Celexa ®
Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or
other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Uses
Celexa is used to treat depression. Celexa works by helping to restore
the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.
Other Uses
Celexa has also been used to treat certain eating disorders (e.g.,
anorexia nervosa, bulimia).
How to Use
Take Celexa by mouth usually once daily, with or without food; or
as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical
condition and response to therapy. It is important to continue taking
this medication as prescribed even if you feel well. Also, do not
stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. It may
take up to several weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes
effect.
Side Effects
Nausea, drowsiness, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, upset stomach, or
dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen,
notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any
of these serious side effects occur: vomiting, loss of appetite,
unusual or severe mental/mood changes, increased sweating/flushing,
unusual fatigue, uncontrolled movements (tremor). Tell your doctor
immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
blurred vision, stomach pain, fever, joint pain, muscle pain, unusually
fast heartbeat, decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability,
change in amount of urine. Tell your doctor immediately if any of
these highly unlikelybut very serious side effects occur: weight
changes, taste changes, changes in menstrual period, unusual swelling
of the hands/feet/face, seizures, painful and/or prolonged erection.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor
or pharmacist.
Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems,
kidney problems, seizures, heart problems, other mental/mood disorders
(e.g., bipolar disorder), thyroid problems, any allergies. This
drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities
requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Caution is advised when using this product in the elderly
because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Celexa
should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss
the risks and benefits with your doctor. Celexa passes into breast
milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding
while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications taken with Celexa could result in serious, even
fatal, drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone,
isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine,
selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or after treatment
with this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional
information. This drug is not recommended for use with: weight loss
drugs (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine). Ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more details. Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
medication you may use, especially: other SSRI antidepressants (e.g.,
fluoxetine, sertraline), nefazodone, trazodone, tramadol, venlafaxine,
"triptan" migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tricyclic
antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), cimetidine,
lithium, itraconazole, macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin,
erythromycin), any herbal/ natural products (e.g., melatonin, St
John's wort, ayahuasca). Tell your doctor if you take any drugs
that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers,
anti- anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g.,
codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine),
anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, certain
antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Do not start or stop any
medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include:
irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or lightheadedness.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical
tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near
the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30
degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Celexa
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