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 Celexa is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before using Celexa.
CITALOPRAM - ORAL (sye-TAL-oh-pram)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Celexa
CELEXA USES: Celexa "Citalopram" is used to treat depression. Celexa works by helping to restore the balance of
certain natural chemicals in the brain.
CELEXA OTHER USES: Celexa has also been used to
treat certain eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa,
bulimia).
HOW TO USE CELEXA: 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 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
Celexa takes effect.
CELEXA 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 unlikely but 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.
CELEXA 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. Celexa 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
Celexa 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. Celexa passes
into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the
infant, breast-feeding while using Celexa is not
recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
CELEXA DRUG INTERACTIONS: Certain medications taken with
Celexa 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.
CELEXA OVERDOSE: If Celexa 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.
CELEXA NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor
your progress.
CELEXA 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.
CELEXA STORAGE: Store Celexa at room temperature between 59
and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and
moisture. |