Prescription Drug information for consumers & professionals.
Welcome to the most popular, comprehensive and up-to-date drug information resource online. Fast, easy searching of thousands of approved medications.
Browse Drug Search Drug

Drug Information: Celexa

CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide), an anti-depressant drug that is primarily used to treat Major-depressive disorders. But most of the Physicians prescribe CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) for a number of psychiatric problems such as eating disorders, major-depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, hot-flashes, post-traumatic stress disorder, psycho-pathological crying, panic attacks, psychological pre-mature ejaculation, body dysmorphic disorder, social phobia disorders and diabetic neuropathy. CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) belongs to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor drugs (SSRI).

Who should not take CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide)?

You should not take CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide), if you have disorders/diseases including liver and kidney disorders, heart problems with abnormal Q-T prolongation, sexual dysfunction, Cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase, bipolar disorders, bleeding or clotting disorders, thrombocytopenia and abnormally low serum sodium levels, convulsive disorders, and maniac disorders. You should not take CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide), if you are taking medicines such as all types of MAO inhibitors, warfarin, selegilin, lithium, isoniazid, anti-fungal drugs including ketoconazole and itraconazole, tryptophan, Carbamazepine, sumatriptan, Rifampicin, metoprolol, electroconvulsive therapy, imipramine, cimatidine and cardiac aminoglycosides. According to Food and Drug administration, CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) is classified as Pregnancy catefory - C drug in the first trimester and Category – D in the late trimesters and it can harm the unborn foetus. CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) can cause harm to the feeding infant and hence you should not take CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) while nursing your baby.

CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) Side Effects:

CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) can cause serious suicidal thoughts and ideation, especially in children and young adults. Some of the other common psychiatric adverse events of CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) are hyperactivity, dry mouth, dizziness, asthenia, QT prolongation, dizziness, rhinitis, restlessness and aggressive behaviour, general fatigue, loss of serum electrolytes, sinusitis, abdominal pain, ejaculation disorders, drowsiness, somnolence, upper respiratory tract infections, arthralgia, loss of libido, abdominal pain that radiates to the other parts, changes in haematological and hepatic profiles, sleeping disorders, dysmenorrhoea, migraine like attacks, changes in smell, vision and taste, irritability and depression. In some clinical trial research, statistically non-significant population reported serious skin reactions and anaphylaxis and it is extremely uncommon.

How should I take CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide)?

The daily recommended dosage for the CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) differs with each of the medical conditions. The daily recommended dose of CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) is 40 mg/day. The initial dose of CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) should be started with 20mg/day and then the dose is increased to 40mg/day. For the maintenance therapy, the dose ranges from 20 – 60 mg/day. The following instruction should be followed to take the CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) – 40 mg (Daily): (1) You can take CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) anytime disregard of food intake. 2) Take CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) while you are sitting or standing up. 3) Take CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) with any other drink besides plain water. Do not take CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) with coffee, tea, juice, milk or other dairy drinks. 4) Swallow CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) on a whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) in your mouth to melt or dissolve. After taking CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) you must wait at least 30 minutes BEFORE: 1) lying down. You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk. 2) Eating or drinking anything except plain water.

Keep taking CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) for as long as your health care provider tells you. To treat your psychiatric problems or to keep you away from these problems, you have to take CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) as often and in the way CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) as prescribed.

What should I know before I take CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide)?

  • Take CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
  • CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) can be taken with or without food.
  • For CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) dosage one must follow his doctor's instructions.
  • Do not abruptly stop CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide). It may lead to withdrawal effects.
  • You need to wait for 14 days to switch to MAO inhibitors or vice versa.
  • Avoid consuming alcohol and grape-fruit juice while taking CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide).
  • It is important to take CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) regularly to get the most benefit, as directed by the Physician.
  • Do not stop taking CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling well. Even after your symptoms improve, you may require continuous treatment for quite some time, as directed by the Physician.
  • Do not take any OTC drugs and concomitant therapy should be give with extreme caution.
  • CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) may cause abnormal dizziness and drowsiness. You should not drive vehicles or handle machineries that need extreme attention.
  • Store CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) as per the instructions on the label and keep away from children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose of CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide)?

Take the missed dose of CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) as soon as you remember, during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.

What happens if I overdose of CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide)?

If you experience abnormal suicidal thoughts, low paced heart beats with profuse sweating and dizziness, a feeling of being passed out; it may be a symptom of CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) overdose. In case of CELEXA (Citalopram Hydrobromide) overdose, try to seek emergency medical attention immediately.