Celexa

Precautions to keep in mind

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits, to allow for changes in your dose and to help reduce any side effects.

Do not take citalopram with or within 14 days of taking an MAO inhibitor (e.g., isocarboxazid [Marplan®], phenelzine [Nardil®], procarbazine [Matulane®], selegiline [Eldepryl®], tranylcypromine [Parnate®]). Do not take an MAO inhibitor within 14 days of taking citalopram. If you do, you may have extremely high blood pressure or convulsions (seizures).

Make sure your doctor knows about all the other medicines you are using. Citalopram may cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome when taken with some medicines. Do not use citalopram with linezolid (e.g., Zyvox®), lithium, tryptophan, St. John's Wort, or some pain or migraine medicines (e.g., tramadol [Ultram®], sumatriptan [Imitrex®], zolmitriptan [Zomig®], or rizatriptan [Maxalt®]). Check with your doctor first before taking any other medicines, including pimozide (Orap®).

Citalopram may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you, your child, or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor or your child's doctor right away.

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while you are taking citalopram.

This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy, to have trouble thinking, or to have problems with movement. Make sure you know how you react to citalopram before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert or well-coordinated.