Generic Celexa

Chemical Name: CITALOPRAM

Common uses

This medicine 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

Do not take this medicine if you are also taking astemizole, dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, terfenadine, or tramadol. Do not take this medicine with, or within 14 days of taking, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (maoi). Maois include furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. If you are currently taking any of the medicines mentioned above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medicine.

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen, cyproheptadine, clozapine, sumatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, or lithium.

do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. 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 this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Store this medicine at room temperature below 77 degrees f (25 degrees c), away from heat and light. Continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Several weeks may pass before this medicine reaches its full effect. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine. Additional monitoring of your condition is recommended at the start of treatment with this medicine and whenever a change to your dose is made. If you experience anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsive feelings, severe restlessness, or worsening of depression contact your doctor as soon as possible. These may be signs that your condition is worsening or that your treatment with this medicine should be evaluated. If you are a parent or caregiver of a patient that is taking this medicine, it is important for you to watch for these symptoms. Contact the doctor as soon as possible if any of these symptoms occur. Contact your doctor for more information.

Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

This medicine 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. Caution is advised when using this medicine in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine 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, shakiness, vision changes, confusion, or lack of concern. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience thoughts of hurting yourself, mental or mood changes, or worsening of depression. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

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 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.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.