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Side Effects Of Celexa: What You Need To Know
Celexa (citalopram) is a prescription drug that's used to treat depression in adults. Celexa can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include insomnia, sexual side effects, and weight changes.
The active ingredient in Celexa is citalopram. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) It belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The drug comes as an oral tablet.
Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects that Celexa can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.
Some people may experience mild or serious side effects during Celexa treatment. Examples of Celexa's commonly reported side effects may include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see "Side effects explained" below.† In this article, we use the terms "female" and "male" to refer to someone's sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article. To learn more about this side effect, see "Sexual problems in females and males" in "Side effects explained below."
See below for other possible mild and serious side effects of Celexa.
Celexa may cause mild side effects for some people.
Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Celexa include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see "Side effects explained" below.† In this article, we use the terms "female" and "male" to refer to someone's sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.
In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. Some may be easily managed, too. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And don't stop taking Celexa unless your doctor recommends it.
Celexa may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the Celexa prescribing information for details.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you'd like to notify the FDA about a side effect you've had with Celexa, visit MedWatch.
In rare cases, serious side effects can happen with Celexa. Serious side effects that have been reported with Celexa include:
* Celexa has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the "Side effects explained" section below.† This side effect wasn't reported in studies of Celexa. But it was reported after the drug became available for use. To learn more, see "Will I experience withdrawal side effects if I stop Celexa treatment?" in the "FAQ about Celexa's side effects" section below.‡ This side effect wasn't reported in studies of Celexa. But it was reported after the drug became available for use.§ An allergic reaction is possible after taking Celexa. To learn more about this side effect, see "Side effects explained" below.
If you develop serious side effects while taking Celexa, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Celexa isn't approved for use in children. But in some cases, the drug may be used off-label to treat depression in children. Off-label drug use means using a drug for a purpose other than what it's been approved for by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
If you have questions about your child possibly taking Celexa, talk with their doctor.
It's important to note that Celexa has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults (ages 18–24 years). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
For details, see the "Side effects explained" section below.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Celexa's side effects.
Do I have a higher risk of side effects during my first week of taking Celexa?Yes, you may have a higher risk of certain side effects during your first week of taking Celexa.
For example, your risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors* with Celexa is highest right after you start taking the drug.
To lower your risk of side effects from Celexa, your doctor will start by prescribing a low dosage of the drug. They may increase your dosage slowly over time until the symptoms of your condition begin to ease. For dosage details, see this article.
* Celexa has a boxed warning for this side effect. To learn more, see the "Side effects explained" section below.
Will I experience withdrawal side effects if I stop Celexa treatment?Yes, you may have withdrawal side effects if you suddenly stop Celexa treatment.
Withdrawal side effects are symptoms that can happen when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. (With drug dependence, your body needs the drug to feel like it usually does.) Examples of withdrawal side effects that can occur with Celexa include:
You shouldn't stop taking Celexa unless your doctor tells you it's safe to do so. When it's time for you to stop taking Celexa, your doctor will decrease your dosage gradually over time. This helps lower your risk of withdrawal side effects after you end Celexa treatment.
Does Celexa cause any long-term side effects?Possibly. Most side effects of Celexa will get better or go away within hours or days of taking the drug. But in rare cases, side effects of Celexa may last longer.
For example, there have been reports of sexual problems* from antidepressants such as Celexa lasting for several weeks or months after treatment was stopped. These long-term sexual problems were reported after the antidepressant drugs were released onto the market.
Since Celexa became available for use, an atypical heart rhythm (a rare side effect) has been reported as causing long-term, life threatening heart problems in extremely rare cases.
If you have questions about what to expect with Celexa treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* To learn more about sexual problems with Celexa, see "Side effects explained" below.
Do Celexa's side effects vary depending on the strength I take (10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg)?Yes, Celexa's side effects can vary depending on the strength of the drug you take.
For example, your risk of an atypical heart rhythm from Celexa is greater if you take higher doses of the drug.
If you have questions about your risk of certain side effects from Celexa or about which strength is right for your condition, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How long do side effects from Celexa typically last?Most side effects of Celexa last only a few hours to a few days after you start treatment. But the length of time that side effects from the drug last can be different for each person taking Celexa.
For more details about what to expect with Celexa treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Learn more about some of the side effects Celexa may cause.
Sexual problems in females and malesSexual problems are a common side effect of Celexa. These side effects can happen in both females and males* taking the drug.
