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Celexa is an antidepressant from the family of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. It helps increases the supply of the chemical messenger serotonin, thus helping to restore the chemical balance in the brain.

Take by mouth once daily, or as directed by your physicain. The dosage is adjusted according to your personal medical condition and response to therapy; do not change the dosage. Do not stop taking Celexa without consulting with your physicain.

Store at room temp. away from sunlight and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; but if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take only the one regularly scheduled. Avoid taking a double dose.

Side effects of Celexa are usually mild and include nausea, drowsiness, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, upset stomach, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your physicain promptly. Tell your physicain immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual or severe mental/mood changes, increased sweating/flushing, unusual fatigue, uncontrolled movements (tremor). Tell your physicain immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blurred vision, stomach pain, fever, joint pain, muscle pain, unusually fast heartbeat, decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, change in amount of urine. Tell your physicain immediately if any of these highly unlikelybut very serious side effects occur: weight changes, taste changes, changes in menstrual period, unusual swelling of the hands/feet/face, seizures, painful and/or prolonged erection.

Some medications taken with this product could result in very dangerous drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (such as furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or after treatment with this medication. Consult your physicain or pharmacist for additional information. Celexa is not recommended for use with weight loss drugs (such as sibutramine and phentermine). Tell your physicain of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you are using, especially other SSRI antidepressants, nefazodone, trazodone, tramadol, venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), cimetidine, lithium, itraconazole, macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), as well as any herbal/natural products. Tell your physicain if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness, such as sleep aids, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety medicine (such as diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine), psychiatric medicines, anti-seizure drugs, muscle relaxants and certain antihistamines. Do not start or stop any medicine without physicain or pharmacist approval.

Tell your physicain if you have had liver problems, kidney problems, seizures, heart problems, other mental/mood disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder), thyroid problems, or any allergies. Celexa may cause dizziness/drowsiness; use caution. Limit alcoholic beverages. The elderly may be more vulnerable to the side effects of the drug; use caution. Pregnant women should not use this medication unless it is clearly needed. Breast-feeding women are advised not to use Celexa due to possible risks to the infant.

Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a company that manufactures, sells, and distributes both branded and generic forms of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc., headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri is a wholly owned subsidiary of Forest Laboratories, Inc., which is headquartered in New York City.