Celexa Drug Information
Generic name: CITALOPRAM
Uses of Celexa
is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults . CELEXA is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.
Dosage & Administration of Celexa
Recommended Dosage Administer
CELEXA once daily, with or without food, at an initial dosage of 20 mg once daily, with an increase to a maximum dosage of 40 mg once daily at an interval of no less than one week. Dosages above 40 mg once daily are not recommended due to the risk of QT prolongation .
Screen for Bipolar Disorder
Prior to Starting CELEXA Prior to initiating treatment with CELEXA or another antidepressant, screen patients for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania . 2. 3 Recommended Dosage for Speci fic Populations The maximum recommended dosage of CELEXA for patients who are greater than 60 years of age, patients with hepatic impairment, and for CYP2C19 poor metabolizers is 20 mg once daily .
Dosage Modification s with
Concomitant Use of CYP2C19 Inhibitors The maximum recommended dosage of CELEXA when used concomitantly with a CYP2C19 inhibitor is 20 mg once daily. 2. 5 Switching Patients t o or f rom a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor Antidepressant At least 14 days must elapse between discontinuation of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant and initiation of therapy with CELEXA. Conversely, at least 14 days must elapse after stopping CELEXA before starting an MAOI antidepressant . 2. 6 Discontinuing Treatment with C ELEXA Adverse reactions may occur upon discontinuation of CELEXA . Gradually reduce the dosage rather than stopping CELEXA abruptly whenever possible.
Side Effects of Celexa
Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The safety for CELEXA included citalopram exposures in patients and/or healthy subjects from 3 different groups of studies: 429 healthy subjects in clinical pharmacology/pharmacokinetic studies; 4,422 exposures from patients in controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials, corresponding to approximately 1,370 patient-exposure years. There were, in addition, over 19,000 exposures from mostly open-label, European postmarketing studies.
The conditions and duration of treatment with CELEXA varied greatly and included (in overlapping categories) open-label and double-blind studies, inpatient and outpatient studies, fixed-dose and dose-titration studies, and short-term and long-term exposure. Adverse Reactions Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment Among 1,063 patients with MDD who received CELEXA at doses ranging from 10 mg to 80 mg once daily in placebo-controlled trials of up to 6 weeks duration, 16% discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction, as compared to 8% of 446 patients receiving placebo. The adverse reactions associated with discontinuation (i.e., associated with discontinuation in at least 1% of CELEXA-treated patients at a rate at least twice that of placebo) are shown in Table 2. Table 2: Adverse Reactions Associated with Discontinuation of CELEXA Treatment in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled MDD Trials Body System/Adverse Reaction CELEXA Placebo (N=1,063) % (N=446) % General Asthenia 1 <1 Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea 4 0 Dry Mouth 1 <1 Vomiting 1 0 Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders Dizziness 2 <1 Psychiatric Disorders Insomnia 3 1 Somnolence 2 1 Agitation 1 <1 * A patient can report more than one reason for discontinuation and be counted more than once in this table.
