Does Celexa increase anxiety at first? (3+ Tips)

In this article, we will discuss whether Celexa increases anxiety at first, what research suggests, symptoms related to Celexa-induced anxiety, and what to do if you are experiencing increased anxiety while taking Celexa.

Does Celexa increase anxiety at first?

Yes, Celexa may increase anxiety at the beginning of your treatment or when the dose is increased. This is one of the side effects of Celexa, an SSRI antidepressant. Increased anxiety happens due to the surge of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the brain.

However, individual responses to medication are different; some may experience increased anxiety, while others might not. It is most likely to occur in the early phase of the treatment and should resolve in a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. If it persists, talk to your healthcare provider.

What does research suggest?

Celexa is generally well-tolerated, but some patients report increased anxiety at the start of the treatment. The incidence of early anxiety caused by Celexa is relatively low compared to the number of people who benefit from it. Research indicates that the incidence of celexa-induced anxiety was only 4% in a placebo-controlled trial. (1)

The precise mechanisms underlying celexa-induced anxiety are not fully understood, but there are some theories. Celexa is an anti-depressant that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Research shows that the anxiolytic effect associated with its use is due to the imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain.

This temporary imbalance can lead to an increase in anxiety symptoms as your brain adjusts to the medication. Fortunately, this effect diminishes over a period of 2-4 weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. (2)

What are the symptoms of Celexa-induced anxiety?

The symptoms of celexa-related anxiety are:

• Nervousness
• Increased heart rate
• Hyperventilation
• Sweating

These symptoms resolve in a few weeks as the body adjusts to the medicine. If they don’t talk to your healthcare provider, don’t stop your antidepressant without consulting your doctor. (3)

What are the factors contributing to increased anxiety due to Celexa?

These are some factors that can contribute to increased anxiety at the start of treatment with Celexa.

• Dosage: The initial dose of Celexa can influence whether you experience anxiety as a side effect. If the dose is high, you are more likely to experience increased anxiety. Your doctor will typically start you on a low dose to help minimize the side effects.

• Exogenous factors: These include anxiogenic factors like excess caffeine intake, excessive alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. Although caffeine and alcohol do not cause anxiety, their excess intake while taking Celexa can exacerbate the anxiety. Research shows that one day of sleep deprivation can aggravate anxiety-like symptoms. (5)

• Individual sensitivity: People have varying sensitivities to medications. Some may be more susceptible to the side effects of Celexa, including increased anxiety.

• Pre-existing anxiety: If you already have a pre-existing anxiety disorder, the introduction of Celexa can initially contribute to exacerbating your symptoms.

• Wrong diagnosis: There are some other mental conditions that present themselves as anxiety, including bipolar and major depressive disorder. When they are treated with first-line anti-anxiety medications such as Celexa, they can exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety. (5)

What to do if you are experiencing increased anxiety?

These are some tips to help you manage the increased anxiety due to Celexa.

Communicate with your healthcare provide:

If you experience increased anxiety at the start of treatment with Celexa, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They can help you assess whether the anxiety is a side effect of Celexa or a worsening of your underlying condition.

Your healthcare provider may consider adjusting your dose if a high dose is the reason for your increased anxiety. If the symptoms don’t subside, they may also consider an alternate antidepressant or prescribe a benzodiazepine like Xanax or Ativan for some time to manage their anxiety.

Do not discontinue your antidepressant abruptly, as this can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication.

Support and coping strategies:

Engage in relaxation therapies, meditation, exercise, and other coping strategies to manage your anxiety during the initial phase of your treatment. These techniques may help you self-regulate and ground your emotions. Support from a therapist can also be beneficial. (4)

Have patience:

Remember that Celexa may take a few weeks to reach its full therapeutic effect, so do not lose patience. In most cases, increased anxiety subsides in a few weeks as the body adjusts to this medication.

Conclusion

Based on my knowledge and experience, Celexa is effective for anxiety and depression, but it may cause temporary increased anxiety during the initial phase of your treatment. It’s crucial to reach out to your healthcare provider for necessary adjustments, as individual responses vary and this side effect is manageable.

References