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Also known as Depramil in some countries.
What is Celexa?
Celexa is in a class of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Celexa tablets and oral solution are used to treat depression. It may also be used to treat other conditions, as prescribed by your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Celexa?
Never take Celexa if you are taking another drug used to treat depression, called a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), or if you have stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days. Taking Celexa close in time to an MAOI can result in serious, sometimes fatal, reactions, including:
- High body temperature
- Coma
- Seizures (convulsions)
MAOI drugs include Nardil (phenelzine sulfate), Parnate (tranylcypromine sulfate), Marplan (isocarboxazid), and other brands.
Common Side Effects
The most commonly experienced side effects include: insomnia, somnolence and/or nausea. Additional side effects you may experience include dry mouth, vomiting, dizziness, agitation and asthenia.
What Are The Risks?
The following are the major potential risks and side effects of Celexa therapy. However, this list is not complete.
- Possible life-threatening serotonin syndrome when used with triptan medicines: See FDA Alert [07/2006] above.
- Infant persistent pulmonary hypertension: See FDA Alert [07/2006] above.
- Suicidal thoughts or actions:Persons taking Celexa may be more likely to think about killing themselves or actually try to do so, especially when Celexa is first started or he dose is changed. People close to persons taking Celexa can help by paying attention to changes in user’s moods or actions. Contact your healthcare professional right away if someone using Celexa talks about or shows signs of killing him or herself. If you are taking Celexa yourself and you start thinking about killing yourself, tell your healthcare professional about this side effect right away.
- Stopping Celexa: Do not stop taking Celexa suddenly because you could get side effects. Your healthcare professional will slowly decrease your dose.
- Bleeding problems: Celexa may cause bleeding problems, especially if taken with aspirin, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen), or other drugs that affect bleeding.
- Mania: You may become unusually hyperactive, excitable or elated.
- Seizures: You may experience a seizure (convulsion), even if you are not taking Celexa close in time with an MAOI.
- Pregnancy: Tell your healthcare professional if you are or may be pregnant (see FDA Alert [07/2006] above). In addition to the issue described in the alert, babies delivered to mothers taking Celexa late in pregnancy have developed problems, such as difficulty breathing and feeding.
- Sexual problems: You may have problems with impotence (erectile dysfunction), abnormal ejaculation, difficulty reaching orgasm, or decreased libido (sexual desire).
- Other side effects include dry mouth, nausea, and sleepiness.
- Tell your healthcare professional about all your medical conditions, especially liver or kidney disease. Tell your healthcare professional if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed your baby.
Are There Any Interactions With Drugs or Foods?
- Do not take Celexa with Lexapro (escitalopram), another drug used to treat depression, because they are very similar and you could get an overdose.
- Celexa may interact with medicines other than the ones already mentioned in this information sheet. These interactions can cause serious side effects. Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take.
- If you plan to drink alcohol, talk to your healthcare professional.
How Do I Take Celexa?
Celexa is taken by mouth, with or without food, exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Special Precautions
Avoid abrupt discontinuation of this medication.
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