citalopram, an antidepressant in the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor class. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is used to treat major depressive disorder. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use. It should not be used with MAO inhibitors. It interacts with several forms of cytochrome P450 and therefore influences many other drugs. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Life-threatening effects include convulsions, hemorrhage, first-degree atrioventricular block, and myocardial infarction. Other serious adverse effects include hallucinations, delusions, psychosis, vomiting, asthma, hyperventilation, respiratory infection, dyspnea, bronchitis, pneumonia, angina pectoris, hypertension, palpitations, tachycardia, bradycardia, thrombophlebitis, arthritis, amenorrhea, cystitis, urine retention, and viral infection. Common side effects are numerous, affecting the GI, integumentary, respiratory, cardiovascular, genitourinary, and central nervous systems. Some are also systemic.
