Celexa (Citalopram HBr)

Celexa is an antidepressant medicine known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is used to treat depression. Celexa is available in tablets and an oral suspension.

Celexa can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. Your doctor will monitor you closely for clinical worsening, suicidal or unusual behavior after you start taking Celexa or start a new dose of Celexa. Tell your doctor right away if you experience anxiety, hostility, sleeplessness, restlessness, impulsive or dangerous behavior, or thoughts about suicide or dying; or if you have new symptoms or seem to be feeling worse. Celexa can cause QT prolongation (very fast or abnormal heartbeats) or arrhythmia (life-threatening irregular heartbeat). Call your doctor right away if you experience chest pain, fast or slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting. Celexa can cause serotonin syndrome (a potentially life-threatening drug reaction that causes the body to have too much serotonin, a chemical produced by the nerve cells) or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a brain disorder) when you take it alone or in combination with other medicines. You can experience mental status changes, an increase in your heart rate and temperature, lack of coordination, overactive reflexes, muscle rigidity, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of these signs or symptoms. Celexa can cause severe allergic reactions. Tell your doctor right away if you develop a rash, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, tongue, eyes, or mouth. Your risk of abnormal bleeding or bruising can increase if you take Celexa, especially if you also take blood thinners (such as warfarin), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (such as ibuprofen or naproxen), or aspirin. You can experience manic episodes while you are taking Celexa. Tell your doctor if you experience greatly increased energy, severe trouble sleeping, racing thoughts, reckless behavior, unusually grand ideas, excessive happiness or irritability, or talking more or faster than usual. Celexa can cause seizures or changes in your appetite or weight. Your doctor will monitor you for these effects during treatment. Celexa can decrease your blood sodium levels, especially if you are elderly. Tell your doctor if you have a headache, weakness, an unsteady feeling, confusion, problems concentrating or thinking, or memory problems while you are taking Celexa. Do not stop taking Celexa without first talking to your doctor. Stopping Celexa suddenly can cause serious symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, changes in your mood, feeling restless, changes in your sleep habits, headache, sweating, nausea, dizziness, electric shock-like sensations, shaking, or confusion.