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Generic Name: citalopram

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An SSRI Antidepressant - treats Depression

FDA Alerts

Suicidality

Antidepressants may increase risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults (18–24 years of age) with major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders; balance this risk with clinical need. Citalopram is not approved for use in pediatric patients. (See Pediatric Use under Cautions.)
In pooled data analyses, risk of suicidality was not increased in adults >24 years of age and apparently was reduced in adults ≥65 years of age with antidepressants compared with placebo.
Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with an increased risk of suicide.
Appropiately monitor and closely observe all patients who are started on citalopram therapy for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior; involve family members and/or caregivers in this process. (See Worsening of Depression and Suicidality Risk under Cautions.)

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Celexa
F P / 10 MG 10 mg	F P / 40 MG 40 mg	F P / 20 MG 20 mg
Citalopram Hydrobromide
WPI / 3178 40 mg	RDY 344 40 mg	282 / KALI 40 mg	E 372 20 mg
3176 / WPI 10 mg	RDY 343 20 mg	E 371 10 mg	281 / KALI 20 mg
280 / KALI 10 mg	WPI / 3177 20 mg

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(si TAL o pram)

What is the most important information I should know about citalopram?

Do not take citalopram together with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI before you can take citalopram. After you stop taking citalopram, you must wait at least 14 days before you start taking an MAOI.

You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Some antidepressants may cause serious or life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies whose mothers take the medication during pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, or if you become pregnant while taking citalopram, do not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor.

What is citalopram?

Citalopram is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Citalopram affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.

Citalopram is used to treat depression.

Citalopram may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking citalopram?

Do not use citalopram if you are using an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam). Serious and sometimes fatal reactions can occur when these medicines are taken with citalopram. You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you can take citalopram. After you stop taking citalopram, you must wait at least 14 days before you start taking an MAOI.

Before taking citalopram, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

liver or kidney disease;
seizures or epilepsy;
bipolar disorder (manic depression); or
a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take citalopram.

You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Tell your doctor if you have worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

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 at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. SSRI antidepressants may cause serious or life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies whose mothers take the medication during pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, or if you become pregnant while taking citalopram, do not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor. Citalopram can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give citalopram to anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.

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