Brand name :
Humorap (Citalopram) made by Bago
Generic name: Citalopram hydrobromide , Humorap , Escitalopram ,Lexapro
Why is Humorap prescribed?
Humorap is used to treat major depression--a stubbornly low mood that
persists nearly every day for at least 2 weeks and interferes with
everyday living. Symptoms may include loss of interest in your usual
activities, insomnia or excessive sleeping, a change in weight or appetite,
constant fidgeting or a slowdown in movement, fatigue, feelings of
worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and repeated
thoughts of suicide.
Like the antidepressant medications Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft, Humorap
is thought to work by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin,
one of the nervous system's primary chemical messengers, is known to
elevate mood.
Most important fact about Humorap
Be careful to avoid taking Humorap for 2 weeks before or after using
an antidepressant known as an MAO inhibitor. Drugs in this category
include Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate. Combining Humorap with one of
these medications could lead to a serious--even fatal--reaction.
How should you take Humorap?
Humorap is available in tablet and liquid forms. Take either formulation
once a day, in the morning or evening, with or without food. Although
your depression will begin to lift in 1 to 4 weeks, you should continue
taking Humorap regularly. It takes several months for Humorap to yield
its full benefits.
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
Humorap side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Humorap.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, ejaculation
disorders, fatigue, impotence, indigestion, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea,
painful menstruation, respiratory tract infection, sinus or nasal inflammation,
sweating, tremor, vomiting
Why should Humorap not be prescribed?
If Humorap gives you an allergic reaction, you cannot continue using
it. Also remember that Humorap must never be combined with an MAO inhibitor
(see "Most important fact about Humorap," above).
Special warnings about Humorap
In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal
thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and
other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Humorap or
any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this
risk with the clinical need. Humorap has not been studied in children
or adolescents and is not approved for treating anyone less than 18
years old.
Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with
a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or
behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking
antidepressants. Individuals being treated with Humorap and their caregivers
should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear
suddenly--especially agitation, anxiety, hostility, panic, restlessness,
extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and report
them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the beginning
of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.
In recommended doses, Humorap does not seem to impair judgment or motor
skills. However, a theoretical possibility of such problems remains,
so you should use caution when driving or operating dangerous equipment
until you are certain of Humorap's effect.
There is a slight chance that Humorap will trigger a manic episode.
Use Humorap with caution if you suffer from manic-depression (bipolar
disorder). Use caution, too, if you are over 60 years old, have liver
or kidney problems, suffer from heart disease or high blood pressure,
or have ever had seizures.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Humorap
Humorap does not increase the effects of alcohol. Nevertheless, it's
considered unwise to combine Humorap with alcohol or any other drug
that affects the brain. (Be particularly careful to avoid MAO inhibitors.)
If Humorap is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. Tell your doctor about any
prescription or over-the-counter drugs you are planning to take, and
be especially certain to check with him before combining Humorap with
the following:
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab)
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Lithium (Lithobid, Lithonate)
Metoprolol (Lopressor)
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Other antidepressants such as Elavil, Norpramin, Pamelor, and Tofranil
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Humorap during pregnancy have not been adequately studied,
and the potential for harm has not been ruled out. If you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant while on Humorap therapy, tell your doctor
immediately.
Humorap appears in breast milk and will affect the nursing infant.
You should consider discontinuing either breastfeeding or Humorap. Talk
with your doctor about the pros and cons of each option.
Recommended dosage for Humorap
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
