Health Canada announced that it is reviewing the heart-related safety of the prescription antidepressant citalopram, commonly known as Celexa.

The review comes after a new study suggesting that high doses (60 mg/day) can affect the electrical activity of the heart. Those changes in electrical activity could potentially lead to serious, even fatal abnormal heart rhythms.

Health Canada said it is currently reviewing the available data and assessing the need for revised dosing recommendations and will take appropriate action based on the outcome of our review. That includes working with the companies to update the prescribing information. The agency said new safety information will be communicated to healthcare professionals and the public as soon as possible, once the review is complete.

Celexa is used to treat depression and belongs to a family of drugs known as SSRIs. The current Canadian prescribing information recommends 20 mg/day of Celexa in adults. Some people who have not responded to this dose are prescribed 40 or even 60 mg/day.

Patients with questions or concerns about Celexa should talk to their healthcare professional. Do not stop taking Celexa or change your dose without first talking to your healthcare professional, as this can cause side effects such as dizziness, feelings of agitation or anxiety, difficulty concentrating, abnormal dreams, nausea or vomiting.
To report suspected adverse reaction to these or other health products, please contact Health Canada’s Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

This entry was posted on Friday, October 14th, 2011 at 5:57 pm and is filed under Uncategorized.