Celexa (Citalopram) for Alzheimer's

Overview
Celexa is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. Celexa is also known by its drug name, Citalopram. Celexa is sometimes prescribed to treat low mood and irritability in people with Alzheimer’s disease when non-drug approaches have failed to address these symptoms. Since the FDA has not approved Celexa specifically for this usage, it is considered “off-label.”

Celexa is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. Celexa is believed to work by changing the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.

How do I take it?
Celexa is generally taken orally once daily.

Celexa comes in tablet form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Celexa lists common side effects including nausea, constipation, diarrhea, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, weight changes, and increased sweating or urination.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Celexa include serotonin syndrome, which may be life-threatening.