Brand Name
Teva-Citalopram
Common Name
citalopram
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02251558 | TEVA-CITALOPRAM 20MG TABLET |
| 02312336 | TEVA-CITALOPRAM 10MG TABLET |
| 02293226 | TEVA-CITALOPRAM 40MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Citalopram belongs to a group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used to treat depression. SSRIs improve depression by increasing the amount of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) in certain areas of the brain, which in turn improves the ability of the brain to transmit messages from one nerve cell to another.
Although you may start feeling better within a few weeks of treatment, the full effects of the medication may not be evident until several weeks of treatment have passed.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The usual recommended starting dose is 20 mg daily. Your doctor may increase the dose as appropriate. It should be taken once daily in the morning or evening, with or without food.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without first contacting your health care provider.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
10 mg
Each white, round, film-coated tablet, engraved C11 on one side and plain on the other side contains citalopram 10 mg (as citalopram HBr). Nonmedicinal ingredients: copovidone, croscarmellose sodium, glycerine, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, maize starch, microcrystalline cellulose, polyoxyethylene stearate, and titanium dioxide.
20 mg
Each white, oval, film-coated tablet, scored on one side and engraved C12 on the unscored side contains citalopram 20 mg (as citalopram HBr). Nonmedicinal ingredients: copovidone, croscarmellose sodium, glycerine, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, maize starch, microcrystalline cellulose, polyoxyethylene stearate, and titanium dioxide.
40 mg
Each white, oval, film-coated tablet, scored on one side and engraved C14 on the unscored side contains citalopram 40 mg (as citalopram HBr). Nonmedicinal ingredients: copovidone, croscarmellose sodium, glycerine, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, maize starch, microcrystalline cellulose, polyoxyethylene stearate, and titanium dioxide.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Citalopram should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to citalopram or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is taking pimozide (an antipsychotic medication)
- has taken a type of medication known as an MAO inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide) within the past 2 weeks - do not start treatment with an MAO inhibitor until at least 2 weeks after discontinuing citalopram treatment
