CELEXA

Who is Celexa for ?

Citalopram, an antidepressant (mood elevator), is used to treat depression. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Citalopram is in a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Citalopram, and other SSRIs, block the ability of the nerve terminals in the brain to bind and break down serotonin so that more serotonin is available for the brain to use. Abnormally low levels of serotonin may play a role in diseases such as depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, and eating disorders. Increasing serotonin levels in the brain can help treat these disorders.

When should I be careful taking Celexa ?

Before taking Citalopram:

• Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to citalopram or have had an allergy or other adverse effects during therapy with other SSRIs.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking or have taken within the last 2 weeks, especially ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, erythromycin, cimetidine (Tagamet), lithium, carbamazepine, metoprolol, imipramine or desipramine.
• Tell your doctor if you have taken MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine) within the previous 2 weeks.
• Tell your doctor if you have mania, a history of seizures, or impaired cognitive/motor performance.
• Tell your doctor if you have you have liver or kidney problems.
• 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 this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

Side Effects

Side effects from citalopram are common:

• upset stomach
• drowsiness
• weakness, tiredness, or anxiety
• excitement
• insomnia
• nightmares
• dry mouth
• skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual
• changes in appetite or weight

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• constipation
• difficulty urinating
• frequent urination
• blurred vision
• changes in sex drive or ability
• excessive sweating

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
• slow or difficult speech
• shuffling walk
• persistent fine tremor or inability to sit still
• fever
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• severe skin rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• irregular heartbeat