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CHEMICAL NAME
CITALOPRAM.
INDICATIONS
Citalopram is an antidepressant (ive serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI) used in the treatment of depression. It works by restoring the balance of natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, thereby improving mood and feelings of well-being.
DIRECTIONS
Take Celexa tablets once daily, in the morning or evening, with or without food or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Take this medication as prescribed even if you feel well. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. You may experience side effects if the drug is abruptly stopped. It may take up to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.
SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, muscle/joint pain, fatigue, or yawning may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: changes in sexual ability/desire, increased sweating, persistent nausea/vomiting, uncontrolled movements (tremor), unusual or severe mental/mood changes, weight changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: black stools, change in frequency of menstrual periods, "coffee-ground" vomit, confusion, easy bruising/bleeding, fast heartbeats, seizures, vision problems. Males: In the unlikely event you have a painful, prolonged erection (lasting more than 4 hours), stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention or permanent problems could occur. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Before taking citalopram, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: history or family history of psychiatric disorders (e.g., bipolar/manic-depressive disorder), history or family history of suicide attempts, heart problems (e.g., unstable heart disease, recent heart attack), high or low blood pressure, liver disease, seizures, severe kidney disease, stomach bleeding, thyroid problems, untreated mineral imbalance (e.g., hyponatremia). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects. The elderly are more likely to develop a type of mineral imbalance (hyponatremia), especially if they are also taking "water pills" or diuretics with this medication. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. If this medication is used during the last 3 months of pregnancy, infrequently your newborn may develop symptoms including feeding or breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, jitteriness or constant crying. However, do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor directs you to do so. Report any such symptoms to your doctor promptly. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include tiredness, weakness, sedation, dizziness, tremor, nausea, and deep sleep or loss of consciousness.
INFORMATION
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
NOTES
The above 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 the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before taking the product.
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. This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: weight loss drugs (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine). If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting citalopram. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other antidepressants (e.g., nefazodone, trazodone, venlafaxine), carbamazepine, cimetidine, other drugs which can cause bleeding/bruising (e.g., thrombolytic drugs such as TPA, anticoagulants such as heparin or warfarin, antiplatelet drugs including NSAIDs such as ibuprofen), herbal/natural products (e.g., melatonin, St John's wort, ayahuasca), lithium, other SSRI antidepressants (e.g. fluoxetine, sertraline), tramadol, triptan migraine drugs (e.g. sumatriptan, almotriptan), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness, such as antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), or psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, thioridazine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
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