Celexa and Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a mentalthese imbalances, giving the patient relief from
illness that manifests itself as mood swings or mooddepression.
cycling between depressed, manic, or normal moods.Celexa is most successful as a treatment for bipolar
There are two types of bipolar disorder. The firstdisorder type one patients when used in combination
type, sometimes called raging bipolar, manifests itselfwith a mood stabilizer. As an anti-depressant, Celexa
as almost constant mild mania, with periods of severalone causes bipolar disorder type one patients to
mania alternating with depression. Mixed episodesswing into a manic episode. Used in combination with
where the patient displays both manic and depressivea mood stabilizer or anti-psychotic, however, can
symptoms at the same time can also occur with thisallow for a balance of moods to take place, ending
type of bipolar disorder.rapid or raging mood cycling.
The second type, sometimes called rapid cyclingCelexa has several possible minor side effects when
bipolar, manifests itself as almost constantused for treatment of bipolar disorder. Common side
depression, with alternating periods of mania andeffects include drowsiness, cotton mouth, nausea,
severe depression that can often last a few hours orand trouble sleeping. Less common side effects
a few days before cycling to the next episode.include abdominal pain, anxiety, gas, headache,
Depression symptoms include oversleeping, extremeheartburn, increased sweating, pain in muscles or
sadness, feelings of worthlessness or despair,joints, increases or decreases in weight, weakness,
irritability, anger, and withdrawl. Manic symptomsand vomiting. If these side effects persist or become
include sleeplessness, increased energy levels,unbearable, you should contact your doctor.
distractibility, racing thoughts, obsessive behaviors,Celexa can also have several possible major side
and extreme happiness.effects when used for treatment of bipolar disorder.
There are many treatment options for bipolarCommon major side effects include a decrease in
disorder. Most patients with bipolar disorder require asexual desire or ability. Less common major side
combination of medication and therapy or counselingeffects include agitation, confusion, blurred vision,
for successful treatment of symptoms. However,fever, increase in urinal frequency, lack of emotion,
minor cases of bipolar disorder may not requiredecreased memory, skin rashes, and trouble
medication, but may require instead cognitivebreathing. If you experience any of these side
behavioral therapy. There are some cases, such as ineffects you should contact your doctor immediately.
patients with a history of drug abuse, whereFriends, family and patients with bipolar disorder
medication may be recommended but is not a viableshould keep in mind that even when using
treatment option. These cases typically also useanti-depressants such as Celexa, suicide, suicide
cognitive behavioral therapy to assist patients inthreats, and suicide attempts can still occur. Always
coping with their illness.be aware of the signs that can lead to suicide so
Celexa is an anti-depressant, commonly used withthat medical treatment can be found before an
bipolar patients. Celexa, or citalopram, is a serotoninattempt is made.
reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. This family of medicationsBipolar disorder should, in all cases, be treated with a
has the effect of balancing serotonin levels in thecombination of Celexa, or other medications, in
brain, which are thought to be responsible for moodconjunction with therapy or counseling. Bipolar
stabilization.disorder patients are encouraged to take active part
Celexa is most successful as a treatment for unipolarin their treatment plans. Additionally bipolar patients
depression and bipolar disorder type two patients.should not attempt to self medicate or treat
This is because it is an anti-depressant. Serotonin, thesymptoms with medication alone. If you show
chemical in the brain that balances moods andsymptoms of bipolar disorder, you should contact
particularly controls strong emotions, often presentsyour doctor about Celexa and other treatment
imbalances in the form of depression. Celexa correctsoptions.