Table 3 enumerates the incidence of adverse reactions that occurred among 1,063 patients with MDD who received CELEXA at doses ranging from 10 mg to 80 mg once daily in placebo-controlled trials of up to 6 weeks duration. The most common adverse reaction that occurred in CELEXA-treated patients with an incidence of 5% or greater and at least twice the incidence in placebo patients was ejaculation disorder (primarily ejaculatory delay) in male patients (see Table 3 ). Table 3: Adverse Reactions (≥2% and Greater than Placebo) Among CELEXA-Treated Patients* CELEXA Placebo Body System/Adverse Reaction (N=1,063) % (N=446) % Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea 21 14 Diarrhea 8 5 Dyspepsia 5 4 Vomiting 4 3 Abdominal Pain 3 2 Autonomic Nervous System Disorders Dry Mouth 20 14 Sweating Increased 11 9 Psychiatric Disorders Somnolence 18 10 Insomnia 15 14 Anxiety 4 3 Anorexia 4 2 Agitation 3 1 Dysmenorrhea 1 3 2 Libido Decreased 2 <1 Yawning 2 <1 Central & Peripheral Nervous System Disorders Tremor 8 6 Urogenital Ejaculation Disorder 2,3 6 1 Impotence 3 3 <1 Respiratory System Disorders Upper Respiratory Tract Infection 5 4 Rhinitis 5 3 Sinusitis 3 <1 General Fatigue 5 3 Fever 2 <1 Musculoskeletal System Disorders Arthralgia 2 1 Myalgia 2 1 *Adverse reactions reported by at least 2% of patients treated with CELEXA are reported, except for the following adverse reactions which had an incidence on placebo ≥ CELEXA: headache, asthenia, dizziness, constipation, palpitation, vision abnormal, sleep disorder, nervousness, pharyngitis, micturition disorder, back pain. 1 Denominator used was for females only (N=638 CELEXA; N=252 placebo). 2 Primarily ejaculatory delay. 3 Denominator used was for males only (N=425 CELEXA; N=194 placebo). Dose Dependen t Adverse Reactions The potential relationship between the dosage of CELEXA and the incidence of adverse reactions was examined in a fixed-dose study in patients with MDD receiving placebo or CELEXA 10 mg, 20 mg 40 mg, or 60 mg (1.5 times the maximum recommended dosage). A positive dose response (p<0.05) was revealed for the following adverse reactions: fatigue, impotence, insomnia, increased sweating, somnolence, and yawning. Male and Female Sexual Dysfunction with SSRIs Although changes in sexual desire, sexual performance, and sexual satisfaction often occur as manifestations of a psychiatric disorder, they may also be a consequence of SSRI treatment.
However, reliable estimates of the incidence and severity of untoward experiences involving sexual desire, performance, and satisfaction are difficult to obtain, in part because patients and healthcare providers may be reluctant to discuss them. Accordingly, estimates of the incidence of untoward sexual experience and performance cited in labeling may underestimate their actual incidence. Table 4 displays the incidence of sexual adverse reactions reported by at least 2% of male patients taking CELEXA in a pool of placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with depression.
Table 4: Adverse Reactions (≥2%) Related to Sexual Dysfunction in CELEXA-Treated Male Patients in Pooled Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials of MDD CELEXA Placebo n (males) 425 ( % ) 194 ( % ) Abnormal ejaculation (mostly ejaculatory delay) 6.1 1 Decreased libido 3.8 <1 Impotence 2.8 <1 In female depressed patients receiving CELEXA, the reported incidence of decreased libido and anorgasmia was 1.3% (n=638 females) and 1.1% (n=252 females), respectively. Weight Changes Patients treated with CELEXA in controlled trials experienced a weight loss of about 0.5 kg compared to no change for placebo patients. ECG Changes In a thorough QT study, CELEXA was found to be associated with a dose-dependent increase in the QTc interval.
Electrocardiograms from CELEXA (N=802) and placebo (N=241) groups were compared with respect to outliers defined as subjects with QTc changes over 60 msec from baseline or absolute values over 500 msec post-dose, and subjects with heart rate increases to over 100 bpm or decreases to less than 50 bpm with a 25% change from baseline (tachycardic or bradycardic outliers, respectively). In the CELEXA group 1.9% of the patients had a change from baseline in QTcF >60 msec compared to 1.2% of the patients in the placebo group. None of the patients in the placebo group had a post-dose QTcF >500 msec compared to 0.5% of the patients in the CELEXA group. The incidence of tachycardic outliers was 0.5% in the CELEXA group and 0.4% in the placebo group.
The incidence of bradycardic outliers was 0.9% in the CELEXA group and 0.4% in the placebo group. Other Adverse Reactions Observed During the Premarketing Evaluation of CELEXA The following list of adverse reactions does not include reactions that are: 1) included in Table 3 or elsewhere in labeling, 2) for which a drug cause was remote, 3) which were so general as to be uninformative, and those occurring in only one patient. Adverse reactions are categorized by body system and listed in order of decreasing frequency according to the following definitions: frequent adverse reactions are those occurring on one or more occasions in at least 1/100 patients; infrequent adverse reactions are those occurring in less than 1/100 patients to 1/1000 patients; rare adverse reactions are those occurring in fewer than 1/1000 patients.
Cardiovascular - Frequent: tachycardia, postural hypotension, hypotension. Infrequent: hypertension, bradycardia, edema (extremities), angina pectoris, extrasystoles, cardiac failure, flushing, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, myocardial ischemia. Rare: transient ischemic attack, phlebitis, atrial fibrillation, cardiac arrest, bundle branch block.
Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders - Frequent: paresthesia, migraine. Infrequent: hyperkinesia, vertigo, hypertonia, extrapyramidal disorder, leg cramps, involuntary muscle contractions, hypokinesia, neuralgia, dystonia, abnormal gait, hypoesthesia, ataxia. Rare: abnormal coordination, hyperesthesia, ptosis, stupor.
Endocrine Disorders - Rare: hypothyroidism, goiter, gynecomastia. Gastrointestinal Disorders - Frequent: saliva increased, flatulence. Infrequent: gastritis, gastroenteritis, stomatitis, eructation, hemorrhoids, dysphagia, teeth grinding, gingivitis, esophagitis.
Rare: colitis, gastric ulcer, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, duodenal ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux, glossitis, jaundice, diverticulitis, rectal hemorrhage, hiccups. General - Infrequent: hot flushes, rigors, alcohol intolerance, syncope, influenza-like symptoms. Rare: hay fever.
Hemic and Lymphatic Disorders - Infrequent: purpura, anemia, epistaxis, leukocytosis, leucopenia, lymphadenopathy. Rare: pulmonary embolism, granulocytopenia, lymphocytosis, lymphopenia, hypochromic anemia, coagulation disorder, gingival bleeding. Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders - Frequent: decreased weight, increased weight.
Infrequent: increased hepatic enzymes, thirst, dry eyes, increased alkaline phosphatase, abnormal glucose tolerance. Rare: bilirubinemia, hypokalemia, obesity, hypoglycemia, hepatitis, dehydration. Musculoskeletal System Disorders - Infrequent: arthritis, muscle weakness, skeletal pain.
Rare: bursitis, osteoporosis. Psychiatric Disorders - Frequent: impaired concentration, amnesia, apathy, depression, increased appetite, aggravated depression, suicide attempt, confusion. Infrequent: increased libido, aggressive reaction, paroniria, drug dependence, depersonalization, hallucination, euphoria, psychotic depression, delusion, paranoid reaction, emotional lability, panic reaction, psychosis.
Rare: catatonic reaction, melancholia. Reproductive Disorders/Female* - Frequent: amenorrhea. Infrequent: galactorrhea, breast pain, breast enlargement, vaginal hemorrhage. (*% based on female subjects only: 2955) Respiratory System Disorders - Frequent: coughing.
Infrequent: bronchitis, dyspnea, pneumonia. Rare: asthma, laryngitis, bronchospasm, pneumonitis, sputum increased. Skin and Appendages Disorders - Frequent: rash, pruritus.
Infrequent: photosensitivity reaction, urticaria, acne, skin discoloration, eczema, alopecia, dermatitis, skin dry, psoriasis. Rare: hypertrichosis, decreased sweating, melanosis, keratitis, cellulitis, pruritus ani. Special Senses - Frequent: abnormal accommodation, taste perversion.
Infrequent: tinnitus, conjunctivitis, eye pain. Rare: mydriasis, photophobia, diplopia, abnormal lacrimation, cataract, taste loss. Urinary System Disorders - Frequent: polyuria.
