Celexa Warning.pdf

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults; Celexa is not approved for use in pediatric patients and has a boxed warning regarding suicidality and antidepressant drugs. Celexa (citalopram HBr) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with a chemical structure unrelated to other SSRIs, used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. The mechanism of action is linked to potentiation of serotonergic activity in the central nervous system, with minimal effects on norepinephrine and dopamine neuronal reuptake. Citalopram has no or very low affinity for various receptors, and its pharmacokinetics are linear and dose-proportional, with a mean terminal half-life of about 35 hours. The drug is metabolized to demethylcitalopram, didemethylcitalopram, and other compounds, and its clearance is affected by age, gender, and reduced hepatic function.