Celexa

Pronunciation: sye-TAL-oh-pram
Generic Name: Citalopram
Brand Name: Celexa

Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in children, teenagers, and young adults. However, depression and certain other mental problems may also increase the risk of suicide. Talk with the patient's doctor to be sure that the benefits of using Celexa outweigh the risks.

Families and caregivers must closely watch patients who take Celexa. It is important to keep in close contact with the patient's doctor. Tell the doctor right away if the patient has symptoms like worsened depression, suicidal thoughts, or changes in behavior. Discuss any questions with the patient's doctor.

Celexa is used for:

Treating depression. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, which helps to improve certain mood problems.

Do NOT use Celexa if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Celexa or to escitalopram


• you have a certain type of irregular heartbeat (long QT syndrome) or uncorrected low blood potassium or magnesium levels


• you are taking escitalopram


• you are taking or have taken linezolid, methylene blue, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine, selegiline), or St. John's wort within the last 14 days


• you are taking astemizole, a fenfluramine derivative (eg, dexfenfluramine), nefazodone, pimozide, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (eg, duloxetine, venlafaxine), sibutramine, other SSRIs (eg, fluoxetine, paroxetine), terfenadine, or tryptophan

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

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Treatments for depression are getting better everyday and there are things you can start doing right away.

Before using Celexa:

Some medical conditions may interact with Celexa. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse


• if you have a history of seizures, liver problems, kidney problems, heart problems (eg, heart failure, slow or irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, stroke, bleeding problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, or metabolism problems


• if you have a condition or take medicine that may increase your risk of low potassium or magnesium levels. Check with your doctor if you are not sure if any of your conditions or medicines may increase this risk


• if you are dehydrated, have low blood volume or low blood sodium levels, or drink alcohol


• if you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)


• if you take any medicine that may increase the risk of a certain type of irregular heartbeat (prolonged QT interval). Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure if any of your medicines may increase the risk of this type of irregular heartbeat

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Celexa. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Fenfluramine derivatives (eg, dexfenfluramine), fentanyl, linezolid, lithium, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine, selegiline), meperidine, methylene blue, metoclopramide, nefazodone, serotonin 5-HT₁ receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine, SNRIs (eg, duloxetine, venlafaxine), other SSRIs (eg, fluoxetine, paroxetine), St. John's wort, trazodone, or tryptophan because severe side effects, such as a reaction that may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma, may occur


• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding, may be increased


• Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood sodium levels may be increased


• Tramadol because the risk of seizures may be increased


• Arsenic, astemizole, cimetidine, halofantrine, nilotinib, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine), pimozide, terfenadine, or vandetanib because the risk of irregular heartbeat may be increased


• Carbamazepine or cyproheptadine because they may decrease Celexa's effectiveness


• Aripiprazole, beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), clozapine, risperidone, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Celexa

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Celexa may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Celexa:

Use Celexa as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Celexa comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Celexa refilled.


• Take Celexa by mouth with or without food.


• Taking Celexa at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.


• Continue to take Celexa even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.


• Do not suddenly stop taking Celexa without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They may include mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, confusion, headache, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You will be closely monitored when you start Celexa and whenever a change in dose is made.


• If you miss a dose of Celexa, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Celexa.

Important safety information:

• Celexa may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Celexa with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• Do not drink alcohol while you are using Celexa.


• Check with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Celexa; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.


• One to 4 weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose, change your dose, or use Celexa for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.


• Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Celexa may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all patients who take Celexa closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.


• Celexa and a medicine called escitalopram have the same active ingredient. Do not take Celexa if you are also taking escitalopram.


• Celexa may cause an increased risk of severe irregular heartbeat. The risk may be higher with high doses of Celexa. Tell your doctor right away if you develop chest pain; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; shortness of breath; dizziness; or fainting. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.


• If your doctor tells you to stop taking Celexa, you will need to wait for several weeks before beginning to take certain other medicines (eg, MAOIs, nefazodone). Ask your doctor when you should start to take your new medicines after you have stopped taking Celexa.


• Celexa may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.


• Serotonin syndrome is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Celexa. Your risk may be greater if you take Celexa with certain other medicines (eg, "triptans," MAOIs). Symptoms may include agitation; confusion; hallucinations; coma; fever; fast or irregular heartbeat; tremor; excessive sweating; and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.


• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Celexa. Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.


• Use Celexa with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially low blood sodium levels.


• Caution is advised when using Celexa in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions.


• Celexa should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.


• Celexa may cause weight changes. CHILDREN and teenagers may need regular weight and growth checks while they take Celexa.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Celexa may cause harm to the fetus if it is used during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Celexa while you are pregnant. Celexa is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Celexa.

Possible side effects of Celexa:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; increased sweating; light-headedness when you stand or sit up; loss of appetite; nausea; stuffy nose; tiredness; weakness; yawning.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); absent menstrual period; bizarre behavior; black or bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; decreased concentration; decreased coordination; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; memory loss; new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still; persistent, painful erection; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping; severe or persistent headache; shortness of breath; stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; unusual weakness; vision changes; worsening of depression.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Celexa side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include blue skin or lips; coma; confusion; fast breathing; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; memory loss; muscle pain; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting; tremor.

Proper storage of Celexa:

Store Celexa at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Celexa out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Celexa, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Celexa is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Celexa. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Celexa resources

• Celexa Side Effects (in more detail)
• Celexa Dosage
• Celexa Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Celexa Drug Interactions
• Celexa Support Group
• 234 Reviews for Celexa - Add your own review/rating

• Celexa Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Celexa Consumer Overview


• Celexa Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Celexa Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Citalopram Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

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