Celexa (citalopram HBr)
ABOUT CELEXA
Celexa is an antidepressant from the family
of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. Celexa
helps to restore the brain's chemical balance by increasing the supply of
a chemical messenger in the brain called serotonin. Because Celexa appears
to relieve depression by increasing serotonin with minimal effect on many
of the other chemicals in the brain, it may cause relatively few and mild
side effects, which tend to go away with continued treatment.
HOW DOES CELEXA WORK?
Although the brain chemistry of depression
is not fully understood, there does exist a growing body of evidence to
support the view that people with depression have an imbalance of the brain's
neurotransmitters. These are chemicals in the brain that allow nerve cells
to communicate. One of these neurotransmitters is serotonin. An imbalance
in serotonin may be an important factor in the development of depression.
Celexa affects how much serotonin is available by blocking its reabsorption
during transmission from one nerve cell in the brain to another. It is this
blocking action that causes an increased amount of serotonin to become available
at during cell-to-cell communication.
USES:
Used to treat depression.
HOW TO USE:
Celexa is usually prescribed as a daily dose.
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.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
While every person is different, you may notice
improvement in your depression with Celexa therapy in 1 to 4 weeks. Your
doctor or other healthcare professional may adjust your dosage based upon
your response to Celexa. If you don't notice any improvements in a few weeks,
you should speak with your doctor or other healthcare professional.
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 unlikelybut 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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