Sexual problems in males taking Celexa may include:
Sexual problems in females taking Celexa may include:
Keep in mind that depression, which Celexa is used to treat, can also cause sexual problems. So it may be hard to tell whether these side effects are caused by Celexa or the condition you're taking the drug to treat.
* In this article, we use the terms "female" and "male" to refer to someone's sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.
What might helpIf you experience sexual problems while taking Celexa, talk with your doctor. They will determine whether these side effects may be from your condition or from the drug. Your doctor can then suggest appropriate treatment options.
Weight gain or weight lossWeight gain and weight loss are common side effects of Celexa. But some weight changes may not be caused by Celexa itself. Depression, which Celexa is used to treat, may also cause weight changes. So experiencing weight changes after you start taking Celexa could be a sign of the drug working to treat your condition.
What might helpIf you're concerned about weight gain or weight loss while taking Celexa, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to manage your weight during treatment.
Insomnia (trouble sleeping)Insomnia is a common side effect of Celexa. The drug may also cause other sleep-related problems in some people. For example, instead of insomnia, you may feel drowsy after taking Celexa.
You'll usually know more about how Celexa affects you after you've taken several doses of the drug.
What might helpIf you're concerned about insomnia or other sleep problems from Celexa, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to manage this side effect.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adultsCelexa has a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This risk affects children and young adults (ages 18–24 years old) who take antidepressants such as Celexa. It's important to note that Celexa is not approved for use in people younger than age 18 years.
Regardless of age, this risk is highest during the first few months of treatment and after any dosage changes.
While you're taking Celexa, you should watch for the following symptoms:
It's important to note that suicidal thoughts and behaviors could also be symptoms of depression, which Celexa is used to treat.
What might helpTell your doctor right away if you have any unusual changes in moods, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings while you're taking Celexa. They may have you stop taking Celexa and switch to a different drug to treat your condition.
If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Allergic reactionLike most drugs, Celexa can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Though rare, this side effect was reported in studies of the drug and after the drug became available for prescription.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), or a topical product, such as hydrocortisone cream, to manage your symptoms.
If your doctor confirms you had a mild allergic reaction to Celexa, they'll decide whether you should continue taking it.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you had a serious allergic reaction to Celexa, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Keeping track of side effects
During your Celexa treatment, consider keeping notes on any side effects you're having. Then, you can share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful to do when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.
Your side effect notes can include things such as:
Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help your doctor learn more about how Celexa affects you. Your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.
In certain situations, it may not be safe to take Celexa. Read on to learn more about possible warnings for Celexa.
Boxed warning: Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adultsCelexa has a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This risk affects children and young adults (ages 18–24 years) who take antidepressants such as Celexa. It's important to note that Celexa is not approved for use in people younger than age 18 years.
To learn more, see the "Side effects explained" section above.
Other warningsCelexa may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Celexa. The list below includes factors to consider.
Narrow eye angles. If you have narrow eye angles, tell your doctor before starting Celexa treatment. In people with narrow eye angles, Celexa can dilate the pupils, which can lead to sudden closed-angle glaucoma. This condition causes severe eye pain and vision loss. If you have these symptoms while taking Celexa, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Your doctor may suggest you have an eye exam to check for narrow eye angles before you take Celexa.
Bipolar disorder. Celexa may cause hypomania or mania (episodes of high energy and excitement that may be related to bipolar disorder). Before taking Celexa, tell your doctor whether you have bipolar disorder. They may prescribe a drug other than Celexa for your condition.
Bleeding problems. Celexa may raise your risk of bleeding. If you already have bleeding problems, your risk of this side effect may be even higher. Before taking Celexa, tell your doctor if you have any bleeding problems.
Heart problems. Celexa can cause atypical heart rhythms. You may have a higher risk of this side effect if you already have heart problems. Before taking Celexa, tell your doctor about any heart problems you have, such as heart failure. Also, let them know if you've ever had a heart attack.
Liver or kidney problems. If you have liver or kidney problems, your body may have trouble clearing Celexa from your system. This could raise your risk of side effects from the drug. Before you take Celexa, tell your doctor about any liver or kidney problems you have.
Low level of sodium in your blood. Celexa can cause a low level of sodium in your blood. If you already have a low sodium level, talk with your doctor before starting Celexa.
Seizures. Celexa may cause seizures. If you have seizures before taking the drug, your risk of this side effect with Celexa may be even higher. Before you take Celexa, tell your doctor if you have seizures.
