What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking citalopram (Celexa, Seropram, Cipramil)?
• Patients cannot take citalopram if they have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. A dangerous drug interaction can occur if citalopram is combined with any of these medications. • Before taking citalopram, patients must tell their doctor if they • have liver disease, • have kidney disease, • suffer from seizures, or • suffer from mania or have suicidal thoughts. • They may not be able to take citalopram, or they may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment in such conditions. • Citalopram should not be taken during treatment with escitalopram (Lexapro). Also, if the patient has had an allergic reaction to escitalopram (Lexapro), he/she may also have an allergic reaction to citalopram. The patient should not take citalopram without first talking to his/her doctor if he/she has had an allergic reaction to either medication in the past. • Citalopram
