warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Citalopram (Celexa)?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to citalopram or escitalopram (Lexapro), or if you also take pimozide.

Do not use citalopram within 2 weeks before or after using an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart problems;
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
high blood pressure;
a stroke;
bleeding problems;
sexual problems;
liver or kidney disease;
narrow-angle glaucoma;
seizures or epilepsy;
bipolar disorder (manic depression); or
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium, magnesium, or sodium in your blood).

Tell your doctor if you also use stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. An interaction with citalopram could cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.

People with depression or mental illness may have thoughts about suicide. Some young people may have increased suicidal thoughts when first starting a medicine to treat depression. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior.

Taking this medicine during pregnancy could harm the baby, but stopping the medicine may not be safe for you. Do not start or stop citalopram without asking your doctor.

You should not breastfeed.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Citalopram (Celexa)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, rash, blisters; fever, joint pain; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your doctor right away if you have new or sudden changes in mood or behavior, including new or worse depression or anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, more active or talkative, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
blurred vision, eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights;
fast or pounding heartbeats, pain or fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
a seizure;
manic episodes--racing thoughts, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, risk-taking behavior, being agitated or talkative;
severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors; or
low blood sodium--headache, confusion, problems with thinking or memory, weakness, feeling unsteady.

Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Common side effects may include:

sexual problems;
dizziness, drowsiness;
dry mouth, thirst, increased sweating or urination;
loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
feeling anxious, agitated, or shaky;
feeling weak or tired;
sleep problems (insomnia);
yawning;
increased muscle movement;
nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding; or
cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Citalopram (Celexa)?

Use Citalopram (Celexa) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Your symptoms may not improve for up to 4 weeks.

Tell your doctor if you have any changes in sexual function, such as loss of interest in sex, trouble having an orgasm, or (in men) problems with erections or ejaculation. Some sexual problems can be treated.

If you stop using citalopram suddenly, you may have unpleasant symptoms (such as agitation, confusion, tingling or electric shock feelings). Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Citalopram (Celexa)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.