Is celexa a benzodiazepine?

If you are someone who is struggling with anxiety, depression or any other mental health condition, chances are that you may have come across the term “benzodiazepines’. This class of drugs is known for its ability to calm down your nerves and alleviate feelings of anxiety. However, if you’ve been prescribed an antidepressant such as Celexa and found yourself wondering whether it belongs in the same category as benzodiazepines, then this article is just what you need!

Introduction

Celexa is not a benzodiazepine. It belongs to a different class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). While SSRIs work by increasing levels of serotonin in your brain to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, benzodiazepines work differently.

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants used for treating anxiety disorders or insomnia. They’re also sometimes used to treat seizures or muscle spasms. These medications can be highly addictive due to their fast-acting effects, which kick in within minutes after administration.

Some common brand names that belong to the class include Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin and Valium. Despite their effectiveness at treating symptoms like panic attacks and social phobia swiftly, they do carry some potential risks; side effects from taking these medicines could result in drowsiness / lethargy or lead to addiction / withdrawal upon stopping use altogether.

Characteristics Of Celexa

So now we know that Celexa isn’t classified as a benzodiazepine–but what exactly does it do? As mentioned earlier on in the article it works via increasing levels of serotonin (the same neurotransmitter targeted by most antidepressants) while also blocking [temporary jump] the absorption…or should I say , “reuptake”, of it.

Asides from treating depression and anxiety, Celexa can also be used to treat panic disorder. It helps restore balance among certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that are regulating mood / reducing symptoms of distress.

Differences Between Benzodiazepines And SSRIs

Benzos work faster than SSRI’s by attacking the root cause during a panic attack or otherwise limiting much faster.; however, they have long lists of side effects as previously mentioned – including over-sedation and addiction potential. Conversely, SSRIs don’t offer immediate relief but their effects will certainly help alleviate overall conditions in due time if prescribed properly according to individual needs.

What Are Some Of These Side Effects?

According to WebMD these may include:

  1. Nausea
  2. Headaches
  3. Dizziness
  4. Dry mouth
  5. Increased sweating
    6.
    7.
    8.

I know you’re thinking about what number 6 might have been referring to — ya nasty ;). Kidding! But nevertheless, it would still be wise to talk through your concerns with a medical professional prior rather than proceeding blindly down a rabbit hole without knowing what adverse reactions could potentially lay ahead [temporary jump].

On the other hand Celexa itself brings some cautions along with its benefits such as potentially worsening suicidal thoughts–but not necessarily causing them directly–, mania bouts in people suffering from bipolar disorder which is why this medication typically isn’t prescribed for those patients!, gastrointestinal bleeding; QT prolongation; serotonin syndrome symptoms if mixed use/abuse is identified., etc….

In summary: While benzodiazepines can provide immediate relief compared toward more gradual methods employed via antidepressants like citalopram (Celexa), they possess higher risk factors specific for abuse where prolonged use is concerned and withdrawal when substance abuse is stopped abruptly. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Celexa on the other hand, may take weeks to exhibit the most powerful effects yet are safer in regards of potential for addiction and might yield a more sustainable outcome over an extended timeframe.

So Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, it comes down to what your doctor suggests is best suited for your individual needs. Do not self-diagnose or try to treat yourself using medications that have not been prescribed exclusively by a medical professional just because you’ve heard they “work.” In such cases–you almost always cause more harm than good , trust me on this one!

So there we have it folks! We’ve cleared up once and for all whether or not Celexa falls into the benzodiazepine category: It doesn’t!. However be mindful, any anxiety medication should only ever be taken under supervision of someone professionally qualified enough both reviewing long-term efficacy/safety precautions.. As with anything else regarding our health: Our first priority must lie upon emphasizing caution towards potential negative effects beforehand rather than acting haphazardly without properly weighing the merits against demerits during decision making processes before proceeding onward.

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