What is citalopram?
Citalopram (generic Celexa) is a prescription drug used to treat depression, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD). It is also used for treating anxiety caused by depression.
What are common side effects of citalopram?
While adverse reactions to citalopram are rare, some patients who take this drug may experience mild side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, stomach pain, heartburn, decreased appetite, weight loss, frequent urination, excessive tiredness, yawning, weakness, uncontrollable shaking, muscle or joint pain, dry mouth, changes in sex drive, or heavy menstrual periods.
Rare, more serious adverse events have been known to occur. If you are concerned that citalopram is causing you to experience any number of these side effects, please contact your doctor immediately.
Though rare, citalopram and other antidepressants may sometimes increase suicidal thoughts or actions in patients under the age of 24. If you are feeling suicidal, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text them at 741741, or dial 911.
This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about additional side effects, please contact your provider directly.
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Citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is used for treating depression, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD). It is also used for treating anxiety associated with depression.
Take citalopram exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
Do not use this medication if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you can take Citalopram HBR.
Do not drink alcohol while taking citalopram.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
You may need to stop treatment with citalopram for a short time if you are being treated for a serious infection, if you develop certain medical conditions, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Your doctor will tell you when to restart your medication.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for the first 12 weeks of treatment.
Do not take citalopram within 14 days before or 14 days after you take an MAO inhibitor drug. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you can take Citalopram HBR.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:
other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing, such as a sleeping pill, muscle relaxer, narcotic pain medicine, sedative, tranquilizer, or an antidepressant;
a sedative like Valium-diazepam (diazepam);
a narcotic cough medicine;
blood pressure medications, including guanadrel, guanethidine, methyldopa, reserpine, and others;
cold or allergy medicines that contain a decongestant;
an MAO inhibitor (MAOI); or
drugs to treat high blood pressure or a prostate disorder.
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Citalopram HBR. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Citalopram can cause a serious movement problem called tardive dyskinesia. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms: lip smacking or puckering, puffing of the cheeks, rapid or worm-like movements of the tongue, or other unusual mouth movements.
Stop taking this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior, or problems with memory, concentration, or speech;
seizure (convulsions);
chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, swelling in your hands or feet;
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
low cortisol levels-nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, worsening tiredness or weakness; or
high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).
Less serious citalopram side effects may include:
drowsiness, dizziness, spinning sensation;
sleep problems (insomnia);
stuffy nose, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, cough;
upset stomach, constipation;
dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight;
tremor, restless feeling;
feeling anxious, nervous,
