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 purposes other than those 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:
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use
citalopram, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
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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