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Generic Name: citalopram

An SSRI Antidepressant - This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider... more

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What is this medicine?

CITALOPRAM (sye TAL oh pram) is a medicine for depression.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder
diabetes
heart disease
kidney or liver disease
receiving electroconvulsive therapy
seizures (convulsions)
suicidal thoughts or a previous suicide attempt
an unusual or allergic reaction to citalopram, escitalopram, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to become pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

certain diet drugs like dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, phentermine, sibutramine
cisapride
escitalopram
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
nefazodone
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
pimozide
procarbazine
St. John's Wort
tryptophan
venlafaxine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

amphetamine or dextroamphetamine
aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
carbamazepine
cimetidine
linezolid
medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
medicines for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin
medicines that treat HIV infection or AIDS
metoprolol
NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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