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Is It Safe To Take Celexa For Anxiety?
Question: Hi ..I suffer from anxiety and have been on select 40 mg in the past and it has worked really well....I went off it and the anxiety came back really bad. Went to my dr and he put me on lexapro 20 mg because I brought to him concerns of the select causing heart arrhythmia (QT prolongation) that I discovered on the internet...so it made me really nervous ( my anxiety is mostly about my health so this did not help). After 4 weeks the lexapro was making me worse, so we went to a walk in clinic and the dr recommended going back on the celexa as it has a proven track record of working for me in the past very well. I don't know what to do ....Is it safe to take celexa at 40 mg per day. What are the chances of developing an arrhythmia at this dosage? Is it wise to stay with it or try something completely new that may or may not work? I am so scared because of everything I read online saying celexa can cause arrhythmia leading to death. Is this not a widely prescribed ad? Please give me some reassurance or advice Thanks XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Side effects can be prevented under careful control
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Celexa has side effects of causing QT prolongation, which can lead to arrhythmias. It is serious side effect, but you should know, that is it very rare. A medication can't be permitted for use if the serious side effects are frequent.
You can take Celexa, and meanwhile have ECG done from time to time for the evaluation of QT interval.
Usually we perform an ECG in the beginning, then after some short period, e.g. 7-10 days, then we can perform monthly for 3-4 months, and if there is no QT prolongation, we can order an ECG once in 6 months. The arrhythmias don't develop suddenly, usually there is a gradual QT prolongation at first, so if we see it during follow up ECG, we discontinue the treatment and prevent serious side effects.
So you shouldn't worry so much, under careful control, side effects can be prevented.
Hope I could help you
Wishing you good health
In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask
Regards,
Side effects can be prevented under careful control
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Celexa has side effects of causing QT prolongation, which can lead to arrhythmias. It is serious side effect, but you should know, that is it very rare. A medication can't be permitted for use if the serious side effects are frequent.
You can take Celexa, and meanwhile have ECG done from time to time for the evaluation of QT interval.
Usually we perform an ECG in the beginning, then after some short period, e.g. 7-10 days, then we can perform monthly for 3-4 months, and if there is no QT prolongation, we can order an ECG once in 6 months. The arrhythmias don't develop suddenly, usually there is a gradual QT prolongation at first, so if we see it during follow up ECG, we discontinue the treatment and prevent serious side effects.
So you shouldn't worry so much, under careful control, side effects can be prevented.
Hope I could help you
Wishing you good health
In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Is a ecg necessary - I am assuming this is not standard practice as I have taken this drug for 3 years in the past and not had an ecg
can you recommend another drug that doesn't have this effect that would be just as effective for anxiety?
Brief Answer:
Welcome back
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
ECG is desirable, as we can know about QT prolongation only on ECG. Usually I perform ECG to all my patients. But it also depends on your insurance.
Majority of such medications have such side effects of QT prolongation. Unfortunately it is not possible to prescribe or advise such medications online. It should be prescribe by your physician after careful examination.
Hope this was of help
Regards,
Thank you. Is the fact that I took this drug for years with no problems a good indicator it is safe for me? Also th dad warning am states it is only in doses 40 mg and above? So 40 mg would be safe according to the fad?
can you recommend another drug that doesn't have this effect that would be just as effective for anxiety?
Brief Answer:
Welcome back
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
ECG is desirable, as we can know about QT prolongation only on ECG. Usually I perform ECG to all my patients. But it also depends on your insurance.
Majority of such medications have such side effects of QT prolongation. Unfortunately it is not possible to prescribe or advise such medications online. It should be prescribe by your physician after careful examination.
Hope this was of help
Regards,
Thank you. Is the fact that I took this drug for years with no problems a good indicator it is safe for me? Also th dad warning am states it is only in doses 40 mg and above? So 40 mg would be safe according to the fad?
Brief Answer:
Welcome back
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
If you take the medication for a long period and have no complaints and no palpitations, there is very low probability of developing serious side effects.
About the dose, bigger the dose is, more is the possibility of side effects.
Regards,
Welcome back
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
If you take the medication for a long period and have no complaints and no palpitations, there is very low probability of developing serious side effects.
About the dose, bigger the dose is, more is the possibility of side effects.
Regards,
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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