This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Celexa Consumer Information
CELEXA
Generic Name: citalopram (oral) (sih TAL oh pram)
Brand Names: Celexa
What is the most important information I should know about citalopram?
- Do not stop taking citalopram without first talking to your doctor. It may take several weeks for you to start feeling better.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Citalopram may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking citalopram or affect your condition.
What is citalopram?
- Citalopram is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Citalopram affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.
- Citalopram is used to treat depression.
- Citalopram may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking 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 if citalopram is combined with any of these medications.
- Before taking citalopram, tell your doctor if you
- have liver disease,
- have kidney disease,
- suffer from seizures, or
- suffer from mania or have suicidal thoughts.
- You may not be able to take citalopram, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Citalopram should not be taken during treatment with escitalopram (Lexapro). Also, if you have had an allergic reaction to escitalopram (Lexapro), you may also have an allergic reaction to citalopram. Do not take citalopram without first talking to your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to either medication in the past.
- Citalopram is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether citalopram will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take citalopram without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Citalopram passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take citalopram without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take citalopram?
- Take citalopram exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
- To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the citalopram solution with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
- Citalopram may be taken with or without food.
- Citalopram is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Take the dose at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking citalopram without first talking to your doctor. It may take several weeks for you to start feeling better.
- Store citalopram at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a citalopram overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, drowsiness, dizziness, sweating, and a fast heartbeat.
What should I avoid while taking citalopram?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Citalopram may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking citalopram or affect your condition.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.