Citalopram

Drug Title

Citalopram

Drug Uses

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

Mode of Application

Use Citalopram exactly as directed by your doctor. Refer to the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Citalopram comes with an additional patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Study it carefully and refer to it each time you get Citalopram refilled.
• Citalopram may be taken both with or without food.
• You may notice improvement in your depression in 1 to 4 weeks. Continue to take your medicine as directed even when depression improves.
• If it is necessary to stop Citalopram, your doctor will need to reduce the dosage over a few days to a week.
• Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism of Action

Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It helps to restore the brain's chemical balance by increasing the supply of serotonin, which helps significantly improve mood.

Missed Dose

Should you miss a dose of Citalopram, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Citalopram should be stored at the room temperature and kept away from moisture and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Precautions

Do not use Citalopram if:

• you have known allergic reaction to any ingredient in Citalopram;
• you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, phenelzine) or St. John's wort within the last 14 days;
• you are taking astemizole, pimozide, dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), sibutramine, or terfenadine.

Contact your doctor or health care provider immediately if any of these apply to you.

Certain medical conditions may interact with Citalopram. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse
• you have a history of seizures, liver problems, severe kidney problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, or metabolism problems
• you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels, or drink alcohol
• you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Certain MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Citalopram. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Fenfluramine derivatives (eg, dexfenfluramine), linezolid, lithium, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), metoclopramide, nefazodone, selegiline, serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine, St. John's wort, or trazodone because severe side effects, such as a reaction that may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma, may occur
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding, may be increased
• Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood sodium levels may be increased
• Tramadol because the risk of seizures may be increased H1 antagonists (eg, astemizole, terfenadine) or phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine) because severe heart problems, including irregular heartbeat, may occur
• Carbamazepine or cyproheptadine because they may decrease Citalopram 's effectiveness
• Clozapine, pimozide, risperidone, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Citalopram

Side Effects

Consult with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• change in taste; decreased menstrual flow or painful periods; diarrhea; dry mouth; ejaculation disorder; impotence; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea; runny nose; sinus inflammation; tiredness; tremor; upset stomach; weight loss or gain.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); anxiety; cold sweat; confusion; dizziness; fatigue; hostility; impulsiveness; irritability; lack of concern; mania; mental/mood changes; panic attacks; restlessness; seizures; shakiness; sleeplessness; sore throat or fever; suicidal thoughts or behaviors; vision changes; worsening of depression.

More Information

This medicine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.