Citalopram

Genric Name: citalopram
Drug class: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Oral route(Tablet; Solution)

Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents, children, and young adults in short-term studies of major depression (MDD) as well as other mental disorders. Short-term studies didn’t show an increase in the likelihood of suicide when taking antidepressants in comparison with placebo for adults over the age of 24, and there was a decrease in the risk when using antidepressants in comparison to placebo for those aged 65 or over. This risk should be balanced against clinical necessity. Be sure to monitor patients for signs of changes, suicidality, or any unusual behavioral changes. Family members and caregivers must be informed of the necessity for constant surveillance and interaction with the doctor. It is not approved for use in children¹.

Brand name

In the U.S.

CeleXA

Available Dosage Forms:

Tablet
Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antidepressant

Pharmacologic Class: Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

Utilization of citalopram

Citalopram uses to combat depression. The drug is an antidepressant drug that is part of a class of drugs known as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications are believed to increase the amount of a chemical known as serotonin within the brain.

Citalopram is only available through the prescription of your physician.

Before taking citalopram

When deciding whether to take a medication, the potential risks of taking the medicine have to be evaluated against the good it can bring. It is a choice you as well as your physician make. In the case of citalopram, these must be taken into consideration:

Allergies

Inform your doctor If you’ve ever experienced any allergic or unusual reaction to citalopram or other medication. Inform your health care specialist if you suffer from any other kinds of allergies, for example, to dyes, foods preservatives, animals, or other substances. For products that are not prescription-only, you must review the label or the ingredient list carefully.

Pediatric

Studies that are appropriate have not been conducted to determine the connection of age and the effects of citalopram on the children’s population. The safety and effectiveness of citalopram have not been established.

Geriatric

The studies that have been conducted up to now haven’t revealed specific geriatric issues that could hinder the effectiveness of citalopram among the older. However, patients who are elderly tend to be more susceptible to hyponatremia (low sodium levels in blood) that may warrant careful monitoring and adjustments to the dosage of patients taking the drug citalopram.

Breastfeeding

Research conducted on women who breastfeed has shown harmful effects on infants. Different medication is to be prescribed, or you must stop breastfeeding while taking the citalopram.

Interactions between medicines

Certain medicines shouldn’t be combined in any way however, there are instances where two medicines can be taken together, even if there is a chance of interaction. In these situations, your doctor might decide to adjust the dosage or make other precautions needed. If you’re taking citalopram it is particularly important to let your physician know they are using any of these drugs mentioned below. The following interactions were chosen based on their potential impact and may not be all-inclusive.

Utilizing citalopram in conjunction together with any of the following drugs is not recommended. Your doctor might decide to not treat you with this drug or alter any other medication you are taking.

Bepridil
Bromopride
Cisapride
Clorgyline
Dronedarone
Fluconazole
Furazolidone
Iproniazid
Isocarboxazid
Ketoconazole
Levomethadyl
Linezolid
Mesoridazine
Methylene Blue
Metoclopramide
Moclobemide
Nelfinavir
Nialamide
Pargyline
Phenelzine
Pimozide
Piperaquine
Posaconazole
Procarbazine
Rasagiline
Selegiline
Sparfloxacin
Terfenadine
Thioridazine
Toloxatone
Tranylcypromine
Ziprasidone

The use of citalopram along in conjunction with any of these drugs is not usually recommended but it is possible in some instances. If the two medicines are prescribed in conjunction and your doctor recommends a change in the dosage or frequency you take either of the medications.

