Brand
name: Citalopram hydrobromide
Pronounced: sell-EX-ah
Generic name: Citalopram hydrobromide
Why is citalopram hydrobromide prescribed?
citalopram hydrobromide is used to treat major depression--a stubbornly low mood that
persists nearly every day for at least 2 weeks and interferes with
everyday living. Symptoms may include loss of interest in your usual
activities, insomnia or excessive sleeping, a change in weight or appetite,
constant fidgeting or a slowdown in movement, fatigue, feelings of
worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and repeated
thoughts of suicide.
Like the antidepressant medications Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft, citalopram hydrobromide
is thought to work by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin,
one of the nervous system's primary chemical messengers, is known to
elevate mood.
Most important fact about citalopram hydrobromide (Citalopram, Cipramil, Celexa)
Be careful to avoid taking citalopram hydrobromide for 2 weeks before or after using
an antidepressant known as an MAO inhibitor. Drugs in this category
include Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate. Combining citalopram hydrobromide with one of
these medications could lead to a serious--even fatal--reaction.
How should you take citalopram hydrobromide without prescriptions?
citalopram hydrobromide is available in tablet and liquid forms. Take either formulation
once a day, in the morning or evening, with or without food. Although
your depression will begin to lift in 1 to 4 weeks, you should continue
taking citalopram hydrobromide regularly. It takes several months for citalopram hydrobromide to yield
its full benefits.
If you miss a 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.
Storage instructions citalopram hydrobromide (Citalopram, Cipramil, Celexa)
Store at room temperature.
citalopram hydrobromide side effects - citalopram hydrobromide (Citalopram, Cipramil,
Celexa)
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking citalopram hydrobromide.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, ejaculation
disorders, fatigue, impotence, indigestion, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea,
painful menstruation, respiratory tract infection, sinus or nasal inflammation,
sweating, tremor, vomiting
Why should citalopram hydrobromide not be prescribed?
If citalopram hydrobromide gives you an allergic reaction, you cannot continue using
it. Also remember that citalopram hydrobromide must never be combined with an MAO inhibitor
(see "Most important fact about citalopram hydrobromide," above).
Special warnings about citalopram hydrobromide
In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal
thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and
other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of citalopram hydrobromide or
any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this
risk with the clinical need. citalopram hydrobromide has not been studied in children
or adolescents and is not approved for treating anyone less than 18
years old.
Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with
a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or
behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking
antidepressants. Individuals being treated with citalopram hydrobromide and their caregivers
should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear
suddenly--especially agitation, anxiety, hostility, panic, restlessness,
extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and report
them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the beginning
of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.
In recommended doses, citalopram hydrobromide does not seem to impair judgment or motor
skills. However, a theoretical possibility of such problems remains,
so you should use caution when driving or operating dangerous equipment
until you are certain of citalopram hydrobromide's effect.
There is a slight chance that citalopram hydrobromide will trigger a manic episode.
Use citalopram hydrobromide with caution if you suffer from manic-depression (bipolar
disorder). Use caution, too, if you are over 60 years old, have liver
or kidney problems, suffer from heart disease or high blood pressure,
or have ever had seizures.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking citalopram hydrobromide
citalopram hydrobromide does not increase the effects of alcohol. Nevertheless, it's
considered unwise to combine citalopram hydrobromide with alcohol or any other drug
that affects the brain. (Be particularly careful to avoid MAO inhibitors.)
If citalopram hydrobromide WITHOUT PRESCRIPTIONS is taken with certain
other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or
altered.
Tell
your
doctor about any
prescription or over-the-counter drugs you are planning to take, and
be especially certain to check with him before combining citalopram
hydrobromide with the following:
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab)
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral) Lithium (Lithobid, Lithonate)
Metoprolol (Lopressor)
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Other antidepressants such as Elavil, Norpramin, Pamelor, and Tofranil
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of citalopram hydrobromide during pregnancy have not been adequately studied,
and the potential for harm has not been ruled out. If you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant while on citalopram hydrobromide therapy, tell your doctor
immediately.
citalopram hydrobromide appears in breast milk and will affect the nursing infant.
You should consider discontinuing either breastfeeding or citalopram hydrobromide. Talk
with your doctor about the pros and cons of each option.
Recommended dosage for citalopram hydrobromide
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
* Symptoms of citalopram hydrobromide overdose may include:
Amnesia, bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin, coma, confusion, convulsions,
dizziness, drowsiness, hyperventilation, nausea, rapid heartbeat, sweating,
tremor, vomiting
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