Celexa is an antidepressant from the family of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. Celexa helps to restore the brain's chemical balance by increasing the supply of a chemical messenger in the brain called serotonin. Because Celexa appears to relieve depression by increasing serotonin with minimal effect on many of the other chemicals in the brain, it may cause relatively few and mild side effect, which tend to go away with continued treatment.

Tablets
Chemical Name: CITALOPRAM (sye-TAL-oh-pram)

Common uses
This medicine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat depression. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking astemizole, dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), terfenadine, or tramadol. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking cyproheptadine, clozapine, sumatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, or lithium. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat and light. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
SEVERAL WEEKS MAY PASS before this medicine reaches its full effect. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines that contain dextromethorphan. F0R WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea, tiredness, nausea, dry mouth, weight loss or gain, rash, itching, change in taste, change in sexual function, or decreased menstrual flow. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience sore throat or fever; sudden onset of a cold sweat, dizziness, fatigue, or shakiness; vision changes; confusion; lack of concern; personality changes; or thoughts of suicide. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include tiredness, weakness, sedation, dizziness, tremor, nausea, and deep sleep or loss of consciousness.

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.