What Are The Side Effects Of Celexa, And Can You Drink While Taking It?

QUESTION:

Dear Dr. Heller,

My wife just started her doses of Celexa today.  She wants to know the side effects and how long they might last.  Also she likes to drink a lot.  What problems would that create with her being on it?  They say they don't recommend drinking while on Celexa but they don't get into specifics.  In fact, on the Internet, there is no detailed information about all the possible side effects, just that there could be: Nausea, dry mouth, sleeplessness, and increase in sweating.  Please give me as much information as possible on Celexa.

Thank you.

ANSWER:

The most common side effects with all SSRI's are related to sexual function - particularly inability having orgasms.  Ginkgo in high doses and the addition of Wellbutrin can make a huge difference. 

Worsening of anxiety symptoms can occur if the patient has the generalized anxiety disorder - a genetically elevated serotonin #1 receptor.  The "cognitive" generalized anxiety disorder - where the mind is constantly going - is almost always aggravated by an SSRI medication.  Whatever anxiety symptoms an individual with the GAD has will worsen with a medication like Celexa or Prozac.  BuSpar is the treatment here, which can be safely combined with Celexa. 

Celexa also has a very unpleasant withdrawal syndrome.  This can be prevented by using Prozac instead for a short period, or very slowly and gradually lowering the Celexa dose. 

Alcohol being a depressant can make depression worse.  In those with the BPD, alcohol renders the SSRI medication (Celexa, Prozac, etc.)  useless while alcohol is in the system.  In the BPD, this means that the inappropriate moodiness, anger, emptiness, and boredom will get significantly stronger when alcohol is in the system.  Alcohol can also cause a withdrawal "seizure" 6-72 hours after the drinking has stopped - those with the BPD can experience dysphoria (anxiety, rage, depression and despair) during that time frame after consuming alcohol.