GENERIC NAME:

CITALOPRAM - ORAL (sye-TAL-oh-pram)

BRAND NAME:

Celexa

OTHER USES:

This drug is also used to treat eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa) and other mental conditions (obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder).

Why is Celexa prescribed?

Celexa is used to treat major depression—a stubbornly low mood that persists nearly every day for at least 2 weeks and interferes with everyday living.

Symptoms may include loss of interest in your usual activities, insomnia or excessive sleeping, a change in weight or appetite, constant fidgeting or a slowdown in movement, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and repeated thoughts of suicide.

Like the antidepressant medications fluoxetine hydrochloride, paroxetine hydrochloride, and sertraline, Celexa is thought to work by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin, one of the nervous system's primary chemical messengers, is known to elevate mood.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Celexa.

Side effects may include:

Abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, ejaculation disorders, fatigue, impotence, indigestion, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, painful menstruation, respiratory tract infection, sinus or nasal inflammation, sweating, tremor, vomiting

NURSING MOTHERS:

Citalopram is excreted in breast milk. Breastfeeding by a citalopram treated woman may cause adverse effects in the infant.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medication. Symptoms of a Celexa overdose may include nausea, vomiting, tremor, sweating, rapid heartbeat, confusion, dizziness, seizures, and coma.

Recommended dosage for Celexa

The recommended starting dose of Celexa tablets or oral solution is 20 milligrams once a day. Dosage is usually increased to 40 milligrams once daily after at least a week has passed. Do not exceed 40 milligrams a day.

For older adults and those who have liver problems, the recommended dose is 20 milligrams once a day.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Amnesia, bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin, coma, confusion, convulsions, dizziness, drowsiness, hyperventilation, nausea, rapid heartbeat, sweating, tremor, vomiting

Information for Patients

Physicians are advised to discuss the following issues with patients for whom they prescribe Celexa.

Patients should be cautioned about the risk of serotonin syndrome with the concomitant use of Celexa and triptans, tramadol or other serotonergic agents.

Patients should be told that, although Celexa has not been shown in experiments with normal subjects to increase the mental and motor skill impairments caused by alcohol, the concomitant use of Celexa and alcohol in depressed patients is not advised.

Patients should be advised to inform their physician if they are taking, or plan to take, any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, as there is a potential for interactions.