Is Celexa a controlled substance? (5+ key distinctions)
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The Optimistminds editorial team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter. The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.
In this article, we will discuss whether Celexa (citalopram) is a controlled substance or an illicit drug. We will also discuss the key differences between Celexa and typical controlled substances.
Is Celexa a controlled substance?
No, Celexa (citalopram) is not a controlled substance. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) which is primarily used as an antidepressant (1,2).
Celexa does work on the brain, as it’s used to treat conditions that are influenced by certain neurotransmitters in the brain, but it does not affect the brain like controlled substances do.
Controlled substances, as defined by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), are drugs or substances that are regulated under the Controlled Substances Act (3). They are classified into different schedules based on their potential for abuse, medical use, and overall safety.
These substances often include narcotics, stimulants, and certain depressants. Celexa does not induce euphoria or produce a “high,” making it unsuitable for recreational use. Some people may try to overdose on Celexa to get ‘high’, but this is not how the antidepressant works.
Celexa is far from being classified as a controlled substance and should not be used as one. It is a prescription medication designed to help manage specific mental health conditions when prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider.
How is Celexa different from controlled substances?
Celexa is different from the typical controlled substances in the following ways:
Effects on the brain
Celexa exerts its effects by modulating serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is an excitatory monoamine neurotransmitter that is associated with mood regulation (1).
It inhibits the reuptake of serotonin by blocking serotonin transporters (SERT), allowing it to remain available to bind to its respective receptors (1). This mechanism enhances serotonin’s mood-stabilising effects, addressing conditions like depression and anxiety.
Controlled substances, on the other hand, affect a broader range of brain functions (3). This contributes to their potential for impacting reward pathways, alertness, anxiety modulation, and even cognitive functions linked with learning and memory.
Therapeutic uses
Celexa is primarily used to treat depression and anxiety. However, it can also help manage and treat conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, etc (1).
Controlled substances, while potentially having therapeutic applications, are often associated with a higher risk of misuse and may not be intended for the same range of mental health issues.
However, some of these substances, such as stimulants, can be clinically used to treat conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, etc (4). Some other controlled substances, like opioids, can be used as potent painkillers (5).
Addiction potential
Celexa does not typically have the potential for addiction and abuse. It does not induce the euphoria or “high” commonly associated with controlled substances (1).
Controlled substances, on the other hand, carry a high risk of addiction, making them more susceptible to misuse (3). These substances can create a sense of intense pleasure, relaxation, or heightened energy, which makes people take more of them repeatedly – hence triggering addiction (3).
Safety profile
Celexa has a well-established safety profile when taken as prescribed. Its use is generally safe for most individuals when monitored by a healthcare professional.
However, Celexa can cause some side effects, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea/constipation, stomach pain, etc. It can also cause some psychological side effects in certain individuals (1,2).
Controlled substances, on the other hand, are associated with more intense side effects, overdose risks, and overall adverse reactions (3).
Legal status
Celexa is classified as a prescription medication (2). Controlled substances are categorised based on their potential for abuse and medical utility. This classification determines the legal restrictions surrounding their manufacture, distribution, and use (3).
Onset of action
The onset of action of Celexa creates a basic line of distinction between this antidepressant and controlled substances. Celexa, being an SSRI, does not work right away. It takes 2-4 weeks to start managing your symptoms, including your mood (1).
This indicates that Celexa can not be used recreationally, as no one uses a drug to feel good 2-4 weeks after taking it.
Controlled substances, on the other hand, have a more rapid onset of action. These meds readily improve mood and induce euphoria (3). This rapid onset of action is the main reason why people get addicted to these drugs.
Does Celexa cause psychological side effects?
Celexa, as discussed earlier, can cause psychological side effects. These include: (1,2)
- Mood swings: Celexa may influence mood stability, causing shifts in emotional states.
- Irritability: Some individuals may experience increased irritability or a sense of restlessness.
- Anxiety and agitation: Celexa can sometimes exacerbate feelings of anxiety and agitation.
- Cognitive effects: Changes in concentration or memory may occur in certain individuals.
- Risk of mania or hypomania: Celexa, as an antidepressant, can potentially trigger manic or hypomanic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder.
What to do if you have overdosed on Celexa to get high?
If you have overdosed on Celexa to get high, immediately seek medical attention. Celexa cannot get you high, and taking higher doses can be life-threatening. So, it’s important to take your medications as prescribed by your doctor and not use them for non-pharmacological reasons.
As a pharmacist, I have come across such cases of antidepressant overdosing to get high or to induce that euphoric effect.
However, people fail to realise that Celexa and related antidepressants don’t work the way typical controlled substances do and taking higher doses can cause life-threatening consequences.
It is important to use medications properly to enhance the quality of your life, rather than falling into an addiction and potentially harming yourself. If you ever feel like getting addicted to a prescription medication, I recommend seeking professional help promptly.
References
- Sharbaf Shoar N, Fariba KA, Padhy RK. Citalopram. 2023 Nov 7. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29489221. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482222
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. CELEXA (citalopram) tablets, for oral use. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/020822s041lbl.pdf
- Aro HJ, Hussain A, Bobrin BD. Controlled Substances. 2023 Apr 8. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32119270. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554383
- Stevens JR, Wilens TE, Stern TA. Using stimulants for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: clinical approaches and challenges. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2013;15(2):PCC.12f01472. doi: 10.4088/PCC.12f01472. Epub 2013 Mar 28. PMID: 23930227; PMCID: PMC3733520. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3733520/
- Nafziger AN, Barkin RL. Opioid Therapy in Acute and Chronic Pain. J Clin Pharmacol. 2018 Sep;58(9):1111-1122. doi: 10.1002/jcph.1276. Epub 2018 Jul 9. PMID: 29985526. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29985526/