What Is Citalopram?
Citalopram is in a class of medicines called selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Citalopram tablets and oral solution are used to treat
depression.
Who Should Not Take Citalopram?
Never take citalopram if you are taking another drug
used to treat depression, called a Monoamine Oxidase
Inhibitor (MAOI), or if you have stopped taking an MAOI
in the last 14 days. Taking citalopram close in time to
an MAOI can result in serious, sometimes fatal,
reactions, including:
- High body temperature
- Coma
- Seizures (convulsions)
MAOI drugs include Nardil (phenelzine sulfate),
Parnate (tranylcypromine sulfate), Marplan (isocarboxazid),
and other brands.
What Are The Risks?
- Suicidal thoughts or actions: See FDA Alert.
- Stopping citalopram: Do not stop taking citalopram
suddenly because you could get side effects. Your
healthcare professional will slowly decrease your
dose.
- Bleeding problems: Citalopram may cause bleeding
problems, especially if taken with aspirin, NSAIDs
(nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as
ibuprofen and naproxen), or other drugs that affect
bleeding.
- Mania: You may become unusually hyperactive,
excitable or elated.
- Seizures: You may experience a seizure
(convulsion), even if you are not taking citalopram
close in time with an MAOI.
- Pregnancy: Tell your healthcare professional if
you are or may be pregnant because babies delivered to
mothers taking citalopram late in pregnancy have
developed problems, such as difficulty breathing and
feeding.
- Sexual problems: You may have problems with
impotence (erectile dysfunction), abnormal
ejaculation, difficulty reaching orgasm, or decreased
libido (sexual desire).
- Other side effects include dry mouth, nausea, and
sleepiness.
- Tell your healthcare professional about all your
medical conditions, especially liver or kidney
disease. Tell your healthcare professional if you are
breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed your baby.
Are There Any Interactions With Drugs or Foods?
• Do not take citalopram with Lexapro (escitalopram),
another drug used to treat depression, because they are
very similar and you could get an overdose.
• Citalopram may interact with medicines other than the
ones already mentioned in this information sheet. These
interactions can cause serious side effects. Tell your
healthcare professional about all medicines, vitamins,
and herbal supplements you take.
• If you plan to drink alcohol, talk to your healthcare
professional.
How Do I Take Citalopram?
Citalopram is taken by mouth, with or without food,
exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
