Celexa DRUG INFO
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. This medication works by helping to restore the balance
of certain natural chemicals in the brain.
OTHER USES: This medication has
also been used to treat certain eating disorders (e.g., anorexia
nervosa, bulimia).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication
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 this medication
as prescribed even if you feel well. Also, do not stop taking this
medication 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. This medication 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 this medication. 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 this medication
with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to
monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose,
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. |
