Celexa ®
Generic Name: Citalopram (sye-TAL-oh-pram)
Drug Class: Antidepressant, SSRI
Contents
Drug Uses
This medicine is used to treat depression.
General Information
Only 1 in 10 Americans will seek treatment for depression. For more information
on this condition, please talk to your health care provider.
How it Works
This medicine works by restoring the brain's chemical balance by increasing
the amount of a natural substance called serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical
that helps nerve cells in the brain communicate and is believed to affect
ones mood.
How to Take It
This medicine should be taken about the same time every day, morning or evening
and can be taken with or without food. This medicine may take up to 4 weeks
to reach full effect, but you may see symptoms of depression improving in
as little as 1 week.
Possible Side Effects
- nausea
- drowsiness
- insomnia
- increased sweating
- problems ejaculating
Warnings/Precautions
- Don’t stop taking this medicine until you have consulted with your doctor
first.
- Also, make sure that you know how the medicine affects you before driving
or performing other tasks that require your full attention.
Overdose
- Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your
local or regional poison control center.
Drug Interactions
- Caution should be exercised when taking this medicine certain antibiotics,
such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, or azithromycin. This medicine should
not be taken with MAO inhibitors. If you think you are taking an MAO inhibitor
talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take this medicine with St.
John’s Wort because of the additive effects of sertonin.
Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double
doses.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated
or no longer needed.
Pregnancy/Nursing
If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss the benefits versus the risks of
using this medicine while pregnant. Because this medicine is excreted in the
breast milk, nursing mothers should not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
More Information
For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider.
Copyright © 2004 PharmClips,
Inc. All rights reserved. Information expires March 1, 2005. Published
March 1, 2004.
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions,
precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general
information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions
for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility
for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from
the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained
herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property
as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty,
expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material.
The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before
making any changes in their drug regimen. |