can help them to overcome their cravings and live a drug-free life.

Cleansing the body from substances is an important step of recovering from substance use disorder. However, it shouldn’t be done without proper medical supervision. If you’re seeking psychological addiction treatment, it’s best to enter a medical detox program that can help you safely transition into recovery.

The Importance of Aftercare

The risk of recurrence of use after recovery from prescription medication is high. While it is common, it doesn’t mean that every patient will experience it. Recurrence of use is just a sign that the treatment plan created for that patient needs to be adjusted so that it is successful. A strong aftercare program is important in the road towards long-term recovery. This high level of support as well as participating in therapy or support groups leads to a better success rate of someone getting and staying sober.