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Celexa®
(citalopram hydrobromide)
Tablets/Oral
Solution
Celexa is NOT approved for use in pediatric
patients.
Also see:
Elavil Effexor Fluoxetine
Lexapro Paxil
Paxil CR Prozac
Remeron Zoloft
Cymbalta
Drug Uses
Celexa is in a class of drugs called
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Celexa affects chemicals in the brain
that may become unbalanced and cause depression. Celexa is used to treat
depression.
How Taken
Celexa comes as a tablet taken by mouth.
It is usually taken once daily and may be taken with or without food. Follow the
directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or
pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Celexa exactly as
directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often that prescribed
by your doctor. Continue to take Celexa even if you feel well. Do not stop
taking Celexa without talking to your doctor. This drug must be taken regularly
for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.
Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Celexa, tell your doctor if
you have liver disease, have kidney disease, suffer from seizures, or suffer
from mania or have suicidal thoughts. You may not be able to take Celexa, or you
may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you
have any of the conditions listed above. Do not take Celexa without first
talking to your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to this medication
in the past. Celexa is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is
not known whether Celexa will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Celexa
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become
pregnant during treatment. Celexa passes into breast milk and may affect a
nursing infant. Do not take Celexa without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast-feeding a baby.
Missed Dose
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is
almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your
regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
Possible Side Effects
The most common side effect with Celexa is
sexual problems in male patients.
Some other possible side effects include:
-
nausea
-
dry mouth
-
sleepiness
increase in sweating
Storage
Celexa tablets should be stored in a dry
place at room temperature between 15° and 30°C
Overdose
Symptoms most often accompanying Celexa
overdose, alone or in combination with other drugs and/or alcohol, included
dizziness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, tremor, somnolence, and sinus
tachycardia. In more rare cases, observed symptoms included amnesia, confusion,
coma, convulsions, hyperventilation, cyanosis, rhabdomyolysis, and ECG changes.
More Information
Use caution when driving, operating
machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Celexa may cause dizziness.
If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously.
Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Celexa or affect your
condition.
Celexa® (citalopram HBr) is an orally
administered selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with a chemical
structure unrelated to that of other SSRIs or of tricyclic, tetracyclic, or
other available antidepressant agents. Citalopram HBr is a racemic bicyclic
phthalane derivative designated:
(±)-1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran-5-carbonitrile,
HBr.
The molecular formula is C20H22BrFN2O and its
molecular weight is 405.35.
Citalopram HBr occurs as a fine, white to off-white powder. Citalopram HBr is
sparingly soluble in water and soluble in ethanol.
Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide) is available as tablets or as an oral solution.
Celexa 10 mg tablets are film-coated, oval tablets containing citalopram HBr in
strengths equivalent to 10 mg citalopram base. Celexa 20 mg and 40 mg tablets
are film-coated, oval, scored tablets containing citalopram HBr in strengths
equivalent to 20 mg or 40 mg citalopram base. The tablets also contain the
following inactive ingredients: copolyvidone, corn starch, crosscarmellose
sodium, glycerin, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, hypromellose,
microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide. Iron
oxides are used as coloring agents in the beige (10 mg) and pink (20 mg)
tablets.
Celexa oral solution contains citalopram HBr equivalent to 2 mg/mL citalopram
base. It also contains the following inactive ingredients: sorbitol, purified
water, propylene glycol, methylparaben, natural peppermint flavor, and
propylparaben.
Antidepressants
increased the risk
compared to placebo of suicidal thinking
and behavior (suicidality) in children,
adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder
(MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Celexa or
any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance
this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in
the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults
beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to
placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric
disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide.
Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be
monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality,
or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the
need for close observation and communication with the prescriber.
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