Can you take Celexa and Ativan together? (+3 benefits)

In this article, we will answer whether Celexa and Ativan can be taken together or not. We will further discuss the possibilities of taking these drugs in combination, along with discussing their potential benefits and side effects.

Can you take Celexa and Ativan together?

Celexa and Ativan can be taken together if prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. Celexa and Ativan can be taken in combination for the treatment of comorbid depression and anxiety, which may provide short-term and rapid relief.

However, only under your prescriber’s supervision, you can take Celexa and Ativan in combination as both drugs are prescription medications and need regular monitoring.

How do Celexa and Ativan work together for depression and anxiety?

Celexa and Ativan work together by managing the overlapping symptoms of certain mental health conditions.

Depressive and anxiety disorders have distinct clinical presentations as well as similar pathophysiologic mechanisms. However, in comorbid anxiety and depressive syndromes, patients experience severe distress and poor health outcomes (1).

For its treatment, monotherapy is usually insufficient to achieve complete remission. Combined antidepressant and benzodiazepine treatment for this condition might outweigh the benefits over potential risks (1).

Ativan can provide rapid short-term relief in symptoms but might require dose tapering upon the addition of Celexa to the regimen. However, both neurological and clinical factors should be considered before starting a combined treatment with the above-mentioned drugs (1).

Ativan is not recommended for monotherapy in depression as it tends to improve symptoms of insomnia and restlessness rather than treating the core depressive symptoms.

Studies show that a combination of a benzodiazepine along with an SSRI antidepressant for the treatment of MDD has shown potential improvement in the symptoms of patients (1).

Based on the duration of administration of Ativan and Celexa, studies have shown that SSRIs fail to give a rapid outcome. It requires several days to weeks of continuous administration for Celexa to show its complete clinical effectiveness (2)

What are the benefits of using Ativan and Celexa in combination?

Using Celexa and Ativan in combination for treating symptoms of comorbid depression and anxiety must overcome the benefits with the risks. Only then this combination should be continued for the treatment. Some common benefits associated with using this drug combination include (1):

• Rapid control of anxiety and panic symptoms
• Reduction in SSRI-induced anxiety and agitation
• Improved adherence to antidepressant therapy
• An improvement in episodic or situational anxiety

However, the benefits of using these drugs in combination may vary from person to person. But if these benefits outweigh the potential side effects and medication abuse, then these are better drug choices for the treatment of anxiety and depression (1).

What are the side effects of taking Celexa and Ativan together?

Taking Celexa and Ativan together can have similar side effects as both drugs affect CNS. However, the occurrence of side effects and severity may vary from person to person. Some common side effects include (3,4):

• Increased dizziness
• Increased drowsiness
• Increased sedation
• Tiredness
• Impaired coordination
• Cognitive impairment
• Appetite changes
• Respiratory depression
• Increased risk of Serotonin syndrome

Benzodiazepines, including Ativan, are controlled drugs and have the potential for abuse and dependence. They are usually associated with withdrawal and physical dependence. While Celexa is not a controlled drug, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

How to ensure the safe use of Celexa and Ativan?

Take these medications at the exact dose prescribed by your doctor. Do not miss out on your doses and keep follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms and side effects with your healthcare provider.

Do not immediately stop taking the medication. Instead, consult your doctor if necessary and follow proper instructions for tapering off the medication dose.

Alcohol use should be strictly prohibited while taking this drug combination. The use of alcohol while being on Celexa and Ativan together may exacerbate these side effects (1).

Conclusion

We have briefly discussed the use of Ativan and Celexa together for the treatment of comorbid anxiety and depression. We have assessed the potential benefits and side effects of using this Celaxa and Ativan in combination.

References