Abciximab
Aceclofenac
Acemetacin
Acenocoumarol
Alfentanil
Alfuzosin
Almotriptan
Amiodarone
Amisulpride
Amitriptyline
Amoxapine
Amphetamine
Amtolmetin Guacil
Anagrelide
Ancrod
Anisindione
Antithrombin III Human
Apixaban
Apomorphine
Ardeparin
Aripiprazole
Aripiprazole Lauroxil
Arsenic Trioxide
Artemether
Asenapine
Aspirin
Astemizole
Azithromycin
Bedaquiline
Bemiparin
Benzhydrocodone
Benzphetamine
Bivalirudin
Bromfenac
Bufexamac
Buprenorphine
Bupropion
Buserelin
Butorphanol
Cangrelor
Celecoxib
Ceritinib
Certoparin
Chloramphenicol
Chloroquine
Chlorpromazine
Choline Salicylate
Cilostazol
Cimetidine
Ciprofloxacin
Clarithromycin
Clofazimine
Clomipramine
Clonixin
Clopidogrel
Clozapine
Codeine
Crizotinib
Cyclobenzaprine
Dabrafenib
Dalteparin
Danaparoid
Dasatinib
Defibrotide
Degarelix
Delamanid
Dermatan Sulfate
Desirudin
Deslorelin
Desmopressin
Desvenlafaxine
Deutetrabenazine
Dexfenfluramine
Dexibuprofen
Dexketoprofen
Dextroamphetamine
Dextromethorphan
Diclofenac
Dicumarol
Diflunisal
Dihydrocodeine
Dipyridamole
Dipyrone
Disopyramide
Dofetilide
Dolasetron
Domperidone
Donepezil
Droperidol
Droxicam
Duloxetine
Edoxaban
Efavirenz
Eletriptan
Encorafenib
Enoxaparin
Entrectinib
Epoprostenol
Eptifibatide
Erythromycin
Escitalopram
Eslicarbazepine Acetate
Esomeprazole
Etodolac
Etofenamate
Etoricoxib
Felbamate
Felbinac
Fenfluramine
Fenoprofen
Fentanyl
Fepradinol
Feprazone
Fexinidazole
Fingolimod
Flecainide
Floctafenine
Flufenamic Acid
Fluoxetine
Flurbiprofen
Fluvoxamine
Fondaparinux
Formoterol
Foscarnet
Fostemsavir
Frovatriptan
Gatifloxacin
Gemifloxacin
Glasdegib
Gonadorelin
Goserelin
Granisetron
Halofantrine
Haloperidol
Heparin
Histrelin
Hydrocodone
Hydromorphone
Hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxytryptophan
Hydroxyzine
Ibuprofen
Ibutilide
Iloperidone
Iloprost
Indomethacin
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
Iobenguane I 123
Iobenguane I 131
Itraconazole
Ivabradine
Ivosidenib
Ketoprofen
Ketorolac
Lansoprazole
Lapatinib
Lasmiditan
Lefamulin
Lenvatinib
Leuprolide
Levofloxacin
Levomilnacipran
Levorphanol
Lisdexamfetamine
Lithium
Lofexidine
Lopinavir
Lorcaserin
Lornoxicam
Loxoprofen
Lumefantrine
Lumiracoxib
Macimorelin
Meclofenamate
Mefenamic Acid
Mefloquine
Meloxicam
Meperidine
Metaxalone
Methadone
Methamphetamine
Metronidazole
Mifepristone
Milnacipran
Mirtazapine
Mobocertinib
Modafinil
Morniflumate
Morphine
Morphine Sulfate Liposome
Moxifloxacin
Nabumetone
Nadroparin
Nafarelin
Nalbuphine
Naproxen
Naratriptan
Nepafenac
Niflumic Acid
Nilotinib
Nimesulide
Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
Norfloxacin
Nortriptyline
Octreotide
Ofloxacin
Omeprazole
Ondansetron
Osilodrostat
Osimertinib
Oxaliplatin
Oxaprozin
Oxcarbazepine
Oxycodone
Oxymorphone
Oxyphenbutazone
Ozanimod
Paliperidone
Palonosetron
Panobinostat
Pantoprazole
Parecoxib
Parnaparin
Paroxetine
Pasireotide
Pazopanib
Pentamidine
Pentazocine
Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium
Phenindione
Phenprocoumon
Phenylbutazone
Piketoprofen
Pimavanserin
Piroxicam
Pitolisant
Ponesimod
Pranoprofen
Prasugrel
Probenecid
Procainamide
Prochlorperazine
Proglumetacin
Promethazine
Propafenone
Propyphenazone
Proquazone
Protriptyline
Quetiapine
Quinidine
Quinine
Ranolazine
Remifentanil
Reviparin
Ribociclib
Risperidone
Rivaroxaban
Rizatriptan
Rofecoxib
Safinamide
Salicylic Acid
Salsalate
Saquinavir
Selexipag
Selpercatinib
Sertraline
Sevoflurane
Sibutramine
Siponimod
Sodium Phosphate
Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic
Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic
Sodium Salicylate
Solifenacin
Sorafenib
Sotalol
St John’s Wort
Sufentanil
Sulfinpyrazone
Sulindac
Sumatriptan
Sunitinib
Tacrolimus
Tapentadol
Telithromycin
Tenoxicam
Tetrabenazine
Tiaprofenic Acid
Ticagrelor
Ticlopidine
Tinzaparin
Tirofiban
Tolfenamic Acid
Tolmetin
Topiramate
Toremifene
Tramadol
Trazodone
Treprostinil
Triclabendazole
Trifluoperazine
Trimipramine
Triptorelin
Tryptophan
Valdecoxib
Vandetanib
Vardenafil
Vemurafenib
Vilazodone
Vinflunine
Voclosporin
Vorapaxar
Voriconazole
Vortioxetine
Warfarin
Zolmitriptan
Zuclopenthixol

