Celexa

FDA Alert: Celexa May Cause Heart Problems

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting physicians and patients about the dangers of taking doses higher than 40 mg per day of the antidepressant Celexa – also known as citalopram hydrobromide – because it can cause abnormal heart rhythms. Recent studies show, however, that citalopram hydrobromide is not more effective at dosages above 40 mg per day. Higher doses have been shown to cause changes in the electrical activity of the heart and abnormal heart rhythm – a condition that can be fatal.

Patients with existing heart problems and those who are predisposed to low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood stream are more likely to develop these dangerous side effects. The drug’s medication label has been updated to include the new dose limits and warnings about taking higher than 40 mg a day, as well as the potential for heart-related side effects.

What is Celexa?

Celexa, known generically as citalopram HBr, is an antidepressant from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) drug family. Manufactured by Forest Pharmaceuticals, Celexa came on the market in 1999. It is used to treat depression by increasing the amount of serotonin in a patient’s brain

Celexa and Birth Defects

Celexa has been connected to birth defects. Mothers taking SSRIs during pregnancy – especially in the third trimester – run the risk of giving birth to a child with one or more of the following birth defects:

Congenital Heart Defects
Conotruncal Defects
Cleft Lip & Clubfoot
Craniosynostosis

Omphalocele
Septal Defects
Ventricular Obstruction
And Many More

Celexa Controversy

Celexa is not approved by the FDA for pediatric depression and cannot be promoted for the treatment of teens with depression. But doctors can prescribe Celexa for teens for “off-label” or unapproved use.

The New York State Attorney General began an inquiry into Celexa’s “off-label” use after reports that Forest Pharmaceuticals did not disclose all the results of a failed drug trial in children while promoting a positive drug trial with patients of the same age.

FDA Warning

FDA requires all antidepressant medications to have a "black box" warning about the increased risk of suicide in teenagers and children. But, a black box warning does not prohibit the use of antidepressants in children and teenagers.

Our Attorneys Understand Dangerous Drug Cases

If you, or someone you care about, were hurt because of taking Celexa, you need to act quickly. When our law firm gets involved with your case, we immediately get to work investigating the cause of your drug reaction and fighting for your legal rights to fair compensation.

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