Celexa and Hyperactivity: Considering Celexa as a Treatment of ADHD Hyperactivity

Celexa and Hyperactivity: Considering Celexa as a Treatment of ADHD Hyperactivity
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Celexa is FDA Approved for…

Celexa and hyperactivity; does the former medication relieve the unwanted behavior customary in the latter? If you’re unfamiliar with citalopram (known commonly as Celexa), you should first know that it’s one of the types of antidepressants classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The goal of an SSRI is primarily to restore the balance of serotonin (a neurotransmitter that influences mood) in the brain. An imbalance of serotonin can lead to depression. Restoring the proper balance thus improves the patient’s mood and promotes a sense of general well being. Since there is no evidence to support that Celexa will relieve depression in children and adolescents, it should not be prescribed to them.

As a matter of fact, thoughts of self-harm, suicide, and hostility were reported by children in test trials which precluded this drug from being a viable or effective medication in virtually all cases. Celexa is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression, nothing else. All other treatments using this drug are therefore considered off-label. Off-label treatments with medications are risky and possibly dangerous.

Image credit/flickr.com/newbirth35

Wait for the Research

So then, why would Celexa be in a discussion about lessening hyperactivity in ADHD if we’re talking about a drug designed to battle depression? An appropriate answer will not become available until research and studies suggest that there is any link at all. First off, let’s list the side-effects that are possible when taking the drug Celexa. Nausea, lack of appetite, deepening depression, thoughts of suicide, vomiting, drowsiness, diarrhea, dizziness, sleep trouble, dry mouth, muscle/joint pain, tremors, severe mood changes, fatigue, impotence, disruption of menstrual cycles, or excessive yawning are all possible side effects. Perhaps this is a good time to also note that this article in no, way, shape or form is as effective as the vital discussion that needs to take place between a physician and the patient regarding this drug. By the same token, a general synopsis from patient forums regarding this drug and its unfounded effectiveness for dealing with hyperactivity will be provided below.

Now let’s cut right to the chase; is Celexa effective in relieving instances of hyperactivity in ADHD adults? There is little or no evidence to support that it does. From visiting many forums throughout the Web where actual ADHD patients talk about their experience with the drug, one can quickly glean that no relief from hyperactivity was experienced. Obviously, that alone will not categorically, accurately, or scientifically point to a conclusion that can be accurately trusted. However, since there are no studies from the medical research community suggesting that ADHD patients took Celexa and hyperactivity decreased, we can place hope and trust in mental health patients endeavoring to help other mental patients cope and gain relief from their symptoms. In conclusion, Celexa might be worth considering to treat concurrent anxiety and depression in a person with ADHD but as of the time of this writing, there is no evidence to support that it will do anything for hyperactivity.

NB: The content of this article on Celexa and hyperactivity is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace sound medical advice and opinion.

References

ADHD Treatment.Org, https://www.adhdtreatment.org/drugs/107-celexa-not-for-adhd.html

PsychCentral, https://forums.psychcentral.com/meds/celexa.html

Everyday Health, https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/celexa-for-addadhd-inattentive-type/review