Q: What is Celexa?
A: Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide) is in a class of medicines called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Celexa is used to treat depression, is made by Forest Laboratories, Inc., and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998.

Q: Has there been any recent news about Celexa?
A: In July 2006, the FDA issued two alerts related to Celexa. The first FDA alert announced the results of a study concerning the use of antidepressant medicines during pregnancy by mothers of babies born with a serious condition called persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Click here for more information on this FDA alert.

The second FDA alert states that a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome can occur when SSRIs (such as Celexa) and medicines used to treat migraine headaches known as 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists (triptans), are taken together. Click here for more information on this FDA alert.

Over the last few years, the FDA has worked closely with the manufacturers of all marketed antidepressants (such as Celexa) to fully evaluate the risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, and adults treated with these medications. Celexa maker Forest Laboratories, Inc. added a black box warning to Celexa prescribing information, describing the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and adolescents taking antidepressants. Click here for more information.

Q: Who should not take Celexa?
A: You should not take Celexa if you take another drug that treats depression, called a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), or if you have stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days. Taking these two drugs close in time can result in serious (and sometimes fatal) reactions including high body temperature, coma, and seizures (convulsions).

Q: Are there any serious health risks associated with Celexa?
A: Harmful side effects may occur if you stop taking Celexa suddenly. Your healthcare professional should slowly decrease your dose as necessary. Other risks of Celexa use include an increased risk of having suicidal thoughts or actions, bleeding problems, mania, seizures, and sexual problems. There are also increased risks if you take Celexa while you are or may become pregnant.

Q: Are there any side effects associated with Celexa?
A: Side effects associated with Celexa use include dry mouth, nausea, and sleepiness.

Q: What should I tell my healthcare professional before he or she prescribes Celexa?
A: It is important to tell your healthcare professional about all known medical conditions, especially if you have liver or kidney disease, or glaucoma. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you breast-feed or plan to breast-feed your baby.

Q: Can other medicines or foods affect Celexa?
A: It is important to tell your healthcare professional about all prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements that you take. Do not take Celexa with Lexapro (escitalopram), another drug used to treat depression. Because Celexa and Lexapro are similar, taking them together increases the risk of an overdose. Talk to your healthcare professional if you plan to drink alcohol while taking Celexa.

Q: What should I do if I think I have been injured as a result of taking Celexa?
A: If you or a loved one have experienced any dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditions related to Celexa use, you should first contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. You may also wish to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your options and to protect your right to a legal remedy for any injuries caused by Celexa use.