Infrequent: micturition frequency, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, dysuria. Rare: facial edema, hematuria, oliguria, pyelonephritis, renal calculus, renal pain. 6. 2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of citalopram, the racemate, or escitalopram, the S-enantiomer of citalopram. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Blood and L ymphatic S ystem D isorders : hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, prothrombin decreased Cardiac D isorders : torsade de pointes, ventricular arrhythmia, QT prolonged Endocrine D isorders : hyperprolactinemia Eye D isorders : angle-closure glaucoma Gastrointestinal D isorders : gastrointestinal hemorrhage, pancreatitis General Disorders and A dministrative Site C onditions : withdrawal syndrome Hepatobiliary D isorders : hepatic necrosis Immune S ystem D isorders : anaphylaxis, allergic reaction Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue D isorders : rhabdomyolysis Nervous S ystem D isorders : grand mal convulsion(s), myoclonus, choreoathetosis, dyskinesia, akathisia, nystagmus Pregnancy, P uerperium and P erinatal C onditions : spontaneous abortion Psychiatric D isorders : delirium Renal and U rinary D isorders : acute renal failure Reproductive S ystem and B reast D isorders : priapism Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: anosmia, hyposmia Skin and S ubcutaneous T issue D isorders : Stevens Johnson Syndrome, epidermal necrolysis, angioedema, erythema multiforme, ecchymosis Vascular D isorders : thrombosis
Warnings & Cautions for Celexa
Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior in Adolescents and Young Adults
In pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressant classes) that included approximately 77,000 adult patients, and 4,500 pediatric patients, the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in antidepressant-treated patients age 24 years and younger was greater than in placebo-treated patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among drugs, but there was an increased risk identified in young patients for most drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors across the different indications, with the highest incidence in patients with MDD. The drug-placebo differences in the number of cases of suicidal thoughts and behaviors per 1000 patients treated are provided in Table 1. Table 1: Risk Differences of the Number of Patients with Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of Antidepressants in Pediatric and Adult Patients Age Range * Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Patients with Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors per 1000 Patients Treated Increases Compared to Placebo <18 years old 14 additional patients 18-24 years old 5 additional patients Decreases Compared to Placebo 25-64 years old 1 fewer patient ≥65 years old 6 fewer patients *CELEXA is not approved for use in pediatric patients.
It is unknown whether the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond four months. However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with MDD that antidepressants delay the recurrence of depression and that depression itself is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially during the initial few months of drug therapy and at times of dosage changes.
Counsel family members or caregivers of patients to monitor for changes in behavior and to alert the healthcare provider. Consider changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing CELEXA, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
QT-Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes
CELEXA causes dose-dependent QTc prolongation an ECG abnormality that has been associated with Torsade de Pointes (TdP), ventricular tachycardia, and sudden death, all of which have been observed in postmarketing reports for citalopram . Because of the risk of QTc prolongation at higher CELEXA doses, it is recommended that CELEXA not be given at doses above 40 mg once daily . CELEXA should be avoided in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, bradycardia, hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, recent acute myocardial infarction, or uncompensated heart failure unless the benefits outweigh the risks for a particular patient. CELEXA should also be avoided in patients who are taking other drugs that prolong the QTc interval . Such drugs include Class 1A (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic medications, antipsychotic medications (e.g., chlorpromazine, thioridazine), antibiotics (e.g., gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin), or any other class of medications known to prolong the QTc interval (e.g., pentamidine, levomethadyl acetate, methadone). The citalopram dose should be limited in certain populations. The maximum dose should be limited to 20 mg once daily in patients who are CYP2C19 poor metabolizers or those patients receiving concomitant cimetidine or another CYP2C19 inhibitor, since higher citalopram exposures would be expected.
The maximum dose should also be limited to 20 mg once daily in patients with hepatic impairment and in patients who are greater than 60 years of age because of expected higher exposures . Electrolyte and/or ECG monitoring is recommended in certain circumstances. Patients being considered for treatment with CELEXA who are at risk for significant electrolyte disturbances should have baseline serum potassium and magnesium measurements with periodic monitoring. Hypokalemia (and/or hypomagnesemia) may increase the risk of QTc prolongation and arrhythmia, and should be corrected prior to initiation of treatment and periodically monitored.
ECG monitoring is recommended in patients for whom CELEXA use is not recommended unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks for a particular patient (see above). These include those patients with the cardiac conditions noted above, and those taking other drugs that may prolong the QTc interval. Discontinue CELEXA in patients who are found to have persistent QTc measurements >500 ms. If patients taking CELEXA experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias, e.g., dizziness, palpitations, or syncope, the prescriber should initiate further evaluation, including cardiac monitoring.
Serotonin Syndrome
SSRIs, including CELEXA, can precipitate serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. The risk is increased with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, meperidine, methadone, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John’s Wort) and with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin, i.e., MAOIs . Serotonin syndrome can also occur when these drugs are used alone.
Symptoms of serotonin syndrome were noted in 0.1% of MDD patients treated with CELEXA in premarketing clinical trials. Serotonin syndrome signs and symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, and gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). The concomitant use of CELEXA with MAOIs is contraindicated. In addition, do not initiate CELEXA in a patient being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue.
