Citalopram (Celexa) is used to treat mental depression. Citalopram is classified as Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI), an antidepressant medication that regulates level of serotonin, a neurotransmitters chemical within the brain. Neurotransmitters form the communication system of the brain. Their imbalance is believed to be responsible for depression. Celexa regulates level of serotonin in brain that helps maintain mental balance.

Citalopram can be taken by mouth in form of a tablet or liquid solution. Usually, it could be taken once a day and may be taken with or without food. When you are taking Citalopram, it is strongly recommended that you understand and follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. You should not increase or decrease the dose or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Citalopram must be taken regularly for 1 to 4 weeks before it shows full effect. Do not start or stop taking Citalopram without consulting your doctor and Continue to take it even if you feel well. The doctor may decrease your dose gradually.

Patients who take Celexa should be monitored daily during the first few months after starting this medicine and after any change in the dose of this medicine for side effects and alter the doses if necessary. The reason is that antidepressant medicines like Celexa are likely to have side effects including increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors of patients who have severe depression or certain other mental or mood disorders. The side effects may also include worsening of their condition, thoughts of hurting themselves or any other sudden or unusual changes in mood or behavior. Inform your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking Celexa. In addition, drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. It is recommended that you speak to your doctor about the possible side effects of using Celexa for your condition

In case of overdose, the victim may show symptoms like tiredness, weakness, sedation, dizziness, tremor, nausea, and deep sleep or loss of consciousness. If overdose is suspected, you need to call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim is unconscious or not breathing, you need to call local emergency services at 911.

It is very important to know as how Celexa affects you. You need to keep all appointments with your doctor. Continue your normal diet, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Take care to see that no one should take your medication. If using Celexa for an extended period, obtain refills before your supply runs out. Always consult your pharmacist if you have any questions about refilling your prescription.

If you have just missed the dose of Celexa recently then take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, it is important that if it is almost time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Celexa should be stored in the container it came in. Make sure that the container remains tightly closed and out of reach of children when not in use. Celexa should be stored at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) and away from places where it could experience excess heat, light and moisture. When the medicine is not in use or outdated, it should be discarded. Take help of your pharmacist in disposing this medicine properly.

You need to take following precautions before taking Celexa and while you are taking this drug. Inform your doctor in advance?

1. If you are allergic to Celexa or any other medicine

2. If you are taking any prescription and non-prescription medicine including astemizole, dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, terfenadine or tramadol; non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen, cyproheptadine, clozapine, sumatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan or lithium or you have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitor (maoi) including furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline and tranylcypromine in last 2 weeks

3. If you have or had history of any mental or mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, allergies, etc.

4. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding

If you become pregnant while taking Celexa, call your doctor immediately.