Utilizing citalopram in conjunction with any of the following medications can increase the chance of having certain side effects, but taking both medicines could be the most effective treatment for you. If both medications are prescribed by your doctor, they might alter the dosage or frequency at which you take one or both medications.

Desipramine
Ginkgo
Imipramine
Irinotecan
Metoprolol
Rifampin

Interactions with alcohol/food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medications are not recommended to be taken at or in conjunction with having food items or eating particular kinds of food as interactions could happen. Smoking or drinking alcohol in conjunction together with certain medications can create interactions. The below interactions were selected because of their potential importance and may not be all-inclusive.

Other medical issues

The presence of medical conditions can affect the usage of citalopram. Be sure to inform your doctor if there are any other medical conditions particularly:

Bipolar disorder (mood disorder accompanied by depression and mania)
Problems with bleeding
Glaucoma or angle-closure
Hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood)
History of mania
History of Seizures – Use with care. Could make these conditions more severe.

Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
Heart attack
Heart failure
Heart rhythm problems (eg, congenital long QT syndrome)
Hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood)
Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels in the blood)–Use with care. The side effects could get worse.

Kidney disease
Use with cautiousness. The effects could be increased due to the slower elimination of the medication in the human body.

The proper use of citalopram

Utilize citalopram according to the instructions of your doctor to help your health as much as is possible. Don’t take too much than you need, do not use it more frequently, and don’t use it for a longer period than what your doctor has ordered.

Citalopram is recommended to come with a Medication Manual. Learn and follow these guidelines attentively. Consult your physician or pharmacist should you have any concerns.

Citalopram can be taken either with or without meals. If your physician advises that you take the medication at a particular time, adhere to your physician’s instructions.

If you’re using oral liquid shake the bottle thoroughly prior to taking each dose. Make use of a measuring spoon marked or an oral syringe or cup to count each dose. The standard teaspoon used in the home may not be able to hold the correct quantity of liquid.

It’s possible to have to take citalopram for about a month or more before you start getting better.

Dosing

The dosage of citalopram may differ in different people. Follow the doctor’s instructions or the instructions in the prescription. The information below is only the most common doses of the drug citalopram. If your dosage is different, don’t alter it unless your physician advises you to do so.

The quantity of medication you are taking is determined by how strong the drug is. In addition, the number of doses that you are taking each day, the interval between doses, and the amount of time you use the medication are contingent on the medical issue for which you’re taking the medication.

To take oral dose forms (solution or tablet):
- For depression:
  - Adults: At the beginning, the dosage is 20 milligrams (mg) every day and taken either during the day or in the evening. Your doctor can alter the dose if needed. But, the dosage is typically not greater than 40 mg daily.
  - Older adults – 20 mg once per day, whether taken at the beginning of the day or in the evening.
  - Children: Use and dosage should be determined by your physician.

