Brand name: Citalopram hydrobromide
Pronounced: sell-EX-ah
Generic name: Citalopram hydrobromide
Why is citalopram hydrobromide prescribed?

citalopram hydrobromide is used to treat major depression--a stubbornly low mood that persists nearly every day for at least 2 weeks and interferes with everyday living. Symptoms may include loss of interest in your usual activities, insomnia or excessive sleeping, a change in weight or appetite, constant fidgeting or a slowdown in movement, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and repeated thoughts of suicide.

Like the antidepressant medications Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft, citalopram hydrobromide is thought to work by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin, one of the nervous system's primary chemical messengers, is known to elevate mood.
Most important fact about citalopram hydrobromide (Citalopram, Cipramil, Celexa)

Be careful to avoid taking citalopram hydrobromide for 2 weeks before or after using an antidepressant known as an MAO inhibitor. Drugs in this category include Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate. Combining citalopram hydrobromide with one of these medications could lead to a serious--even fatal--reaction.
How should you take citalopram hydrobromide without prescriptions?

citalopram hydrobromide is available in tablet and liquid forms. Take either formulation once a day, in the morning or evening, with or without food. Although your depression will begin to lift in 1 to 4 weeks, you should continue taking citalopram hydrobromide regularly. It takes several months for citalopram hydrobromide to yield its full benefits.

If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Storage instructions citalopram hydrobromide (Citalopram, Cipramil, Celexa)

Store at room temperature.
citalopram hydrobromide side effects - citalopram hydrobromide (Citalopram, Cipramil, Celexa)

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking citalopram hydrobromide.

* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, ejaculation disorders, fatigue, impotence, indigestion, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, painful menstruation, respiratory tract infection, sinus or nasal inflammation, sweating, tremor, vomiting

Why should citalopram hydrobromide not be prescribed?

If citalopram hydrobromide gives you an allergic reaction, you cannot continue using it. Also remember that citalopram hydrobromide must never be combined with an MAO inhibitor (see "Most important fact about citalopram hydrobromide," above).
Special warnings about citalopram hydrobromide

In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of citalopram hydrobromide or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. citalopram hydrobromide has not been studied in children or adolescents and is not approved for treating anyone less than 18 years old.

Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking antidepressants. Individuals being treated with citalopram hydrobromide and their caregivers should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear suddenly--especially agitation, anxiety, hostility, panic, restlessness, extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and report them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the beginning of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.

In recommended doses, citalopram hydrobromide does not seem to impair judgment or motor skills. However, a theoretical possibility of such problems remains, so you should use caution when driving or operating dangerous equipment until you are certain of citalopram hydrobromide's effect.

There is a slight chance that citalopram hydrobromide will trigger a manic episode. Use citalopram hydrobromide with caution if you suffer from manic-depression (bipolar disorder). Use caution, too, if you are over 60 years old, have liver or kidney problems, suffer from heart disease or high blood pressure, or have ever had seizures.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking citalopram hydrobromide

citalopram hydrobromide does not increase the effects of alcohol. Nevertheless, it's considered unwise to combine citalopram hydrobromide with alcohol or any other drug that affects the brain. (Be particularly careful to avoid MAO inhibitors.)

If citalopram hydrobromide WITHOUT PRESCRIPTIONS is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter drugs you are planning to take, and be especially certain to check with him before combining citalopram hydrobromide with the following:

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab)
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral) Lithium (Lithobid, Lithonate)
Metoprolol (Lopressor)
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Other antidepressants such as Elavil, Norpramin, Pamelor, and Tofranil
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of citalopram hydrobromide during pregnancy have not been adequately studied, and the potential for harm has not been ruled out. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while on citalopram hydrobromide therapy, tell your doctor immediately.

citalopram hydrobromide appears in breast milk and will affect the nursing infant. You should consider discontinuing either breastfeeding or citalopram hydrobromide. Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of each option.
Recommended dosage for citalopram hydrobromide

ADULTS
Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

* Symptoms of citalopram hydrobromide overdose may include:
Amnesia, bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin, coma, confusion, convulsions, dizziness, drowsiness, hyperventilation, nausea, rapid heartbeat, sweating, tremor, vomiting