What is Celexa Used for?
This medication is used to treat depression. Celexa (Citalopram) works by restoring the balance of serotonin (a natural occurring substance in the brain) which improves certain mood problems.
How should Celexa be stored?
This medication should be stored at room temperature. Keep the medication away from heat and moisture.
General Information
How should I take Celexa?
Read the directions on the prescription label. Do not take larger doses than prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medication longer than recommended by your doctor. Take Celexa (Citalopram) at the same time every day. it may take up to 4 weeks or longer before you start feeling better. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor because you may experience unpleasant side effects if this medication is suddenly stopped.
When should Celexa not be taken?
Do not take Zoloft (Sertraline) with any of the following monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI): Marplan (isocarboxazid), Nardil (phenelzine), Azilect (rasagiline), Eldepryl and Emsam (selgiline), or Parnate (tranylcypromine). When you are stopping an MAOI, it is important to wait at least 14 days before you start taking Celexa (Citalopram).
What precautions should I follow when taking Celexa?
Inform your doctor about the following before taking Zoloft (Sertraline): if you have bipolar disorder (manic depression), pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or is breastfeeding, liver or kidney disease, seizures or epilepsy, or a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.
What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Celexa?
Patients, especially those younger than 24 years old, who are starting Celexa (Citalopram) may have thoughts about suicide. Keep your doctor updated with symptoms worsening such as anxiety, panic attacks, mood or behavior changes, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, hostile, restless, agitated, aggressive, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Patients who are pregnant may have serious or life-threatening lung problems in the newborn when taking Celexa (Citalopram) during pregnancy. Also, pregnant patients may have a relapse of depression if medication is stopped. Speak to your doctor first before you stop taking Celexa (Citalopram).
What are the side effects of Celexa?
Severe: Feeling unsteady, nausea, diarrhea, loss of coordination or appetite, vomiting; very stiff (rigid) muscles, sweating, tremors, high fever, overactive reflexes, fast or uneven heartbeats; memory problems, confusion, headache, trouble concentrating, shallow breathing or breathing that stops, fainting, headache, hallucinations, and seizure.
Common: Weight changes; drowsiness; urinating more than usual; sleep problems (insomnia); mild nausea, gas, upset stomach; cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat; dry or watery mouth, yawning; or decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
Other: None.
