Citalopram is an antidepressant medication that affects neurotransmitters the chemical transmitters within the brain. Neurotransmitters manufactured and released by nerves attach to adjacent nerves and alter their activities. Thus neurotransmitters can be thought of as the communication system of the brain. Many experts believe that an imbalance among neurotransmitters is the cause of depression. Citalopram works by preventing the uptake of one neurotransmitter serotonin by nerve cells after it has been released. Such uptake is an important mechanism for removing released neurotransmitters and terminating their actions on adjacent nerves. The reduced uptake caused by citalopram results in more free serotonin in the brain to stimulate nerve cells. Citalopram is in the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs a class that also contains fluoxetine Prozac paroxetine Paxil and sertraline Zoloft. Citalopram was approved by the FDA in July 1998.

Citalopram is given as a single daily dose usually in the morning. As with all antidepressants it may take several weeks of treatment before maximum effects are seen. Doses are often adjusted slowly upwards to find the most effective dose. Elderly patients debilitated persons and patients with certain kidney or liver diseases may need lower doses.

The most commonly-noted side effects associated with citalopram are nausea vomiting excessive sweating headache tremor and inability to sleep. Overall between 1 in 6 and 1 in 5 persons experience a side effect. Some patients may experience withdrawal reactions upon stopping some SSRIs such as paroxetine and such symptoms also may occur with citalopram. Symptoms of withdrawal include dizziness tingling sensations tiredness vivid dreams irritability or poor mood.

It has been suggested that SSRIs may cause depression to worsen and even lead to suicide in a small number of patients. These potential side effects are difficult to evaluate in depressed patients because depression can progress with or without treatment and suicide is itself a consequence of depression. Moreover the evidence supporting these potential side effects is weak. Therefore no conclusions can yet be drawn about the relationship between SSRIs and worsening depression and suicide. Until better information is available patients receiving SSRIs should be monitored for worsening depression and suicidal tendencies.

All SSRIs including citalopram should not be taken with any of the mono-amine oxidase MAO inhibitor-class of antidepressants for example isocarboxazid Marplan phenelzine Nardil tranylcypromine Parnate and procarbazine Matulane. Such combinations may lead to confusion high blood pressure tremor and hyperactivity. This same type of interaction also may occur with selegiline Eldepryl fenfluramine Pondimin and dexfenfluramine Redux. Tryptophan can cause headaches nausea sweating and dizziness when taken with any SSRI.

Citalopram is used for the management of depression. It also has been tested in persons with obsessive- compulsive disorders and panic disorders.

Tablets should be kept at room temperature 15° to 30°C 59° to 86°F.

You need to take following precautions before taking Celexa and while you are taking this drug. Inform your doctor in advance?brbr1. If you are allergic to Celexa or any other medicine brbr2. If you are taking any prescription and non-prescription medicine including astemizole dexfenfluramine fenfluramine terfenadine or tramadol non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen cyproheptadine clozapine sumatriptan naratriptan rizatriptan zolmitriptan or lithium or you have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitor maoi including furazolidone isocarboxazid linezolid moclobemide phenelzine procarbazine selegiline and tranylcypromine in last 2 weeks brbr3. If you have or had history of any mental or mood disorders such as bipolar disorder allergies etc. brbr4. If you are pregnant planning to become pregnant or breast-feedingbrbrIf you become pregnant while taking Celexa call your doctor immediately.