IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is
intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using this drug.
CITALOPRAM - ORAL (sye-TAL-oh-pram)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Celexa
USES: Citalopram is used to treat depression. Celexa works by
helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in
the brain.
OTHER USES: Celexa has also been used to treat certain eating
disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia).
HOW TO USE: Take Celexa by mouth usually once daily, with or without
food; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your
medical condition and response to therapy. It is important to
continue taking Celexa as prescribed even if you feel well. Also,
do not stop taking Celexa without consulting your doctor. It may
take up to several weeks before the full benefit of this drug
takes effect.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, drowsiness, diarrhea, trouble sleeping,
upset stomach, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects
persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor
immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: vomiting,
loss of appetite, unusual or severe mental/mood changes, increased
sweating/flushing, unusual fatigue, uncontrolled movements (tremor).
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these
unlikely but serious side effects occur: blurred vision, stomach
pain, fever, joint pain, muscle pain, unusually fast heartbeat,
decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, change in
amount of urine.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these
highly unlikelybut very serious side effects occur: weight changes,
taste changes, changes in menstrual period, unusual swelling of
the hands/feet/face, seizures, painful and/or prolonged erection.
If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially
of: liver problems, kidney problems, seizures, heart problems,
other mental/mood disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder), thyroid
problems, any allergies.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use
caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving
or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Caution is advised when using this product in
the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects
of the drug.
Celexa should be used only when clearly needed
during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk
to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Certain medications taken with this product
could result in serious, even fatal, drug interactions. Avoid
taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid,
moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
within 2 weeks before or after treatment with Celexa. Consult
your doctor or pharmacist for additional information. This drug
is not recommended for use with: weight loss drugs (e.g., sibutramine,
phentermine). Ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor of all prescription
and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other
SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine,
sertraline), nefazodone, trazodone, tramadol,
venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan,
zolmitriptan), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline,
nortriptyline), cimetidine, lithium, itraconazole, macrolide antibiotics
(e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), any herbal/ natural products
(e.g., melatonin, St John's wort, ayahuasca). Tell your doctor
if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine
for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti- anxiety drugs (e.g.,
diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric
medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), anti-seizure
drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines
(e.g., diphenhydramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose
may include: irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or
lightheadedness.
NOTES: Do not share Celexa with others. Laboratory and/or medical
tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose of Celexa, use it as soon as you
remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed
dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the
dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F
(15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.