Allergic reaction. If you've had an allergic reaction to Celexa or any of its ingredients, your doctor likely won't prescribe Celexa. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for your condition.
Use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). MAOIs are a group of drugs used to treat depression. Before starting Celexa, tell your doctor if you take an MAOI. Taking these drugs together can raise your risk of serotonin syndrome. Because of this, you should not take Celexa if you're taking an MAOI. Your doctor will have you wait 2 weeks or more after you've stopped taking an MAOI before having you start Celexa. And if you stop taking Celexa, your doctor will have you wait at least 2 weeks before starting an MAOI.
Note that other drugs may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome or other side effects when taken with Celexa. For more information, see "Ask a pharmacist" below.
Use of the drug pimozide. Doctors usually won't prescribe Celexa and pimozide together. (Pimozide is prescribed to treat Tourette syndrome.) Taking this combination significantly increases your risk of heart rhythm side effects that either medication may cause.
Alcohol and CelexaIt's recommended that you avoid alcohol while taking Celexa. Drinking alcohol during Celexa treatment can cause you to have difficulty thinking clearly or coordinating your muscle movements.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor before taking Celexa.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking CelexaIt may not be safe to take Celexa during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
In studies, taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as Celexa during pregnancy may increase the risk of bleeding after delivery. This risk is higher when an SSRI is taken in the month before delivery.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Celexa.
Celexa is used to treat depression in adults. Some people who take Celexa may experience mild side effects. In rare cases, serious side effects can also occur.
If you have questions about Celexa's side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Here are a few questions you may want to ask:
To learn more about Celexa, see these articles:
To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline's newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It's a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
Celexa Interactions: Alcohol, Medications, And Others
Celexa (citalopram) is a prescription drug that's used to treat depression in adults. This drug can interact with other medications. For example, Celexa can interact with triptans, NSAIDs, and blood thinners.
An interaction can occur because one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected. Interactions can also occur if you have certain health conditions.
Keep reading to learn about Celexa's possible interactions. And for more information about Celexa, including details about its uses, see this article.
Certain health conditions or other factors could raise your risk of harm if you take Celexa. In such cases, your doctor may not prescribe Celexa for you. These are known as contraindications. The contraindications of Celexa are described below.
If you take monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Taking Celexa with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may raise your risk of serotonin syndrome. (MAOIs are a type of antidepressant.)
With serotonin syndrome, you have a high level of a chemical called serotonin in your body. This can cause symptoms such as:
In severe cases, serotonin syndrome can be life threatening.
MAOIs that may interact with Celexa include:
Because of this risk, your doctor isn't likely to prescribe Celexa with an MAOI. If you're taking an MAOI, your doctor may have you stop taking the MAOI before Celexa treatment. In this case, they won't start your Celexa treatment until at least 14 days after your last dose of the MAOI.
If you have questions about Celexa and MAOIs, talk with your doctor.
If you take pimozide. Taking Celexa with pimozide may cause an atypical heart rhythm. Due to this risk, your doctor likely won't prescribe Celexa with pimozide. If you take pimozide, your doctor may recommend a treatment other than Celexa for you.
If you've had an allergic reaction. If you have had an allergic reaction to Celexa or any of its ingredients, your doctor likely won't prescribe Celexa. This is because taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better options for you.
Before you start taking Celexa, talk with your doctor if any of the factors above apply to you. Your doctor can determine whether Celexa is safe for you to take.
Celexa isn't known to interact with alcohol. But drinking alcohol while taking Celexa may increase your risk of certain side effects with Celexa. These include difficulty with concentration or coordination.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor before taking Celexa. They can advise whether there's a safe amount of alcohol to consume during your Celexa treatment.
Before you start taking Celexa, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription, over-the-counter, or other drugs you take. Sharing this information with them may help prevent possible interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The table below lists drugs that may interact with Celexa. Keep in mind that this table does not include all drugs that may interact with Celexa. For more information about some of these interactions, see the "Drug interactions explained" section below.
* To learn more about this interaction, see the "When should I avoid Celexa?" section above.
Learn more about certain drug interactions that can occur with Celexa.
Interaction with triptansTaking Celexa with triptans can increase the risk of side effects from Celexa and triptans. (Triptans are a group of drugs used to treat migraine.)
