Celexa Addiction, Statistics, Abuse, Symptoms & Side Effects

What is Celexa?

Celexa (chemically known as citalopram) is an antidepressant in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is seldom used as a recreational drug. It is a popular antidepressant because of its off label capabilities. Celexa is primarily used to treat major depression, but its off label uses include treating panic disorder, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and body dysmorphic disorder. Its popularity makes it relatively easy to acquire and thus increases its ease to abuse. Even though citalopram is considered to be non-addictive, a Celexa addiction could be developed due to continued use, but it would be psychological and not physical. There are incidences of people trying to abuse Celexa, but they were not successful in attaining the “high” for which they were looking. In abusing, the person is normally attempting to increase the mood elevation and trying to get high (an intense euphoric reaction to a drug). In dealing with Celexa abuse, there may be some unwanted side effects that occur such as vivid dreaming, cardiac arrhythmia, frequent urination, increased risk of suicide, memory problems, erectile dysfunction and tremors.

Statistics

Addiction or abuse studies are not performed for this drug, also known as citalopram. As a result, formal Celexa addiction statistics are not available.

Causes of Celexa Addiction

Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is considered to be a non-addictive antidepressant. Creating a Celexa physical addiction should not happen, but the abusing of the drug often occurs when a person is trying to elevate their mood and get high by taking more than the recommended dosage. Triggers such as a major life event, death, or co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or anorexia can all induce a person to escalate their dosages. The “high” that is trying to be attained is not possible with SSRI antidepressants. However, continued abuse of citalopram can have negative consequenses.

Signs of Celexa Use, Addiction and Dependence

Someone with a dependency will exhibit signs and symptoms of abuse. Indication signs of misuse will be displayed in both the physical and psychological components of the body. Using it is not supposed to produce an addiction. However, continued misuse can result in some unwanted symptoms that come from Celexa abuse. Some of the effects that can be seen include:

  • Vivid dreaming
  • Mood swings
  • Cardiac arrhythmia
  • Increased risk of suicide
  • Convulsions
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Memory problems
  • Panic attacks
  • Frequent urination
  • Tremors
  • Nausea
  • Aggression
  • Hallucinations
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability

Celexa Effects

The effects of Celexa addiction can be difficult to deal with. It is considered non-addictive, but there are still some unwanted results that occur from abruptly stopping usage. These difficult consequences can touch several areas of a person’s life. The body, mind and personal life can be seriously affected. A few of these results include:

Physical signs of Celexa abuse:

  • Cardiac arrhythmia
  • Convulsions
  • Tremors
  • Insomnia
  • Decreased libido
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Nausea
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Frequent urination
  • Erectile Dysfunction

Psychological signs from Celexa abuse:

  • Hostility
  • Memory problems
  • Increased risk of suicide
  • Depression
  • Hallucinations
  • Confusion and incoherent thoughts
    • Panic attacks
    • Vivid dreaming
    • Mood swings
    • Irritability
    • Aggression
    • Nervousness and anxiety

Personal signs of Celexa abuse:

  • Damage relationships
  • Hinder career
  • Financial adversity
  • Personal isolation
  • Personal activities reduced

Celexa Withdrawal

After abusing Celexa for a period of time, a psychological dependency could develop. Like other antidepressants, is not considered to be addictive. However, if a person continues abusing Celexa and suddenly discontinues taking the drug, something called SSRI discontinuation syndrome may be experience. SSRI discontinuation syndrome produces harsh withdrawal symptoms that happen when a person suddenly stops taking the drug, decreases the dose too rapidly, or even after skipping an individual dose. Vivid dreaming, nausea, depression, suicidal thoughts, panic attack, sexual dysfunction, cardiac arrhythmia, frequent urination, memory problems, tremors and confused thinking are some of the consequences that may be experienced.

Celexa Abuse Treatment

Information available on Celexa addiction is sparse because it is not supposed to be addictive or habit forming.  When treating Celexa abuse, the person should consult medical direction from an accredited rehab center or licensed therapist as well as reaching out to family and friends. Stopping the abuse is possible. Take the first step, admit there is a problem, and ask for help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on October 12, 2015
Published on AddictionHope.com, Online Help for Substance Abuse