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Usage: Celexa is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Celexa affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression. Celexa is used to treat depression.
Directions: Take Celexa exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the Celexa solution with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Celexa may be taken with or without food. Celexa is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Take your dose at the same time each day. Do not stop taking Celexa without first talking to your doctor. It may take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better.
Side Effects: If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Celexa and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); an irregular heartbeat or pulse; low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness); high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); or chills or fever. If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking Celexa and talk to your doctor: headache, tremor, nervousness, or anxiety; nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight; sleepiness or insomnia; or decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Precautions: Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Celexa may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Celexa or affect your condition.
Drug Interactions: You cannot take Celexa if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. A dangerous drug interaction can occur when Celexa is combined with any of these medications. Before taking Celexa, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: another antidepressant such as fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), trazodone (Desyrel), or nefazodone (Serzone); a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others; a seizure medication including carbamazepine (Tegretol) or felbamate (Felbatol); a stomach medicine such as cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), ranitidine (Zantac, Zantac 75), or omeprazole (Prilosec); an antibiotic such as erythromycin (Eryc-Tab, E-Mycin, E.E.S., Erythrocin, P.C.E., others) or clarithromycin (Biaxin); an antifungal medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ketoconazole (Nizoral); or the asthma medication zafirlukast (Accolate). You may not be able to take Celexa, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Celexa. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
If You Take Too Much: Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Celexa overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, drowsiness, dizziness, sweating, and a fast heartbeat.
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Storage: Store Celexa at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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