Brand
name: Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram)
Pronounced: sell-EX-ah
Generic name: Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram)
Why is Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) prescribed?
Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) 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, Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram)
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 Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) (Citalopram, Cipramil, Celexa)
Be careful to avoid taking Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) for 2 weeks before or after using
an antidepressant known as an MAO inhibitor. Drugs in this category
include Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate. Combining Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) with one of
these medications could lead to a serious--even fatal--reaction.
How should you take Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) without prescriptions?
Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) 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 Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) regularly. It takes several months for Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) 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 Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) (Citalopram, Cipramil, Celexa)
Store at room temperature.
Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) side effects - Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) (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 Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram).
* 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 Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) not be prescribed?
If Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) gives you an allergic reaction, you cannot continue using
it. Also remember that Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) must never be combined with an MAO inhibitor
(see "Most important fact about Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram)," above).
Special warnings about Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram)
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 Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) or
any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this
risk with the clinical need. Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) 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 Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) 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, Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) 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 Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram)'s effect.
There is a slight chance that Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) will trigger a manic episode.
Use Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) 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 Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram)
Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) does not increase the effects of alcohol. Nevertheless, it's
considered unwise to combine Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) with alcohol or any other drug
that affects the brain. (Be particularly careful to avoid MAO inhibitors.)
If Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) 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 Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) 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 Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) 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 Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) therapy, tell your doctor
immediately.
Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) appears in breast milk and will affect the nursing infant.
You should consider discontinuing either breastfeeding or Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram). Talk
with your doctor about the pros and cons of each option.
Recommended dosage for Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram)
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
* Symptoms of Cipramil (Celexa, Citalopram) overdose may include:
Amnesia, bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin, coma, confusion, convulsions,
dizziness, drowsiness, hyperventilation, nausea, rapid heartbeat, sweating,
tremor, vomiting
