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. |
