People often begin taking prescription drugs for the right reason but then find themselves landing in the world of addiction. For some, this can even lead to a risk of overdosing on a medication. Can you overdose on Celexa?While this type of drug may seem pretty safe compared to illegal drugs like heroin or cocaine, a risk of taking too much remains possible. We explore what happens when people take Celexa and how dangerous it can be if abused.
What is Celexa?
Celexa is the brand name for the prescription medication Citalopram. It belongs to the family of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and is used to treat depression. It does so by restoring the balance of serotonin produced in the brain, which leads to more feelings of joy and contentedness. It may also increase a person’s energy levels. Celexa users must have a prescription from a physician in order to obtain the drug. It is available as a tablet, capsule, and solution. It is usually taken orally once daily. Celexa is often a first choice when prescribing a drug to help people who struggle with depression. It often has fewer side effects than other antidepressants, including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).
Can You Overdose on Celexa?
Many people assume a drug like an SSRI poses no risk of experiencing an overdose. Can you overdose on Celexa? Yes, it can happen, although it’s not a common event compared to opioid or stimulant drugs. Factors that influence if a person overdoses include their current physical and mental health and how much of the drug they ingested. Overdoses on citalopram often cause mild to moderate symptoms, especially when the individual has taken less than 600 mg. For those who take higher amounts, the risk of dangerous effects increases.
A person can also experience a build-up of too much serotonin in their system, which results in serotonin syndrome. Also known as serotonin toxicity, this reaction can cause damage to the brain, muscles, and other parts of the body. Serotonin syndrome can happen when a person takes more than one type of medication that increases the production of serotonin. It can also happen when a person increases the dosage of the medication they take or when they add in the usage of illegal narcotics. Anyone experiencing serotonin syndrome should seek immediate medical help to avoid long-term damage or death.
Signs of a Celexa Overdose
Knowing you can overdose on Celexa is not enough. It’s also important to recognize when a person has overdosed and seek immediate medical help for them. Signs of a Celexa overdose include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sleepiness
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Cognitive difficulties
- Feeling agitated
- Hypotension
- Hallucinations
- Memory loss
- Passing out
- Cardiac events, such as chest pains or heart attack
- Organ failure
The possibility of overdosing on Celexa can increase if the person has also taken other substances. This includes other prescription drugs, illegal narcotics, and alcohol. This makes it vital to communicate to emergency medical personnel every type and amount of substances taken.
How Long Does It Take For Celexa To Work?
When someone first takes Celexa, it takes one to two weeks before the initial effects take place. People most commonly feel the full benefits of the drug somewhere between four and six weeks.
Does Celexa Cause Weight Gain?
Sometimes people worry that taking a new medication may cause weight gain. Celexa does not directly cause weight gain, but some people experience a slight weight gain when using it. This is because as their symptoms of depression decrease, their appetites increase. However, some people experience a reduced appetite, which can result in a slight weight loss.
What Are The Side Effects of Celexa?
Not everyone experiences side effects from using Celexa, and many that happen are temporary. Still, anyone taking this medication should report all side effects to their prescription provider. Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Lethargy
- Feeling tired
- Sweating
- Blurred vision
How Long Does Celexa Stay in Your System?
Celexa has a short half-life compared to many drugs. It stays in a person’s system for about 35 hours before 50% of it clears the body, provided they don’t take another dosage. It takes about a week for the drug to leave a person’s system completely. This amount of time varies depending on the person’s weight, age, health, and other factors.
Begin Treatment for Celexa Addiction in Atlanta, GA
If you find yourself asking, “Can you overdose on Celexa?”, you or someone you love may be at risk of abusing this prescription drug. New View Wellness in Atlanta understands that using medications that seem harmless can escalate into an addiction. When this happens, you will need to get professional help from a facility that treats substance use disorders. Our outpatient programs offer several levels of treatment designed to fit the needs of a diverse population of people. In addition, we also treat any co-occurring mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression.
If you would like to talk about getting help for your addiction to Celexa, please visit our admissions page now. We can answer your questions about our life-changing treatment.