Examples of triptans include:
What could happenTaking Celexa with triptans could raise your risk of serotonin syndrome. With serotonin syndrome, you have a high level of a chemical called serotonin in the body. This can cause symptoms such as:
In severe cases, serotonin syndrome can be life threatening.
What you can doIf you take Celexa with a triptan, watch for the symptoms of serotonin syndrome listed above. If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor right away. But if your symptoms seem life threatening, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.
Interaction with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugsTaking Celexa with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can increase the risk of side effects from Celexa and NSAIDs. (NSAIDs are used to reduce swelling or treat pain.)
Interaction with hydroxyzineTaking Celexa with hydroxyzine (Vistaril) can increase the risk of side effects from Celexa and hydroxyzine. (Hydroxyzine is a drug used to treat anxiety and allergies.)
What could happenTaking Celexa with hydroxyzine could raise your risk of having an atypical heart rhythm. This may not always cause symptoms. But in more severe cases, you may experience fainting, especially during physical stress (such as exercise) or emotional stress. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, sweating, and feeling as if your heart is skipping beats.
What you can doBefore taking Celexa, tell your doctor if you take hydroxyzine. They likely will not prescribe Celexa in that case. Your doctor may recommend a treatment other than Celexa for you.
Celexa may have other interactions. They could occur with foods, supplements, vaccines, or even lab tests. See below for details. Note that the information below does not include all other possible interactions with Celexa.
Does Celexa interact with food?There are currently no reports of Celexa interacting with food. If you have questions about eating certain foods during your treatment with Celexa, talk with your doctor.
Does Celexa interact with supplements?Before you start taking Celexa, talk with your doctor and pharmacist about any supplements, herbs, and vitamins you take. Sharing this information with them may help you avoid possible interactions.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Celexa interactions with herbsTaking Celexa with St. John's wort may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. (St. John's wort is an herb some people take for depression and other conditions.)
With serotonin syndrome, you have a high level of a chemical called serotonin in the body.This can cause symptoms such as confusion, rigid muscles, and twitching muscles. In severe cases, this condition can be life threatening.
Before taking Celexa, tell your doctor if you take St. John's wort. They can recommend whether it's safe to take Celexa with this herb.
If you take Celexa with St. John's wort, watch for symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Tell your doctor right away if you experience these symptoms. But if your symptoms seem life threatening or severe, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Celexa and vitaminsThere are currently no reports of Celexa interacting with vitamins. But this doesn't mean that vitamin interactions won't be recognized in the future.
For this reason, it's still important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking Celexa.
Does Celexa interact with vaccines?There are currently no reports of Celexa interacting with vaccines. If you have questions about getting certain vaccines while taking Celexa, talk with your doctor.
Does Celexa interact with lab tests?There are currently no reports of Celexa interacting with lab tests. If you have questions about having certain lab tests done while taking Celexa, talk with your doctor.
Does Celexa interact with cannabis or CBD?
There are currently no reports of Celexa interacting with cannabis (commonly called marijuana) or cannabis products such as cannabidiol (CBD). But as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis with Celexa.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may raise the risk of interactions with Celexa. Before taking Celexa, talk with your doctor about your health history. They'll determine whether Celexa is right for you.
Health conditions or other factors that might interact with Celexa include:
Being age 24 years or younger. Celexa may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This risk is especially high in children and adults ages 24 years and younger. In fact, the drug has a boxed warning about this risk. For more information, see the "Boxed warning" section at the beginning of this article.
Low blood level of sodium. Celexa can cause a low blood level of sodium. If you already have a low sodium level, tell your doctor before starting Celexa.
Seizures. Celexa may cause seizures in some people. If you already have a condition that causes seizures, your risk of seizures with Celexa may be higher. Your doctor can tell you whether it's safe to take Celexa with your condition.
Bleeding problems. Celexa may cause bleeding. If you already have a bleeding problem, such as hemophilia, your risk of this side effect may be higher. Before starting Celexa treatment, tell your doctor about any bleeding problems you have. They can determine whether it's safe to take Celexa.
Kidney or liver problems. If you have a kidney or liver problem, tell your doctor before taking Celexa. Examples of these problems include kidney failure and liver failure. Your doctor may give you a lower dosage of Celexa than what's typically used.
Heart problems. Celexa may cause an atypical heart rhythm. Your risk of this side effect may be higher if you have existing heart problems, such as heart failure, or if you've had a heart attack in the past. If you have heart problems, talk with your doctor about whether Celexa is safe for you.
