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Brand Name: Celexa
Generic Name: Citalopram
(sye tal' oh pram)
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Why is celexa prescribed?
Celexa (Citalopram) is used to treat depression. Celexa is in a class of antidepressants (mood elevators) called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.
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How should celexa be used properly?
Citalopram (Celexa) comes as a tablet and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take citalopram, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take citalopram exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of citalopram and gradually increase your dose, not more than once a week.
It may take 1 to 4 weeks before you feel the full benefit of citalopram. Continue to take citalopram even if you feel well. Do not stop taking citalopram without talking to your doctor.
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What are the common uses for celexa?
Citalopram is also sometimes used to treat eating disorders, alcoholism, panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and social phobia. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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What special precautions should I follow when using celexa?
Before taking citalopram,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to citalopram or any other medications.
- do not take citalopram if you are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, including phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate), or have stopped taking them within the past two weeks.
- you should know that citalopram is very similar to another SSRI, escitalopram (Lexapro). You should not take these two medications together.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: carbamazepine (Tegretol); cimetidine (Tagamet); ketoconazole (Nizoral); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications for anxiety, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, and seizures; metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL); other antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil); sedatives; sleeping pills; sumatriptan (Imitrex); and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack and if you have or have ever had bipolar disorder; seizures; or liver, kidney, or heart disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking citalopram, call your doctor.
- you should know that citalopram may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
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What special dietary instructions should I follow while taking celexa?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
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What should I do if I forget a dose of celexa?
You should take the missed dose of celexa just as soon as you remember to take it. Unless, it is almost time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose of your medication to make up for a missed one.
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What side effects can celexa cause?
Citalopram may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- changes in sex drive or ability
- excessive tiredness
- muscle or joint pain
- excessive sweating
- loss of appetite
- upset stomach
- stomach pain
- nervousness
- drowsiness
- excitement
- dry mouth
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- tremor
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience either of them, call your doctor immediately:
- seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
- seizure
Citalopram may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
» top What storage conditions are needed for celexa?
Always keep the celexa in the same container it came in. Make sure it is tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store this medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture; do not store this medication in the bathroom.
Always be sure to dispose of any medication that is no longer needed or outdated. Be sure to ask your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
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What do I do in case of emergency or a celexa overdose?
In case of an celexa overdose, be sure to call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim is not breathing or has collapsed, dial 911 for local emergency services.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- shaking hands that you cannot control
- rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
- rapid breathing
- upset stomach
- memory loss
- drowsiness
- confusion
- dizziness
- sweating
- seizures
- vomiting
- coma
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What other information should I know about celexa?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only; please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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