Citalopram (By Mouth)

Citalopram (sye-TAL-oh-pram)

Treats depression. This medicine is an antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Brand Name(s):

Celexa
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to citalopram. You should not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (Nardil®, Marplan®, Parnate®, Eldepryl®) within the past 14 days.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may need to take this medicine for several weeks before you feel better. Keep taking the medicine as your doctor ordered.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using carbamazepine (Tegretol®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), lithium, omeprazole (Prilosec®), sumatriptan (Imitrex®), antibiotics or medicine to treat fungal infections (such as erythromycin, fluconazole, ketoconazole, Biaxin®, Diflucan®, Sporanox®), or medicine for depression (such as amitriptyline, imipramine, Norpramin®, Tofranil®).
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, or sedatives).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or pancreas problems.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Increased thirst, increase in how much or how often you urinate
• Lightheadedness or fainting, seizures
• Painful, prolonged erection of the penis
• Rapid weight gain, swelling of face, ankles, or hands
• Severe confusion, problems with memory or balance
• Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased sweating
• Unusual behavior or thoughts of hurting yourself

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry mouth, change in appetite, weight changes, mild nausea, vomiting
• Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
• Problems with sex
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.