No reports involved the administration of methylene blue by other routes (such as oral tablets or local tissue injection). If it is necessary to initiate treatment with an MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue in a patient taking CELEXA, discontinue CELEXA before initiating treatment with the MAOI. Monitor all patients taking CELEXA for the emergence of serotonin syndrome. Discontinue treatment with CELEXA and any concomitant serotonergic agents immediately if the above symptoms occur, and initiate supportive symptomatic treatment. If concomitant use of CELEXA with other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome and monitor for symptoms.
Increased Risk of Bleeding Drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake inhibition, including
CELEXA, increase the risk of bleeding events. Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, and other anticoagulants may add to this risk. Case reports and epidemiological studies (case-control and cohort design) have demonstrated an association between use of drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and the occurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Based on data from the published observational studies, exposure to SSRIs, particularly in the month before delivery, has been associated with a less than 2-fold increase in the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Bleeding events related to drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake have ranged from ecchymosis, hematoma, epistaxis, and petechiae to life-threatening hemorrhages. Inform patients about the increased risk of bleeding associated with the concomitant use of CELEXA and antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants.
For patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor the international normalized ratio .
Activation of Mania or Hypomania
In patients with bipolar disorder, treating a depressive episode with CELEXA or another antidepressant may precipitate a mixed/manic episode. In controlled clinical trials, patients with bipolar disorder were excluded; however, symptoms of mania or hypomania were reported in 0.1% of undiagnosed patients treated with CELEXA. Prior to initiating treatment with CELEXA, screen patients for any personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania . 5. 6 Discontinuation Syndrome Adverse reactions after discontinuation of serotonergic antidepressants, particularly after abrupt discontinuation, include: nausea, sweating, dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances (e.g., paresthesia, such as electric shock sensations), tremor, anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, hypomania, tinnitus, and seizures. A gradual reduction in dosage rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible .
Seizures
CELEXA has not been systematically evaluated in patients with seizure disorders. Patients with a history of seizures were excluded from clinical studies. In clinical trials of CELEXA, seizures occurred in 0.3% of patients treated with CELEXA (a rate of one patient per 98 years of exposure) and 0.5% of patients treated with placebo (a rate of one patient per 50 years of exposure). CELEXA should be prescribed with caution in patients with a seizure disorder.
Angle-closure Glaucoma
The pupillary dilation that occurs following use of many antidepressant drugs, including CELEXA, may trigger an angle closure attack in a patient with anatomically narrow angles who does not have a patent iridectomy. Avoid use of antidepressants, including CELEXA, in patients with untreated anatomically narrow angles. 5. 9 Hyponatremia Hyponatremia may occur as a result of treatment with SSRIs, including CELEXA. Cases of serum sodium lower than 110 mmol/L have been reported. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia include headache, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, confusion, weakness, and unsteadiness, which may lead to falls.
Signs and symptoms associated with more severe and/or acute cases have included hallucination, syncope, seizure, coma, respiratory arrest, and death. In many cases, this hyponatremia appears to be the result of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). In patients with symptomatic hyponatremia, discontinue CELEXA and institute appropriate medical intervention. Elderly patients, patients taking diuretics, and those who are volume-depleted may be at greater risk of developing hyponatremia with SSRIs . 5.1 0 Sexual Dysfunction Use of SSRIs, including CELEXA, may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction . In male patients, SSRI use may result in ejaculatory delay or failure, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction.
In female patients, SSRI use may result in decreased libido and delayed or absent orgasm. It is important for prescribers to inquire about sexual function prior to initiation of CELEXA and to inquire specifically about changes in sexual function during treatment, because sexual function may not be spontaneously reported. When evaluating changes in sexual function, obtaining a detailed history (including timing of symptom onset) is important because sexual symptoms may have other causes, including the underlying psychiatric disorder.
Discuss potential management strategies to support patients in making informed decisions about treatment.
Drug Interactions with Celexa
Table 5 presents clinically important drug interactions with CELEXA. Table 5: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with CELEXA Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact Concomitant use of SSRIs, including CELEXA, and MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention CELEXA is contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue . Pimozide Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of CELEXA with pimozide increases plasma concentrations of pimozide, a drug with a narrow therapeutic index, and may increase the risk of QT prolongation and/or ventricular arrhythmias compared to use of CELEXA alone. Intervention: CELEXA is contraindicated in patients taking pimozide.
