Celexa

Celexa

     * Generic Name: citalopram hydrobromide
     * Brand Name: Celexa


     * What is citalopram (CeleXA)?
     * What are the possible side effects of citalopram (CeleXA)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       citalopram (CeleXA)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       citalopram (CeleXA)?
     * How should I take citalopram (CeleXA)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (CeleXA)?
     * What happens if I overdose (CeleXA)?
     * What should I avoid while taking citalopram (CeleXA)?
     * What other drugs will affect citalopram (CeleXA)?
     * Where can I get more information (CeleXA)?

What is citalopram (CeleXA)?

   Citalopram is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called
   selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

   Citalopram is used to treat depression.

   Citalopram may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of citalopram (CeleXA)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips,
   tongue, or throat.

   Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or
   behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if
   you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless,
   hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts
   about suicide or hurting yourself.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or
       seeing halos around lights;
     * headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast
       or pounding heartbeats;
     * severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high
       fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats,
       tremors, feeling like you might pass out;
     * high levels of serotonin in the body--agitation,
       hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes,
       nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting; or
     * low levels of sodium in the body--headache, confusion, slurred
       speech, severe weakness, vomiting, feeling unsteady.

   Common side effects may include:
     * problems with memory or concentration;
     * headache, drowsiness;
     * dry mouth, increased sweating;
     * numbness or tingling;
     * increased appetite, nausea, diarrhea, gas;
     * fast heartbeats, feeling shaky;
     * sleep problems (insomnia), feeling tired;
     * cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore
       throat;
     * changes in weight; or
     * difficulty having an orgasm.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about citalopram
(CeleXA)?

   You should not use citalopram if you also take pimozide, or if you are
   being treated with methylene blue injection.

   Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past
   14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue
   injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

   Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an
   antidepressant. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report
   any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

   Citalopram is not approved for use in children.

   Celexa Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Depression Overview:What is Depression?

   Understanding Depression Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Depression Quiz
   Depression:Tips for Exercise Diet and Stress Reduction

   Depression Tips Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking citalopram
(CeleXA)?

   You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to citalopram or
   escitalopram (Lexapro), or if you also take pimozide.

   Do not use citalopram if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14
   days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include
   isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine,
   rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

   To make sure citalopram is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
     * liver or kidney disease;
     * narrow-angle glaucoma;
     * seizures or epilepsy;
     * heart disease, heart failure, a heart rhythm disorder, slow
       heartbeats, or recent history of heart attack;
     * personal or family history of Long QT syndrome;
     * an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium
       or magnesium in your blood);
     * bipolar disorder (manic depression); or
     * a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.

   Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an
   antidepressant. Your doctor should check your progress at regular
   visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes
   in your mood or symptoms.

   Taking an SSRI antidepressant during pregnancy may cause serious
   lung problems or other complications in the baby. However, you may have
   a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant. Tell
   your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Do not start or stop
   taking this medicine during pregnancy without your doctor's advice.

   Citalopram can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You
   should not breast-feed while you are using citalopram.

   Do not give this medicine to anyone under 18 years old without medical
   advice. Citalopram is not approved for use in children.

How should I take citalopram (CeleXA)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or
   smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a
   special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a
   dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

   It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the
   medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not
   improve.

   Do not stop using citalopram suddenly, or you could have unpleasant
   withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this
   medicine.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Celexa Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Depression Overview:What is Depression?

   Understanding Depression Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Depression Quiz
   Depression:Tips for Exercise Diet and Stress Reduction

   Depression Tips Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (CeleXA)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (CeleXA)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking citalopram (CeleXA)?

   Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
   (NSAID) for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling. This includes
   aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib
   (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and
   others. Using an NSAID with citalopram may cause you to bruise or bleed
   easily.

   Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of citalopram.

   Citalopram may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you
   drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

What other drugs will affect citalopram (CeleXA)?

   Taking citalopram with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your
   breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor
   before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, prescription
   cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression,
   or seizures.

   Many drugs can interact with citalopram. Not all possible interactions
   are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and
   any you start or stop using, especially:
     * cimetidine;
     * lithium;
     * St. John's wort;
     * tryptophan (sometimes called L-tryptophan);
     * a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
     * any other antidepressant;
     * heart medication;
     * medicine to treat a psychiatric disorder; or
     * "triptan" migraine headache medicine.

   This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with
   citalopram. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines,
   vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any
   healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information (CeleXA)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about citalopram.
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