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.
