Celexa

Before taking this medicine

Do not take Celexa (citalopram) if you: • Take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or have stopped one within the past 14 days. This includes linezolid and intravenous methylene blue. The combination increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. • Take pimozide, because of the risk of abnormal heart rhythms. • Are allergic to citalopram or any ingredient in the tablets. Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and swelling, have been reported. Citalopram should generally be avoided if you have congenital long QT syndrome, a slow heart rate, low potassium or magnesium, a recent heart attack, or heart failure that is not adequately controlled, or if you take other medicines that prolong the QT interval. It can cause serious, potentially fatal heart rhythm disturbances. Electrolyte monitoring may be needed in people at risk of low potassium or magnesium. It should also be avoided in people with untreated narrow drainage angles in the eyes, because of the risk of angle-closure glaucoma. Tell your prescriber if you have a seizure disorder or bipolar disorder. Screening for bipolar disorder is needed because citalopram may trigger mania or hypomania. Other medicines that increase serotonin can raise the risk of serotonin syndrome, although this can also occur with citalopram alone. Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiplatelet medicines and anticoagulants such as warfarin may increase bleeding risk when used with citalopram. Low blood sodium and sexual dysfunction can also occur. If you are pregnant, discuss treatment with your prescriber. SSRI use, particularly late in pregnancy, may increase the newborn’s risk of persistent high blood pressure in the lungs and symptoms such as breathing or feeding difficulties, unstable temperature, low muscle tone, tremor and irritability.