Citalopram

Citalopram is used for treating depression. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

About

Brand names: Celexa 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.

How to take

Celexa is available in tablet and liquid forms. Take either formulation once a day, in the morning or evening, with or without food. Although your depression will begin to lift in 1 to 4 weeks, you should continue taking Celexa regularly. It takes several months for the medication to yield its full benefits. Recommended dosage for Citalopram hydrobromide ADULTS 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.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Citalopram, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Warnings and precautions

Do not use Citalopram if: * you are allergic to any ingredient in Citalopram; * you are taking escitalopram; * you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days; * you are taking a fenfluramine derivative (e.g., dexfenfluramine), an H1 antagonist (e.g., astemizole, terfenadine), nefazodone, pimozide, or sibutramine. Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Side effects

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

Storage

Store Citalopram at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Citalopram out of the reach of children and away from pets.