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.
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