Celexa (generic name: citalopram; brand names include: Cilo / Cipramil / Citrol / Seropram / Recital / Zetalo / Celepram / Ciazil / Zentius / Cipram) is a member of a class of prescription drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that has proven in clinical trials to be both safe and effective with fewer side effects than other types of antidepressant medications.

Celexa is indicated for the treatment of depression in adults both in the initial phase and as maintenance against potential relapse/recurrence.

Celexa does not impair psychomotor performance. Celexa is non-addictive.

Celexa can be given to elderly patients with a reduced dose.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Recommendations

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Celexa exactly as directed.

Celexa may be taken in the morning or evening without regard for food. Swallow the tablets with a glass of water. Take Celexa at around the same time every day.

You may notice improvement in your depression in 1 to 4 weeks. Continue to take your medicine as directed even when depression improves. A treatment period of at least six months is usually necessary to provide adequate maintenance against the potential for relapse. The duration of treatment may vary for each individual.

If it is necessary to stop Celexa, your doctor will need to reduce the dosage over a few days to a week, although withdrawal phenomena were not reported in clinical trials.

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 at once.

Keep your tablets in a cool dry place at room temperature. Do not store it in the bathroom or near a sink.

Precautions

Before taking Celexa, tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to Celexa or other medicines;
you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days;
you are taking astemizole, pimozide, dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), sibutramine, or terfenadine;
you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant; you are breast-feeding or wish to breast-feed.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: citalopram.
The tablets do not contain gluten, sucrose, tartrazine or any azo dyes.