Bipolar disorder or mania. Celexa may cause mania or hypomania (which can be symptoms of bipolar disorder). Before taking Celexa, tell your doctor if you have bipolar disorder or mania. They may prescribe a drug other than Celexa for you.
Narrow eye angles. Before taking Celexa, tell your doctor if you have narrow eye angles. Celexa can dilate your pupils, which may lead to sudden closed-angle glaucoma in people with narrow eye angles. Sudden closed-angle glaucoma causes severe eye pain and vision loss. This condition is a medical emergency. Your doctor may suggest you have an eye exam to check for narrow eye angles before you take Celexa.
Pregnancy. It's not known whether Celexa is safe to take during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about the risks and benefits of taking Celexa while pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It's not known whether it's safe to take Celexa while breastfeeding. Celexa passes into breast milk, which may lead to side effects in a child who's breastfed. If you're breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor before taking Celexa.
Allergic reaction. If you've had an allergic reaction to Celexa or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Celexa. This is because taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.
Find answers to some frequently asked questions about Celexa and possible interactions.
Does Celexa interact with birth control?No, Celexa isn't known to interact with birth control. It should be safe to take Celexa while using birth control. If you have questions about taking these medications together, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can I take Celexa with L-theanine?Yes, if your doctor tells you it's safe. Celexa and L-theanine aren't known to interact with each other. But it's possible it could interact with other medications you may take or conditions you may have. So, it's best to check with your doctor before taking any supplement, including L-theanine, with Celexa.
L-theanine is a supplement used to treat insomnia (trouble sleeping). It's also used to reduce stress and anxiety.
If you have questions about Celexa and L-theanine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Taking certain steps can help you avoid interactions with Celexa. Before starting treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Things to discuss with them include:
It's also important to read Celexa's label and other paperwork that may come with the drug. You may see colored stickers on the label that describe interactions. And the paperwork (sometimes called the patient package insert or medication guide) may have other details about interactions. (If you did not get paperwork with Celexa, ask your pharmacist to print a copy for you.) If you need help understanding this information, your doctor or pharmacist can help.
Taking Celexa exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
If you still have questions about Celexa and its possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
To learn more about Celexa, see these articles:
To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline's newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It's a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
Plaquenil Side Effects: What You Should Know
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is a brand-name oral tablet that's prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and malaria. As with other drugs, Plaquenil can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Plaquenil can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Plaquenil in clinical studies:
* For more information about this side effect, see "Side effect specifics" below.
Mild side effects can occur with Plaquenil use. This list doesn't include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Plaquenil's prescribing information.
Mild side effects that have been reported with Plaquenil include:
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Plaquenil and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.
* For more information about this side effect, see "Side effect specifics" below.
Plaquenil may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Plaquenil's prescribing information.
If you develop serious side effects while taking Plaquenil, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:
* For more information about this side effect, see "Side effect specifics" below.
Plaquenil may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug's side effects and their answers.
Is weight gain a side effect of Plaquenil?No, weight gain hasn't been reported as a side effect of Plaquenil. But weight loss has been reported as a side effect.
Two conditions Plaquenil is prescribed to treat, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus, can cause symptoms that contribute to weight gain. For example, RA can cause joint pain and fatigue, which can make exercising difficult. And some medications used to treat RA or lupus, such as Trexall (methotrexate), can cause weight gain.
If you have questions or concerns about your weight, talk with your doctor or healthcare professional. They can recommend ways to maintain a weight that's healthy for you.
Should I expect side effects when stopping Plaquenil?No, you shouldn't expect withdrawal* symptoms or similar side effects when you stop taking Plaquenil.
But it's important to note that if you're taking Plaquenil to treat RA or lupus, your symptoms may get worse if you stop the drug. Because Plaquenil reduces symptoms of these conditions, stopping it could cause symptoms to worsen or come back. But if you're taking Plaquenil to prevent or treat malaria, you typically won't have any side effects after completing treatment.
If you have other questions about withdrawal symptoms and Plaquenil, talk with your pharmacist or doctor.
* Withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable effects that occur when you stop taking a drug or substance that your body is used to.
How long do Plaquenil side effects last? Can any side effects be long term?Most of Plaquenil's side effects are temporary and last for a few days or weeks. But some side effects could be long term, particularly if you're taking Plaquenil for rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
For example, tinnitus (ringing in your ears) or hearing loss caused by Plaquenil may not go away. Plaquenil can also damage your retina (a layer of light-sensitive cells in the back of the eye that helps you see clearly). Retinal damage can be permanent.