Missed dose

If you are missing a dose of citalopram do it as quickly as you are able. But, if it’s close to the time for the next dose, you can skip the missed dose, and go back to your usual dosage schedule. Do not take double doses.

Storage

Place the medicine in a tightly sealed container that is kept at room temperature and away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Avoid getting frozen.

Keep your items out of reach of children.

Avoid keeping outdated medicines or medications that are no longer needed.

Discuss with your doctor to tell you how to dispose of any medication you don’t make use of.

Cautions when taking the drug citalopram

It is crucial to have your doctor monitor your progress on a regular basis in order to permit adjustments in your dosage and to minimize any adverse consequences. Tests for blood may be required to determine if you have any unwanted side effects.

Don’t take citalopram in conjunction with a monoamine oxide (MAO) inhibitor (eg isocarboxazid [Marplan(r)and linezolid (Zyvox(r)) and Methylene blue injection, the phenelzine [Nardil(r)and selegiline [Eldepryl(r)[Eldepryl(r)], Tranylcypromine [Parnate(r )]). Don’t begin taking citalopram in the 14 days following the time you stop taking an MAO inhibitor. You must wait 14 days after stopping citalopram before beginning an MAO inhibitor. If you combine them or fail to take them in the appropriate duration it is possible to experience anxiety, confusion, anxiety, stomach or intestinal symptoms, a sudden increase in body temperature, extremely high blood pressure, or even severe seizures.

Avoid taking pimozide (Orap(r)) at the time the medication is citalopram. Combining these medications could result in grave heart issues.

Citalopram can cause a severe disorder known as serotonin syndrome when taken in combination with other medications. Avoid citalopram when taking buspirone (Buspar(r)) and Fentanyl (Abstral(r), Duragesic(r)) Lithobid (Eskalith(r), Lithobid(r)) Methylene blue injector, tryptophan St John’s wort, amphetamines and some migraine or pain medications (eg rizatriptan sumatriptan tramadol Frova(r), Imitrex(r), Maxalt(r), Relpax(r), Ultram(r), Zomig(r)). Talk to your doctor prior to taking any other medications that contain citalopram.

Citalopram can cause teenagers or young adults to become upset, angry, or exhibit other unusual behavior. It could also trigger individuals to experience suicidal thoughts and inclinations or to be more depressed. People who suffer from depression may experience difficulty sleeping, experience anxiety or experience a significant increase in energy levels, or begin to behave recklessly. If you or someone you care for observe any of these symptoms, consult your physician immediately. Inform your doctor that you or someone else within your family has Bipolar Disorder (manic-depressive) or attempted attempt suicide.

Consult your physician immediately If you notice any changes in your heartbeat. You might feel dizzy, faint, or be experiencing a rapid heartbeat, pounding, or an irregular heartbeat. Check with your physician whether you or someone in your family has suffered from a heart rhythm issue like QT prolongation, or a heart beat is slow.

Do not abruptly stop using citalopram before consulting with your physician. Your doctor may advise you to gradually decrease the dosage you’re taking before stopping completely. This will reduce the risk of developing withdrawal symptoms, such as breathing difficulties, agitation chest discomfort, confusion, diarrhea dizziness or lightheadedness quick heartbeat, headaches and sweating more frequently muscles nausea, restlessness running nose, difficulty sleeping, shaking, or trembling excessive weakening or fatigue and vision changes or vomiting.

Citalopram can increase the chance of having bleeding issues. Check with your physician whether you’re using other medications that thin blood, such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs (also known as NSAIDs) (eg, diclofenac, ibuprofen naproxen Advil(r), Aleve(r), Celebrex(r), Voltaren(r)) or warfarin (Coumadin(r), Jantoven(r)).

Citalopram could result in hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood). This is more prevalent in older people or those taking diuretic medication to treat high blood pressure or with a lower amount of fluids in the body due to severe vomiting or diarrhea. Consult your physician now if you are experiencing trouble with your head, confusion and memory problems, difficulties getting your attention, feeling weak, or a feeling of unsteadiness when standing.

