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Celexa / CitalopramProper use of this medication: * This medication is not addictive, and does not cause a 'high' feeling. * Take this medication exactly as directed. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than prescribed. Do not miss any doses. * If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. * When taken regularly, this medication may require 2-4 weeks before the full effects are noticed. * Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. * Citalopram may be taken with or without food. * If there is a possibility you may become pregnant or breast-feed while on this medication, first consult with your psychiatrist. * This medication should not be discontinued without first consulting with your psychiatrist. * Store this medication in a cool, safe place away from the reach of children. This medication is usually very well tolerated. Most side effects go away with continued use. Possible side effects include: * Decreased sleep: Take this medication early in the day. This usually goes away with continued use. * Anxiety/restlessness: This will usually go away with continued use. * Drowsiness/Dizziness: Avoid driving or working with dangerous machinery until the effect of this medication is known. * Nausea: Take this medication with food. This usually goes away with continued use. * Dry mouth: Drink plenty of fluids. Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy. Brush teeth regularly. * Weight loss, loss of appetite: Discuss this with your physician if this becomes problematic. * Constipation or diarrhea: High-fiber diet and regular exercise may treat this uncommon side effect. * Headache: Will usually go away with continued use. Usually responds to over-the-counter analgesics, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. Discuss with your physician if persistent. * Tremor: This tends to go away with continued use. * Excessive perspiration: Avoid exposure to high temperatures. * Sexual difficulties: Decreased sexual desire and difficulty achieving orgasm may occur. Discuss this with your physician for treatment options. * Menstrual Changes: Unusual side effect. Menstrual cycle may shorten or lengthen. * Bruising/bleeding: Use of citalopram can slightly increase risk of bruising and bleeding, but this can be significant when aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g naproxen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, flurbiprofen, diclofenac, sulfasalazine, sulindac, oxaprozin, salsalate, piroxicam, indomethacin, etodolac) are also taken. * If any side effect persists or becomes intolerable, discuss this with your physician. The following other medications may require dosage adjustment while taking Citalopram: * Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Isocarboxazid, Marplan, Tranylcypromine/Parnate, Phenelzine/Nardil). * Other Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (Paroxetine/Paxil, Sertraline/Zoloft, Fluvoxamine/Luvox, Fluoxetine/Prozac, Venlafaxine/Effexor). * Tricyclic antidepressants Tramadol (Ultram). * Metoprolol/Lopressor/Toprol. |
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