Drugs that Prolong the QTc Interval Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of CELEXA with drugs that prolong QT can cause additional QT prolongation compared to the use of CELEXA alone. Intervention: Avoid concomitant use of CELEXA with drugs that prolong the QT interval (CELEXA is contraindicated in patients taking pimozide). CYP2C19 Inhibitors Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of CELEXA with CYP2C19 inhibitors increases the risk of QT prolongation and/or ventricular arrhythmias compared to the use of CELEXA alone. Intervention: The maximum recommended dosage of CELEXA is 20 mg daily when used concomitantly with a CYP2C19 inhibitor.
Other Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of CELEXA and other serotonergic drugs (including other SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, buspirone, amphetamines, tryptophan, and St. John's Wort) increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention: Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during CELEXA initiation and dosage increases.
If serotonin syndrome occurs, consider discontinuation of CELEXA and/or concomitant serotonergic drugs . Drugs That Interfere With Hemostasis (antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants) Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of CELEXA and an antiplatelet or anticoagulant may potentiate the risk of bleeding. Intervention: Inform patients of the increased risk of bleeding associated with the concomitant use of CELEXA and antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants. For patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor the international normalized ratio . CYP2C19 Inhibitors: CELEXA 20 mg daily is the maximum recommended dosage for patients taking concomitant CYP2C19 inhibitors.
Pregnancy Safety for Celexa
Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to advise patients to register by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visiting online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants. Risk Summary Based on data from published observational studies, exposure to SSRIs, particularly in the month before delivery, has been associated with a less than 2-fold increase in the risk of postpartum hemorrhage . Available data from published epidemiologic studies and postmarketing reports with citalopram use in pregnancy have not established an increased risk of major birth defects or miscarriage.
Published studies demonstrated that citalopram levels in both cord blood and amniotic fluid are similar to those observed in maternal serum. There are risks of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) (see Data) and/or poor neonatal adaptation with exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including CELEXA, during pregnancy. There also are risks associated with untreated depression in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations). In animal reproduction studies, citalopram caused adverse embryo/fetal effects at doses that caused maternal toxicity (see Data). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Women who discontinue antidepressants during pregnancy are more likely to experience a relapse of major depression than women who continue antidepressants.
This finding is from a prospective longitudinal study of 201 pregnant women with a history of major depressive disorder who were euthymic and taking antidepressants at the beginning of pregnancy. Consider the risk of untreated depression when discontinuing or changing treatment with antidepressant medication during pregnancy and postpartum. Maternal Adverse Reactions Use of CELEXA in the month before delivery may be associated with an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage . Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Neonates exposed to CELEXA and other SSRIs late in third trimester have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding.
Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery. Reported clinical findings have included respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, tremor, jitteriness, irritability, and constant crying. These findings are consistent with either a direct toxic effect of SSRIs or possibly, a drug discontinuation syndrome.
It should be noted that, in some cases, the clinical picture is consistent with serotonin syndrome . Data Human Data Exposure during late pregnancy to SSRIs may have an increased risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). PPHN occurs in 1- 2 per 1,000 live births in the general population and is associated with substantial neonatal morbidity and mortality. Animal Data Citalopram was administered orally to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at doses of 32, 56, and 112 mg/kg/day, which are approximately 8, 14, and 27 times the Maximum Recommended Human Dose (MRHD) of 40 mg, based on mg/m 2 body surface area. Citalopram caused maternal toxicity of CNS clinical signs and decreased weight gain at 112 mg/kg/day, which is 27 times the MRHD. At this maternally toxic dose, citalopram decreased embryo/fetal growth and survival and increased fetal abnormalities (including cardiovascular and skeletal defects). The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for maternal and embryofetal toxicity is 56 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 14 times the MRHD. Citalopram was administered orally to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 16 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 8 times the MRHD of 40 mg, based on mg/m 2 body surface area.
