Celexa Antidepressant Medication

Celexa is an antidepressant medication that is a member of the family of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Celexa helps to restore the brain's chemical balance by increasing the supply of a substance in the brain called serotonin. Celexa appears to relieve depression by increasing serotonin without affecting many of the other chemicals in the brain that influence mood.

Uses of Celexa

Celexa is an antidepressant medication.

Celexa Directions

Celexa may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE CELEXA at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat and light.

Celexa Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Celexa 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.

Celexa Precautions

SEVERAL WEEKS MAY PASS before Celexa reaches its full effect. Do not stop taking Celexa 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 Celexa. Using Celexa alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. CELEXA WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other 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 Celexa during pregnancy. CELEXA IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Celexa.

Celexa Drug Interactions

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Celexa. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE CELEXA 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 Celexa.

Missed Dose of Celexa

CONTINUE TO TAKE CELEXA even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF CELEXA, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses of Celexa at once.

Celexa Overdose

If overdose of Celexa 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.