FDA Warns of Heart Risk Associated with Celexa

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a warning that high doses of the antidepressant drug Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide) present an increased risk of abnormal changes in the activity of the heart. According to new research, dosage of this selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) over 40mg per day can cause potentially fatal abnormal heart rhythms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants including the popular drugs Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, Prozac, and Celexa.

SSRIs like Celexa have been the subject of many lawsuits due to their negative complications such as birth defects, autism and heart problems.

According to post-market studies, changes in the electrical activity of the heart can lead to a potentially fatal abnormal heart rhythm (including Torsade de Pointes). Patients with pre-existing heart conditions, congenital long QT syndrome, older patients and those with hypokalemia (low potassium) or hypomagnesemia (low magnesium) are at an increased risk of negative complications. Additionally, post-market studies did not show a benefit of dosage higher than 40 mg per day. Reportedly, the manufacturer had previously advised that some patients may need to be prescribed doses up to 60mg per day, but the drug’s box now contains the most recent FDA dosage recommendations and warnings.

Manufactured by Forest Laboratories, Celexa was a highly popular drug, before advertising was phased out in favor of a second generation version of the drug Lexapro. According to Funding Universe, in 2002 Celexa accounted for nearly 70% of the corporation’s revenues. In 2003, a year after the switch, Celexa was still boasting sales of almost $1.3 billion per year. Celexa and Lexapro have both been reportedly linked to serious negative complications including birth defects and autism.

While SSRIs can be a valuable tool in controlling an individual’s mental state, they may also pose significant risks to individuals who take large doses or fit into certain demographics (such as being pregnant). SSRIs like Celexa have been the subject of many lawsuits due to their negative complications such as birth defects, autism and heart problems. Before taking medication with pre-existing heart conditions or while pregnant, talk to your doctor and weigh the risks and benefits. If you or a loved one has experienced negative complications after taking a large dose of Celexa, contact a dedicated Celexa attorney by completing the form on the right to see if you are eligible to pursue legal recourse and compensation for your losses.