Celexa is an antidepressant from the family of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs.
Celexa helps to restore the brain's chemical balance by increasing the supply of a chemical messenger in the brain called serotonin. Because Celexa appears to relieve depression by increasing serotonin with minimal effect on many of the other chemicals in the brain, it may cause relatively few and mild side effect, which tend to go away with continued treatment.
Prescribed by U.S. doctors and dispensed by U.S. pharmacists.
Tablets
Chemical Name: CITALOPRAM (sye-TAL-oh-pram)
Common uses
Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat
depression. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your
doctor.
Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Celexa.
INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine
that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE Celexa if you are also taking astemizole,
dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), terfenadine,
or tramadol. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if
you are taking cyproheptadine, clozapine, sumatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan,
zolmitriptan, or lithium. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions,
allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if
you have any questions or concerns about using Celexa.
Directions
Follow the directions for using Celexa provided by your doctor.
Celexa may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE Celexa
at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat and light.
CONTINUE TO TAKE Celexa even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF
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.
Cautions
SEVERAL WEEKS MAY PASS before Celexa reaches its full effect.
Do not stop taking Celexa without checking with your doctor. DO NOT DRIVE,
OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know
how you react to Celexa. Using Celexa alone, with other medicines,
or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially
dangerous tasks. Celexa WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants.
Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter,
check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines that contain
dextromethorphan. F0R WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your
doctor the benefits and risks of using Celexa during pregnancy. Celexa
IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Celexa.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Celexa include diarrhea,
tiredness, nausea, dry mouth, weight loss or gain, rash, itching, change in taste,
change in sexual function, or decreased menstrual flow. If they continue or are
bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
if you experience sore throat or fever; sudden onset of a cold sweat, dizziness,
fatigue, or shakiness; vision changes; confusion; lack of concern; personality
changes; or thoughts of suicide. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a
medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your
medicines interact with each other.
If you take too much
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.
Additional information
DO NOT SHARE Celexa with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE Celexa
for other health conditions. KEEP Celexa out of the reach of children and pets.
IF USING Celexa FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply
runs out.