The drug can also cause heart failure, which is a chronic (long-term) condition.
Eye problems and heart problems that Plaquenil can cause are discussed in more detail in "Side effect specifics" below.
If you have side effects that last a long time with Plaquenil treatment, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
I'm taking a 200-mg dose of Plaquenil. What might be my side effects?For a list of mild and serious side effects Plaquenil may cause, including those from a 200-mg dose, see the "Mild side effects" and "Serious side effects" sections above. Generally, your risk for side effects tends to increase as your Plaquenil dose increases.
You can find more details on certain Plaquenil side effects in "Side effect specifics" below.
For a complete list of side effects this medication may cause, you can refer to Plaquenil's prescribing information. You can also speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can Plaquenil have effects on my teeth?No, people taking Plaquenil in clinical studies didn't report any side effects related to teeth.
However, RA and lupus, two conditions that Plaquenil treats, can cause problems related to teeth and oral health. Recent studies have found connections between both RA and lupus and being at increased risk for problems with dental health. This includes an increased risk of periodontal (gum) disease.
If you have questions about managing your dental health, talk with your healthcare professional or dentist.
Learn more about some of the side effects that Plaquenil may cause.
Ocular (eye) problemsPlaquenil can cause ocular (eye-related) problems. This can include damage to your retina (a layer of light-sensitive cells in the back of the eye that helps you see clearly).
Symptoms of eye problems caused by Plaquenil can include:
You may be at higher risk for damage to your retina if you:
Retinal damage caused by Plaquenil can be permanent. Sometimes, this damage can continue to worsen even after you stop taking the drug.
What you can doBefore you begin taking Plaquenil, tell your doctor about your complete medical history and all medications you take. Your doctor will use this information to determine your risk for retinal damage if you take Plaquenil.
Because of the risk of eye-related side effects, you should have an eye exam within 1 year of starting Plaquenil. Then, depending on your risk for eye problems, your doctor may recommend that you have annual eye exams while taking Plaquenil. If you're at low risk, you may not need another eye exam unless you take the drug for at least 5 years.
If you experience any eye-related side effects while taking Plaquenil, tell your doctor right away. They'll have you stop taking the drug and may recommend other treatments for your condition.
Skin reactionsIt's possible for Plaquenil to cause skin reactions, such as:
Although rare, these reactions are very serious and require treatment in the hospital. In extreme cases, they can be life threatening.
Symptoms of serious skin reactions can include:
If you develop symptoms of a serious skin reaction while taking Plaquenil, contact your doctor or get emergency medical help immediately. These reactions require treatment in a hospital.
This article contains some pictures of rashes that may be due to Plaquenil treatment. It's important to talk with your doctor about any skin reactions you're having to help them diagnose the cause.
Cardiac (heart) problemsTaking Plaquenil can cause cardiac (heart-related) problems. These include:
Although rare, some of these problems can be life threatening.
Symptoms of heart-related problems Plaquenil may cause include:
Factors that might put you at higher risk for heart-related problems from Plaquenil include:
Before you start Plaquenil, tell your doctor about your medical history and all of the medications you take. You shouldn't take Plaquenil with certain drugs that can affect your heart rhythm. (See this article for details and examples of these drugs.)
Your doctor will determine your risk for heart-related problems with Plaquenil. And they'll monitor your heart health during treatment. If you develop any heart-related side effects, they'll probably have you stop taking Plaquenil.
DiarrheaTaking Plaquenil can cause diarrhea. This side effect was commonly reported in clinical studies.
What you can doDiarrhea from Plaquenil may go away on its own after a few days.
But if you have diarrhea that won't go away, is severe, or bothers you, contact your doctor. They may be able to recommend a treatment for this side effect. If it won't go away, they may recommend switching treatments.
Allergic reactionAs with most drugs, Plaquenil can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:
For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Plaquenil. But if your symptoms are serious and you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Plaquenil. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The conditions and factors to consider include:
Blood disorders, such as anemia (low red blood cell levels). Plaquenil can decrease levels of certain blood cells, including red blood cells. If you have a blood disorder, taking Plaquenil may worsen your condition. Your doctor will help determine whether Plaquenil is safe for you to take.
Diabetes: Plaquenil can cause low blood sugar. If you're taking a diabetes medication, your risk of low blood sugar may be higher. Your doctor might adju
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