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Citalopram |
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What is Citalopram and why is it prescribed? Citalopram is used to treat major depression. Citalopram is thought to work by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. Be careful to avoid taking Citalopram for 2 weeks before or after using an antidepressant known as an MAO inhibitor. Drugs in this category include Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate. Combining Citalopram with one of these medications could lead to a serious, even fatal, reaction. How should you take Citalopram? Follow your doctors directions for taking Citalopram. Take Citalopram 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 Citalopram regularly. It takes several months for Citalopram 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 two doses at the same time. Store Citalopram at room temperature. Are there any Citalopram side effects? Citalopram side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Citalopram 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, and vomiting. Less common Citalopram side effects may include amnesia, attempted suicide, confusion, coughing, decreased sexual drive, depression, excessive urination, fever, gas, impaired concentration, increased appetite, increased salivation, itching, joint pain, lack of emotion, loss of menstruation, low blood pressure, migraine, muscle pain, rapid heartbeat, rash, skin tingling, taste disturbances, visual disturbances, weight gain, weight loss, and yawning. Rare Citalopram side effects may include abnormal dreams, acne, aggressive behavior, alcohol intolerance, angina, arthritis, belching, bone pain, breast enlargement, breast pain, bronchitis, bruising, chills, conjunctivitis, decreased muscle movements, delusions, dermatitis, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, drug dependence, dry eyes, dry skin, eczema, emotional instability, excessive milk flow, excessive muscle tone, eye pain, fainting, feeling of well-being, flu-like symptoms, flushing, frequent urination, gum inflammation, hair loss, hallucinations, heart attack, heart failure, hemorrhoids, high blood pressure, hives, hot flashes, inability to hold urine, inability to urinate completely, increased sex drive, increased urination, involuntary muscle movements, leg cramps, mouth sores, muscle weakness, nosebleeds, numbness, painful erection, painful urination, panic, paranoia, pneumonia, psoriasis, psychosis, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light, skin discoloration, slow heartbeat, stomach and intestinal inflammation, stroke, swelling, teeth grinding, thirst, uncontrollable muscle movements, unsteady or abnormal walk, and vaginal bleeding. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Citalopram? If Citalopram is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Citalopram does not increase the effects of alcohol. It is considered unwise to combine Citalopram with alcohol or any other drug that affects the brain. (Be particularly careful to avoid MAO inhibitors.) It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Citalopram with 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), or Warfarin (Coumadin). Are there any special warnings about Citalopram? In recommended doses, Citalopram 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 Citalopram's effect. There is a slight chance that Citalopram will trigger a manic episode. Use Citalopram with caution if you suffer from manic-depression. 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. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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