Celexa is the brand name for a commonly prescribed antidepressant called citalopram, which is the family of drugs called SSRI's or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. While it is primarily prescribed to treat the symptoms of depression, physicians may also prescribe celexa for social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Huntington's disease and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

What's interesting about this antidepressant is that the company which created it (Lundbeck) in 1989 had a patent for it which expired in 2003 which allowed other companies to create the generic version of the drug. So they created a new formula which while improving the original formula of celexa - also allowed them to acquire a new patent for their new version called -- Lexapro. A very popular antidepressant right now. Of course I'm sure that happens all time in pharmaceutical companies. My mother worked for a very popular one for 30 years. So I'll call it -- really smart marketing.

So if you were considering celexa as a treatment option - know that it has a long history and record of good results and you can get it in a generic form which means cheaper prices for you.

Doses range from 20 to 60mg a day and the drug is pretty well-tolerated by most patients. It has little side effects, but some have reported in clinical trials (about 10%) of fatigue, drowsiness, dry mouth, increased sweating (hyperhidrosis), trembling, headache, dizziness, sleep disturbances, cardiac arrythmia, blood pressure changes, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, heightened anorgasmia in females, impotence and ejaculatory problems in males. In rare cases (around over 1% of cases), some allergic reactions, convulsions, mood changes, anxiety and confusion.

Remember that during clinical trials -- patients have to report everything. So if 10 out of a hundred people have a headache because they forgot to eat that day - it is still recorded as a 10% possible side effect of taking the drug. So while side effects are very real -- consider the entire picture when choosing a antidepressant.

Remember that like with most antidepressants, you should not quit using celexa cold turkey because of the chemical changes that are taking place in the brain and the side effects you may experience such as minor shocks in your upper body or hands. Instead, you should take about 1 to 2 weeks to taper off of the medication.

*Other brand names for celexa in other countries include: Cipramil™ , Sipralexa™ , Seropram™ (Europe and Australia), Zetalo (India), Celepram™, Ciazil™ (Australia), Zentius™ (South America, Roemmers) and Cipram™ (Denmark, H. Lundbeck A/S).

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Lisa Angelettie, "GirlShrink" is an online advice authority. Her site GirlShrink.com is the #1 "Advice & Counseling" site on the web and contributing author of "101 Great Ways To Improve Your Life". Instantly get a FREE Bonus when you sign up for her free Better Choices Ezine. Please visit us for more discussion on this topic in the depression forum to talk about it further. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for topics in the news, new articles, website & book reviews, and other useful mental health resources. Subscribe below.