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IMPORTANT
NOTE: The following information is intended
to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective
for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
CITALOPRAM - ORAL (sye-TAL-oh-pram)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Celexa
USES: Citalopram
is used to treat depression. This medication works
by helping to restore the balance of certain natural
chemicals in the brain.
OTHER USES: This
medication has also been used to treat certain eating
disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia).
HOW TO USE: Take
this medication by mouth usually once daily, with
or without food; or as directed by your doctor. The
dosage is based on your medical condition and response
to therapy. It is important to continue taking this
medication as prescribed even if you feel well. Also,
do not stop taking this medication without consulting
your doctor. It may take up to several weeks before
the full benefit of this drug takes effect.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea,
drowsiness, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, upset stomach,
or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist
or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your
doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects
occur: vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual or severe
mental/mood changes, increased sweating/flushing,
unusual fatigue, uncontrolled movements (tremor).
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely
but serious side effects occur: blurred vision, stomach
pain, fever, joint pain, muscle pain, unusually fast
heartbeat, decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual
ability, change in amount of urine. Tell your doctor
immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very
serious side effects occur: weight changes, taste
changes, changes in menstrual period, unusual swelling
of the hands/feet/face, seizures, painful and/or prolonged
erection. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell
your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver
problems, kidney problems, seizures, heart problems,
other mental/mood disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder),
thyroid problems, any allergies. This drug may make
you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities
requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Limit alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when
using this product in the elderly because they may
be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This
medication should be used only when clearly needed
during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with
your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Because
of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding
while using this drug is not recommended. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Certain medications taken
with this product could result in serious, even fatal,
drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g.,
furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide,
phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
within 2 weeks before or after treatment with this
medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for
additional information. This drug is not recommended
for use with: weight loss drugs (e.g., sibutramine,
phentermine). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
details. Tell your doctor of all prescription and
nonprescription medication you may use, especially:
other SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline),
nefazodone, trazodone, tramadol, venlafaxine, "triptan"
migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan),
tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline),
cimetidine, lithium, itraconazole, macrolide antibiotics
(e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), any herbal/
natural products (e.g., melatonin, St John's wort,
ayahuasca). Tell your doctor if you take any drugs
that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep,
sedatives, tranquilizers, anti- anxiety drugs (e.g.,
diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine),
psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as
chlorpromazine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine),
muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine).
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or
pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose
is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose
may include: irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe
dizziness or lightheadedness.
NOTES: Do not share
this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical
tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: If you
miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it
is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed
dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not
double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between
59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from
light and moisture.
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