What is Celexa?

Celexa (citalopram) is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Citalopram is used to treat depression. It may improve your energy level and feelings of well-being. Citalopram is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This medication works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. It may take 1 to 4 weeks to feel a benefit from this drug and up to several weeks before you get the full benefit.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Take this medication with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning or evening.
• The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, laboratory tests, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). The maximum dosage for citalopram is 40 milligrams per day.
• To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start taking this drug at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
• Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
• It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped.
• It may take 1 to 4 weeks to feel a benefit from this drug and up to several weeks before you get the full benefit.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: personal or family history of bipolar/manic-depressive disorder, personal or family history of suicide attempts, liver disease, seizures, low sodium in the blood, intestinal ulcers/bleeding (peptic ulcer disease) or bleeding problems, personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).
• If you are using marijuana.

Also be aware that:

• Citalopram may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.
• This drug may make you drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bleeding, loss of coordination, and QT prolongation .They may also be more likely to develop a type of salt imbalance (hyponatremia), especially if they are also taking "water pills" (diuretics). Loss of coordination can increase the risk of falling.
• Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially loss of appetite and weight loss. Monitor weight and height in children who are taking this drug.
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Also, babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may rarely develop withdrawal symptoms such as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, tell the doctor promptly. Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
• This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Nausea, dry mouth, loss of appetite, tiredness, drowsiness, sweating, blurred vision, and yawning.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Shaking (tremor), decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, easy bruising/bleeding.
• Fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, seizures, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night).
• Fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness.
• Males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours.
• Any symptoms of an allergic reaction. These could include rashes or itching, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness or troubles with breathing.

Q: How long does it take Celexa to work?

A: It may take 1 to 4 weeks to feel a benefit from this drug and up to several weeks before you get the full benefit.

Q: What special dietary instructions should I follow?

A: Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Q: What should I do if I forget a dose?

A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.