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.
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