Celexa

You have really helped me with answering questions on my son's medication, so I have a question about mine. I am taking Celexa and I read that one of the side effects was blood disease.  It also said something about liver problems.  I have been taking this drug for about 6 months, but am really concerned about what I read.  Can you give me more information?
Also, is there a greater change or side effects with a drug the longer you take it,or will they usually occur at first? Thank you.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Janet,

Blood disease is not one of the side effects of Celexa that you should expect to be either possible or probable. It would be a good idea, though, to bring the article you read to the attention of your prescribing clinician and to discuss it.

It is possible to develop side effects after taking a medication for some time, though generally it is true that side effects tend to occur earlier on rather than later. If you are now bothered by effects that you didn't experience early on, call this to the attention of your doctor as well. Some side effects of antidepressant medications are nuisance in nature; others can be more serious.