Drug NameCelexa (Citalopram) Drug UsesCelexa treats depression. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. How TakenUse Celexa as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Celexa comes with an additional patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully and reread it each time you get Celexa refilled.
- Celexa may be taken with or without food.
- You may notice improvement in your depression in 1 to 4 weeks. Continue to take your medicine as directed even when depression improves.
- If it is necessary to stop Celexa , your doctor will need to reduce the dosage over a few days to a week.
- Do not miss any doses.
Drug Class and MechanismCelexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It helps to restore the brain's chemical balance by increasing the supply of serotonin, which helps improve mood. Missed DoseIf you miss a dose of Celexa, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. Storage Store at the room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Keep out of the reach of children.
Warnings/Precautions
Do not use Celexa if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Celexa;
- you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, phenelzine) or St. John's wort within the last 14 days;
- you are taking astemizole, pimozide, dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), sibutramine, or terfenadine.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact with Celexa . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse
- if you have a history of seizures, liver problems, severe kidney problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, or metabolism problems
- if you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels, or drink alcohol
- if you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Celexa . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Fenfluramine derivatives (eg, dexfenfluramine), linezolid, lithium, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), metoclopramide, nefazodone, selegiline, serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine, St. John's wort, or trazodone because severe side effects, such as a reaction that may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma, may occur
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding, may be increased
- Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood sodium levels may be increased
- Tramadol because the risk of seizures may be increased
H1 antagonists (eg, astemizole, terfenadine) or phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine) because severe heart problems, including irregular heartbeat, may occur
- Carbamazepine or cyproheptadine because they may decrease Celexa 's effectiveness
- Clozapine, pimozide, risperidone, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Celexa
Possible Side Effects
Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
- change in taste; decreased menstrual flow or painful periods; diarrhea; dry mouth; ejaculation disorder; impotence; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea; runny nose; sinus inflammation; tiredness; tremor; upset stomach; weight loss or gain.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
- severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); anxiety; cold sweat; confusion; dizziness; fatigue; hostility; impulsiveness; irritability; lack of concern; mania; mental/mood changes; panic attacks; restlessness; seizures; shakiness; sleeplessness; sore throat or fever; suicidal thoughts or behaviors; vision changes; worsening of depression.
More Information
Celexa is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
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