Part Two of Celexa Information, Focusing on Side Effects, Discontinuation or Withdrawal Effects, and Additional Information

This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.

Go to page: 1 | 2

What are the possible side effects of citalopram?

  • If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking citalopram and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
    • an irregular heartbeat or pulse;
    • low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness);
    • high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); or
    • chills or fever.
  • If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking citalopram and talk to your doctor:
    • headache, tremor, nervousness, or anxiety;
    • nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight;
    • sleepiness or insomnia; or
    • decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect citalopram?

  • You cannot take citalopram if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. A dangerous drug interaction can occur when citalopram is combined with any of these medications.
  • Before taking citalopram, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
    • another antidepressant such as fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), trazodone (Desyrel), or nefazodone (Serzone);
    • a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;
    • a seizure medication including carbamazepine (Tegretol) or felbamate (Felbatol);
    • a stomach medicine such as cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), ranitidine (Zantac, Zantac 75), or omeprazole (Prilosec);
    • an antibiotic such as erythromycin (Eryc-Tab, E-Mycin, E.E.S., Erythrocin, P.C.E., others) or clarithromycin (Biaxin);
    • an antifungal medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ketoconazole (Nizoral);
    • a migraine medication such as almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), or zolmitriptan (Zomig);
    • the asthma medication zafirlukast (Accolate); or
    • lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate, Lithotabs).
  • You may not be able to take citalopram, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
  • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with citalopram. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has additional information about citalopram written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and only use this medication for the indication prescribed.

Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database

Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

Full public license and copyright information is available separately from Cerner Multum, Inc.

Version: 5.02. Revision Date: 2/14/03.

Go to page: 1 | 2