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What is Celexa

Celexa (citalopram HBr) is part of a family of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRI’s have become popularized the last ten years.  Active ingredients of this product are: sorbitol, purified water, propylene glycol, methylparaben, natural peppermint flavor, and propylparaben, which its primary use is to improve mood problems.  It works by restoring the balance of serotonin, which is a natural occurring substance located in the brain.

This fine white or off while powder is soluble in water and soluble in ethanol and it is available as either tablets or as an oral solution.

Celexa like other SSRI’s comes in different strengths and its 10 mg tablets are film-coated, oval tablets containing citalopram HBr which strengths are equivalent to 10 mg citalopram base. Its tablets for 20 mg and 40 mg. are also oval film-coated tablets, easier for ingestion, containing citalopram HBr in strengths equivalent to 20 mg or 40 mg citgalopram base and they come color-coordinated to be sure we are taking the right dose.

For allergic purposes the tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: copolyvidone, corn starch, croscarmellose, sodium, glycerin, lactose monohydrate, magnesioum stearate, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol,and titanium dioxide.  Also be aware for those of you allergic to iron, that iron oxides are used as coloring agents in the beige 10 mg and pink 20 mg tablets.

Important Information About this Medication

As with may drugs there are certain interactions that may develop.  So, please head the following advice. Do not take this medication together with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). The waiting period is at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI before you can take Celexa. After you stop taking his medication you must wait at least 14 days before you start taking an MAOI to avoid serious and/or fatal reactions which can occur if these medicines are taken simultaneously.

Research suggest that you may have suicidal thoughts when starting an antidepressant, especially if you are under 24 years old, so be sure to discuss this with your doctor and be sure to check at regular intervals for at least the first few months of treatment.

When first taking any medication you do not know if you will have an allergic reaction, so be sure to call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms.  Some symptoms to look for are as follows: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.  It is also advised for pregnant women to discuss their options during pregnancy.  We know you have to treat your symptoms, but because some antidepressants may cause serious or life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies whose mothers take the medication during pregnancy.  It is advisable to speak to your doctor addressing these problems. Do not stop taking Celexa, but be sure to talk to your doctor for an alternative plan.

Many individuals have allergic reactions to medications; so, before taking Celexa, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have certain conditions of concern, such as:

- Liver or kidney disease

- Seizures or epilepsy

- Bipolar Disorder (manic depression)

- History of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts

If you suffer from any of these conditions, Celexa may not be the drug of choice for you or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first three months of treatment. You, your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

How should Celexa Be Taken

It is important to adhere to the directions prescribed for you.  You should not alter your dose.  Which means do not take less as well as more, and you should definitely not take it for longer periods of time than recommended.  However, your doctor may from time to time change your dose to make sure you get the best results from your medication n order to properly treat your condition.

Medication should always be taken at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, do not double up the next day.  If it is too close to your next dose, just skip it and start again.  Be sure to follow label directions.

If you follow the directions on your prescription and you heed the aforementioned warnings, you will not need to seek emergency medical attention for taken too much of this medication. However, if some reason you suspect you have taken an overdose, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, tremor, sweating, rapid heartbeat, confusion, dizziness, seizures, and coma, and you should call your doctor immediately or get to a hospital.

It is also important to take the proper dose.  So if you are taking the liquid Celexa, be sure to measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup which is easily attainable at your pharmacy.  Do not use a regular table spoon for the dose may not be accurate.

It sometimes takes a few weeks or longer before the medication takes effect and you start feeling better. Do not get discouraged it will kick in and do not stop using Celexa without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant, serious side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly. Your doctor will wean you off it properly.

What To Avoid While Taking Celexa

Do not take Celexa together with escitalopram (Lexapro), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Also, alcohol can increase some of the side effects of this medication and should not be taken while you are medicating.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, medicine for seizures, other medication for depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Celexa.

This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Celexa Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

-seizure (convulsions)

-tremors, shivering, muscle stiffness or twitching

-problems with balance or coordination

-agitation, confusion, sweating, fast heartbeat

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

-feeling nervous, restless, or unable to sit still

-drowsiness, dizziness, trouble concentrating

-sleep problems (insomnia)

-nausea, gas, upset stomach, loss of appetite

-weight changes

-urinating more than usual

-decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm

-dry or watery mouth, yawning, or ringing in your ears.

It is possible to have side effects other than those listed here , so talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What Other Drugs Will Affect Celexa

There are many medications that may cause bruising or bleeding easily, so talk to your doctor before taking any medicine for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling.  This list is inclusive to the following: aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin,) naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) diclofenac (voltaren), indomethacin, piroxicam (feldene), namumetone (felafen), etodolac (Lodine), and others.  Be sure to check with your pharmacy before taking this medication.

Before embarking on this treatment be sure to tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:

carbamazepine (Tegretol);cimetidine (Tagamet);lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith);a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);any other antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft); or almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), sumatriptan (Imitrex), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), or zolmitriptan (Zomig).

Celexa may not be right for you, if you are using any of these drugs, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

It is also wise to disclose any and all prescriptions and over-the-counter medications you are taking, including vitamins, minerals, herbal products, supplements, and other medications that may have been prescribed by other doctors.

Do not start using a new medication without first consulting with your doctor and be sure to weigh the risks with the benefits before starting any treatment.