The consumption of alcohol is not recommended for patients taking citalopram.

Citalopram could cause some individuals to feel drowsy, experience difficulty thinking, or be unable to move. Be sure to know what your reaction is to citalopram before driving or using machinery or engaging in any activity which could be risky in the event that you aren’t alert or coordinated.

The doctor might want to keep track of your child’s height and weight since citalopram could result in a decrease in appetite and weight loss in children.

Consult your physician right immediately if you notice a decrease in attraction to sexual activity and inability or delay to get an orgasm from women, or inability to get or keep an erection with men, or decrease in sexual desire, ability, or drive. These may be signs caused by sexual dysfunction.

Do not take any other medications in the absence of discussing with your physician. This includes prescription and non-prescription (over-the-counter OTC) medicine as well as herbal (eg, St. John’s wort) or vitamin supplements.

Citalopram side effects

Alongside its necessary effects, some medicines may produce unwanted side adverse effects. While not all of these adverse effects can be observed, if they occur, they could require medical attention.

Talk to your doctor immediately If any of these negative side effects occur:

More commonly

Problems or changes in discharge of semen

Less popular

Agitation
blurred vision
confusion
less interest in sexual encounters
The fever
inability to get or maintain the ability to maintain an
an increase in the frequency of urination or the amount of urine produced
Lack of emotion
lack of sexual capability motivation, desire or loss of sexual ability, desire, drive or
Memory loss
Menstrual changes
Itching or skin rash
Trouble breathing

Rare

Change in behavior similar to that of a drunk
bleeding gums
breast tenderness, enlargement, or unusual production of milk (in females)
chills
Inability or delay to get an orgasm
diarrhea
trouble focusing
fainting or dizziness
Drowsiness
an increase in appetite
Increased thirst
irregular heartbeat
Insufficiency of energy
Lethargy
nosebleed
Reflexes that are overactive
UTIs that are painful
poor coordination
Red or purple spots on the skin
rapid weight gain
Eyes that are red or irritated
Itching, redness, tenderness burning, or peeling of the skin
seizures
Shivering
A heartbeat that is slow or irregular (less than 50 beats per min)
sore throat
stupor
sweating
swelling of the ankles, face, or hands
speaking or acting in the enthusiasm that you can’t be in control of
shaking, shaking or shaking or
issues with holding urine or releasing it.
unexpected or sudden body or face actions or poses
unusual weakness or fatigue

The exact cause is not known.

Leg or back pain
Black, tarry stools
Bloating
Bloody stool
The chest may be tight or hurt.
inconsistency regarding timing, location, or the individual
constipation
cough
Urine that is darkened
hard or fast breathing
difficulty swallowing
I’m drooling
heartbeats that are slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
general body swelling
A hive-like swelling appears on the eyelids, face, and lips. or the throat
Itching, hives
believing in falsehoods that cannot be altered by facts
impaired consciousness, which can range from a coma to confusion
indigestion
Loss of appetite
Loss of bladder control
loss of consciousness
muscles cramps or spasms
Tightness in the muscles
muscles jerking or twitching
long or painful erection of the penis
pale skin
penile erections that are regular or ongoing
The swelling or puffiness of the eyelids, around the eyes or lips or the tongue
recurrent fainting
Muscles move in a rhythmic manner
being able to hear, see or sense things that aren’t being experienced, heard or felt.
breasts, or abnormal milk production
stomach pain
Itching, tenderness, pain, and skin discoloration and superficial veins in the affected region
total body jerking
Uncontrolled twitching, twisting, and twitching repetitions of lips, tongues, and arms or legs
Uncontrolled jerking or twisting movements
Unusual excitement
Bloody vomit or material that resembles coffee grounds
eyelids or the skin

Certain side effects can be experienced but they usually do not require medical treatment. These side effects can be eliminated after treatment, as the body adapts. Additionally, your doctor might be able to inform you of ways to avoid or lessen certain adverse effects. Talk to your physician for any of these symptoms persist or become uncomfortable or if you have concerns regarding these:

More popular

A decrease in sexual desire or capability
Sleepiness or unusual tiredness