Celexa

Generic name: Citalopram hydrobromide

What is Celexa?

Celexa is a medication for the treatment of depression that persists nearly every day for at least two weeks and interferes with everyday living.

What is the most important information I should know about Celexa?

Celexa is not approved for use in children or adolescents.

Antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults when the medicine is first started. Depression and other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. Some people may have a particularly high risk of having suicidal thoughts or actions. These include people who have (or have a family history of) bipolar disorder (also called manic-depressive illness) or suicidal thoughts or actions.

Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is first started or when the dose is changed.

Call the doctor right away to report new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings. Signs to watch for include new or worsening depression, new or worsening anxiety, agitation, insomnia, hostility, panic attacks, restlessness, extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior.

Keep all follow-up visits as scheduled, and call the doctor between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms.

Who should not take Celexa?

Do not take Celexa if you are taking pimozide or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or if you have stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days.

Do not take if you are allergic to Celexa or any of its components.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Celexa?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Celexa. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are taking MAOIs or other antidepressants, migraine drugs known as triptans, or tramadol. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, or have ever had seizures.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The recommended starting dose of Celexa tablets or oral solution is 20 milligrams (mg) taken once a day. Dosage is usually increased to 40 mg taken once a day after at least a week has passed. The maximum dose is 40 mg a day.

For older adults and individuals with liver problems, the recommended dose is 20 mg taken once a day.

How should I take Celexa?

Celexa should be taken once a day. You can take it either in the morning or in the evening with or without food.

What should I avoid while taking Celexa?

Use caution when driving or operating dangerous equipment until you are familiar with Celexa's effects.

Do not abruptly discontinue Celexa. Abrupt discontinuation may result in irritability, agitation, dizziness, emotional ups and downs, headache, or sleepiness.

Do not take Lexapro while you are taking Celexa, since the two drugs are similar and could have increased effects.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Celexa?

If Celexa is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Celexa with any of the following: antidepressants, carbamazepine, cimetidine, digoxin, ketoconazole, lithium, metoprolol, omeprazole, pimozide, sumatriptan, theophylline, triazolam, and warfarin.

Never combine Celexa with any drug classified as an MAOI. Drugs in this category include the antidepressants phenelzine and tranylcypromine. Celexa and MAOIs should not be taken together or within 14 days of each other. Combining these drugs with Celexa can cause serious and even fatal reactions such as high body temperature, muscle rigidity, twitching, and agitation leading to delirium and coma.

What are the possible side effects of Celexa?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, ejaculation disorders, fatigue, impotence, indigestion, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, painful menstruation, respiratory tract infection, sinus or nasal inflammation, sweating, tremor, vomiting

Can I receive Celexa if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Celexa during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Celexa?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time.

How should I store Celexa?

Store at room temperature.