Precautions
This medication may increase suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviors among children, teenagers, and young adults (under the age of 24) with depression. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop thoughts of suicide after taking this drug. Stay alert to sudden changes in your mood or the symptoms you experience.
Long term use of this medication may cause future cardiovascular problems. In 2004, the FDA reported that SSRI’s like Celexa may cause mania, hypomania, impulsivity, hostility, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, irritability, and insomnia.
Before taking Celexa, review your heart health. Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart attacks, long QT syndrome (LQTS), high blood pressure, stroke, bipolar symptoms, seizures, heart failure, glaucoma, electrolyte imbalance, or any liver, kidney, or heart disease. Tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant during treatment. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever had any serious reactions to other similar medications.
Celexa can interact with some medications, including drugs for motion sickness, anticoagulants, antihistamines, antidepressants, antacids, medicines for Parkinson’s disease, drugs for sleep, antipsychotics, blood pressure medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products (especially St. John’s wort), and more. Do not take this drug with other SSRI medications such as Lexapro, and do not take it within two weeks of taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Let your doctor know if you have taken an MAOI recently. If you are taking any other prescription vitamins, supplements, or prescription drugs, consult your doctor and/or pharmacist before using Celexa.