Citalopram tablets
What do citalopram tablets do?
CITALOPRAM (Celexa(TM)) is a medicine for depression and other related problems. You may have to take citalopram for up to 4 weeks or longer before you begin to feel better.
What should my health care professional know before I take citalopram?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• diabetes
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• mania
• receive electroconvulsive therapy
• seizures (convulsions)
• suicidal thoughts
• an unusual or allergic reaction to citalopram, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take citalopram tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Citalopram can be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber or health care professional's advice.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of citalopram, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Follow your prescriber or health care professional's advice on missed doses. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with citalopram?
Do not take citalopram with any of the following medications:
• cisapride
• medicines called MAO inhibitors-phenelzine (Nardil(R)), tranylcypromine (Parnate(R)), isocarboxazid (Marplan(R)), selegiline (Eldepryl(R))
Citalopram may also interact with the following medications:
• alprazolam
• amphetamine
• buspirone
• carbamazepine
• certain diet drugs (dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, sibutramine)
• clarithromycin
• cimetidine
• cyproheptadine
• dexamethasone
• dextromethorphan
• dextroamphetamine
• diazepam
• erythromycin
• ethosuximide
• furazolidone
• grapefruit juice
• kava kava
• ketoconazole
• linezolid
• lithium
• medicines that treat depression or other mood problems
• medicines that treat HIV infection or AIDS
• migraine headache medicines (naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan)
• medicines for psychosis or severe mood problems
• modafinil
• nefazodone
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• prescription pain relievers (codeine, hydrocodone, meperidine, morphine, tramadol, oxycodone)
• primidone
• procarbazine
• quinine
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• St. John's Wort
• troglitazone
• tryptophan
• valerian
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of grapefruit juice, drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking citalopram?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
• confusion
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• skin rash, itching (hives)
• fast talking and excited feelings or actions that are out of control
• suicidal thoughts
• vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• agitation or restlessness
• blurred vision
• diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• fever
• frequent urination
• headache
• indigestion, nausea
• increased or decreased appetite
• increased sweating
• sexual difficulties (decreased sexual ability or desire)
• taste alterations
• tremor (shaking)
• weight changes
