Mixing Celexa And Laxatives: Safe?

Celexa, also known as citalopram, is a prescription drug used to treat depression and anxiety in adults. It is a selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works to restore serotonin balance in the brain. While Celexa does not increase the effects of alcohol, the FDA warns against mixing the two, as it can lead to serious side effects such as heart irregularities and convulsions. Combining Celexa with alcohol can also increase the risk of overdose and worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Although there is no specific information available regarding the interaction between Celexa and laxatives, it is important to note that Celexa can interact with other medications and supplements. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication or supplement while on Celexa, including laxatives, to ensure safe usage and avoid potential adverse effects.

Celexa and alcohol

Celexa (citalopram) is a prescription drug used to treat depression in adults. It is part of a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs help to improve your mood and outlook by making the neurotransmitter serotonin stay in your brain longer.

While Celexa does not increase the effects of alcohol, the FDA warns against mixing the two. Combining the drug with alcohol can lead to overdose and other problems, including serious side effects such as heart irregularities and convulsions. Alcohol can also worsen the side effects of Celexa, including:

• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Tremors
• Agitation
• Blurred vision
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Increased sweating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Changes in weight and appetite
• Fatigue

In addition, alcohol can interfere with your depression treatment. As a known depressant, alcohol can make you feel good temporarily, but the feeling doesn't last long. A short time after drinking, you may feel more depressed or anxious. Alcohol can also impair your judgment, affect your motor skills, and make you sleepy, hindering your ability to manage your condition.

Therefore, while it may be medically safe to drink while on Celexa, it is not recommended. If you are taking Celexa, it is best to avoid alcohol to prevent dangerous complications and potential harm to your mental health.

Celexa and MAOIs

Celexa (citalopram) is a prescription drug used to treat major depressive disorder in adults. It belongs to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a type of antidepressant that also increases serotonin levels in the body. Taking Celexa with MAOIs may raise your risk of serotonin syndrome, a serious side effect caused by high levels of serotonin in the body. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:

• Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Fever
• Sweating
• Shivering
• Fast heart rate
• Muscle stiffness
• Twitching
• Loss of coordination
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Due to the risk of serotonin syndrome, it is generally advised to wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI before starting Celexa treatment. Some MAOIs that may interact with Celexa include:

• Methylene blue (ProvayBlue)
• Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
• Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
• Selegiline (Emsam)
• Linezolid (Zyvox)
• Phenelzine (Nardil)

If you are taking any MAOIs or have taken them recently, be sure to inform your doctor before starting Celexa treatment. Your doctor will likely advise against taking Celexa with MAOIs and may recommend alternative treatment options.

Celexa and pimozide

Celexa (citalopram) is a prescription drug used to treat major depressive disorder in adults. It is known to interact with certain other drugs, supplements, and health conditions. It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions before starting treatment with Celexa.

Pimozide is an antipsychotic drug used to treat Tourette's Syndrome by blocking dopaminergic receptors in the central nervous system. It is also known to prolong the QT interval of the electrocardiogram, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias.

Celexa can increase the level of pimozide in the body, which may result in serious side effects, including heart problems. Due to this risk, doctors typically do not prescribe Celexa to patients already taking pimozide. The combination of these two drugs can cause problems with heart rhythm and increase the risk of sudden death. This interaction is listed as a contraindication for Celexa, meaning it is generally not recommended.

Therefore, it is essential to inform your doctor if you are taking pimozide before starting treatment with Celexa. They may recommend alternative treatment options to mitigate the risk of adverse effects.

Celexa and triptans

Celexa (citalopram) is a brand-name prescription drug used to treat major depressive disorder in adults. It is known to interact with certain other drugs, supplements, and health conditions.

Triptans are a group of drugs used to treat migraines. Celexa interacts with triptans and can increase the risk of side effects from both the antidepressant and the migraine medication. This interaction can lead to serotonin syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by high levels of serotonin in the body. Serotonin syndrome can cause symptoms such as:

• Rapid heart rate
• Sudden changes in blood pressure
• Increased body temperature
• Restlessness
• Hallucinations
• Loss of coordination
• Overactive reflexes
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

In 2006, the FDA issued a warning about the potential risk of serotonin syndrome when triptans are taken with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which include Celexa. This warning was based on reports of serotonin syndrome among patients taking both types of medications.

The risk of serotonin syndrome may be greater when initiating the combination of triptans and SSRIs/SNRIs or when changing the dose of one of the drugs. Patients taking this combination should be closely monitored by their physicians, especially during treatment initiation, dose changes, or the addition of another serotonergic medication.

According to a study published in JAMA Neurology, the risk of serotonin syndrome in patients taking both triptans and SSRIs/SNRIs is estimated to be 0 to 4 cases per 10,000 person-years. This risk is similar to the risk of dying in a motor vehicle accident for adults aged 25-64, which is approximately 1.8 to 2 per 10,000 person-years.

Precautions and Recommendations

If you are taking Celexa or planning to take it, it is important to inform your doctor about any other medications, supplements, or health conditions you have. This includes disclosing the use of triptans or any other migraine medications. Your doctor can then assess the potential risks and benefits of taking Celexa in combination with other substances and determine if it is safe for you.

Additionally, be mindful of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome, and seek immediate medical care if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above while taking Celexa and triptans together.

Celexa and NSAIDs

Celexa (citalopram) is a prescription drug used to treat major depressive disorder in adults. It belongs to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to reduce swelling or treat pain. Celexa can interact with NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, diclofenac, celecoxib, and naproxen. Taking Celexa with NSAIDs can increase the risk of side effects from both Celexa and NSAIDs, such as bleeding. This could include unexplained bruising, bloody urine or stool, and coughing up blood.

If you are taking Celexa, it is important to inform your doctor and pharmacist about any other medications, supplements, or herbs you are using to prevent possible interactions. In particular, it is recommended to discuss the use of NSAIDs with your doctor before taking Celexa to determine if it is safe for you.

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