No maternal or embryofetal toxicity was observed. The NOAEL for maternal and embryofetal toxicity is 16 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 8 times the MRHD. Citalopram was administered orally to pregnant rats during late gestation and lactation periods at doses of 4.8, 12.8, and 32 mg/kg/day, which are approximately 1, 3, and 8 times the MRHD of 40 mg, based on mg/m 2 body surface area. Citalopram increased offspring mortality during the first 4 days of birth and decreased offspring growth at 32 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 8 times the MRHD. The NOAEL for developmental toxicity is 12.8 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 3 times the MRHD. In a separate study, similar effects on offspring mortality and growth were seen when dams were treated throughout gestation and early lactation at doses ≥ 24 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 6 times the MRHD. A NOAEL was not determined in that study.
Pediatric Use of Celexa
Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of CELEXA have not been established in pediatric patients. Two placebo-controlled trials in 407 pediatric patients with MDD have been conducted with CELEXA, and the data were not sufficient to support use in pediatric patients. Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric patients . Decreased appetite and weight loss have been observed in association with the use of SSRIs in pediatric patients.
Contraindications for Celexa
is contraindicated in patients: taking, or within 14 days of stopping, MAOIs (including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue) because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome . taking pimozide because of risk of QT prolongation . with known hypersensitivity to citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients in CELEXA. Reactions have included angioedema and anaphylaxis. Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use within 14 days of discontinuing a MAOI. Concomitant use of pimozide . Known hypersensitivity to citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients of CELEXA.
Overdosage Information for Celexa
The following have been reported with CELEXA tablet overdosage: Seizures, which may be delayed, and altered mental status including coma. Cardiovascular toxicity, which may be delayed, including QRS and QTc interval prolongation, wide complex tachyarrhythmias, and torsade de pointes. Hypertension most commonly seen, but rarely can see hypotension alone or with co‐ingestants including alcohol.
Serotonin syndrome (patients with a multiple drug overdosage with other proserotonergic drugs may have a higher risk). Prolonged cardiac monitoring is recommended in CELEXA overdosage ingestions due to the arrhythmia risk. Gastrointestinal decontamination with activated charcoal should be considered in patients who present early after a CELEXA overdose. Consider contacting a Poison Center (1‐800‐221‐2222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdosage management recommendations.
Clinical Studies of Celexa
The efficacy of CELEXA as a treatment for major depressive disorder was established in two placebo-controlled studies (of 4 to 6 weeks duration) in adult outpatients (ages 18-66) meeting DSM-III or DSM-III-R criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) (Studies 1 and 2). Study 1, a 6-week trial in which patients received fixed CELEXA doses of 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg daily, showed that CELEXA 40 daily and 60 mg daily (1.5 times the maximum recommended daily dosage) was effective as measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) total score, the primary efficacy endpoint. The HAMD-17 is a 17-item, clinician-rated scale used to assess severity of depressive symptoms. Scores on the HAMD-17 range from 0 to 52, with higher scores indicating more severe depression.
This study showed no clear effect of the 10 mg and 20 mg daily doses, and the 60 mg daily dose was not more effective than the 40 mg daily dose. Due to the risk of QTc prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias, the maximum recommended dosage of CELEXA is 40 mg once daily. In study 2, a 4-week, placebo-controlled trial in patients with MDD, the initial dose was 20 mg daily, followed by titration to the maximum tolerated dose or a maximum dose of 80 mg daily (2 times the maximum recommended daily dosage). Patients treated with CELEXA showed statistically significantly greater improvement than placebo patients on the HAMD total score, the primary efficacy endpoint.
In three additional placebo-controlled trials in patients with MDD, the difference in response to treatment between patients receiving CELEXA and patients receiving placebo was not statistically significant. In two long-term studies, patients with MDD who had responded to CELEXA during an initial 6 or 8 weeks of acute treatment were randomized to continuation of CELEXA or placebo. In one study, patients received fixed doses of CELEXA 20 mg or 40 mg daily and in the second study, patients received flexible doses of CELEXA 20 mg daily to 60 mg daily (1.5 times the maximum recommended daily dosage). In both studies, patients receiving continued CELEXA treatment experienced statistically significantly lower relapse rates over the subsequent 6 months compared to those receiving placebo.
In the fixed-dose study, the decreased rate of depression relapse was similar in patients receiving 20 mg or 40 mg daily of CELEXA. Due to the risk of QTc prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias, the maximum recommended dosage of CELEXA is 40 mg once daily. Analyses of the relationship between treatment outcome and age, gender, and race did not suggest any differential responsiveness on the basis of these patient characteristics.
Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.
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