Citalopram (Systemic)
Brand Names : Celexa
Proper Use of This MedicineTake this medicine only as directed by your doctor
to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of
it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your
doctor ordered.
Citalopram may be taken with or without food on a full or empty stomach.
If your doctor tells you to take it a certain way, follow your doctor's instructions.
You may have to take citalopram for 4 weeks before
you begin to feel better
. Your doctor should check your progress at
regular visits during this time. Also, you may need to keep taking citalopram
for 6 months or longer to help prevent the return of the depression.
Do not stop taking this medication without checking
first with your doctor
Dosing - The dose of citalopram will be different for
different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the
directions on the label
. The following information includes only the
average doses of citalopram. If your dose is different,
do not change it
unless your doctor tells you to do so. The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.
-
For oral
dosage form (solution and tablets):
-
For depression:
-
Adults - To start, usually 20 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken
either in the morning or evening. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually
if needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 60 mg a day.
-
Children - Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
-
Older adults - Usually 20 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken either
in the morning or evening. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually if
needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 40 mg a day.
Missed dose - Because citalopram may be taken by different patients
at different times of the day, you and your doctor should discuss what to
do if you miss any doses.
Storage - To store this medicine:
-
Keep out of the reach of children.
-
Store away from heat and direct light.
-
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other
damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
-
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure
that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
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