Citalopram
Description
Citalopram is an antidepressants.
How to Use Citalopram
Take this medication once daily, in the morning or evening, with
or without food; or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based
on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication
regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to
use it at the same time each day. Take this medication as prescribed
even if you feel well. Do not stop taking it without consulting
your doctor. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. You may
experience side effects if the drug is abruptly stopped. It may
take up to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.
Citalopram Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness,
trouble sleeping, dry mouth, muscle/joint pain, fatigue, or yawning
may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your
doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any
of these serious side effects occur: changes in sexual ability/desire,
increased sweating, persistent nausea/vomiting, uncontrolled movements
(tremor), unusual or severe mental/mood changes, weight changes.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious
side effects occur: black stools, change in frequency of menstrual
periods, "coffee-ground" vomit, confusion, easy bruising/bleeding,
fast heartbeats, seizures, vision problems. Males: In the unlikely
event you have a painful, prolonged erection (lasting more than
4 hours), stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention
or permanent problems could occur. A serious allergic reaction to
this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it
occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching,
swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Citalopram Interaction
Certain medications taken with this product could result in serious,
even fatal, drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g.,
furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine,
procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before
or after treatment with this medication. This drug should not be
used with the following medications because very serious interactions
may occur: weight loss drugs (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine). If
you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor
or pharmacist before starting citalopram. Before using this medication,
tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal
products you may use, especially of: other antidepressants (e.g.,
nefazodone, trazodone, venlafaxine), carbamazepine, cimetidine,
other drugs which can cause bleeding/bruising (e.g., thrombolytic
drugs such as TPA, anticoagulants such as heparin or warfarin, antiplatelet
drugs including NSAIDs such as ibuprofen), herbal/natural products
(e.g., melatonin, St John's wort, ayahuasca), lithium, other SSRI
antidepressants (e.g. fluoxetine, sertraline), tramadol, triptan
migraine drugs (e.g. sumatriptan, almotriptan), tricyclic antidepressants
(e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine). Tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness, such as antihistamines
that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-anxiety drugs
(e.g., diazepam), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), muscle relaxants,
narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), or psychiatric medicines
(e.g., chlorpromazine, thioridazine). Check the labels on all your
medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain
drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe
use of those products. Low-dose aspirin (usually 81-325 mg per day)
for heart attack or stroke prevention should be continued unless
otherwise directed by your doctor. Aspirin is similar to NSAID drugs,
and can increase the risk of bleeding in combination with this medication
(see above). Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Check
all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since
many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as aspirin
or naproxen) which may increase the risk of side effects. Do not
start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Citalopram Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national
poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call
their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose
may include severe dizziness, unusual sweating, persistent nausea/vomiting,
severe drowsiness, or fast heartbeat.
Citalopram Notes
Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical
tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress
or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Citalopram Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near
the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Citalopram Uses
Citalopram is an antidepressant (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
or SSRI) used in the treatment of depression in adults. It works
by restoring the balance of natural chemicals (neurotransmitters)
in the brain, thereby improving mood and feelings of well-being.
Citalopram should not be used in children or teenagers due to lack
of proven effectiveness in treating depression in children. Also,
there have been reports of hostility and thoughts of suicide or
self-harm occurring in some children using the drug.
Citalopram Other Uses
This drug is also used to treat eating disorders (anorexia nervosa,
bulimia nervosa) and other mental conditions (obsessive-compulsive
disorder, panic disorder).
Citalopram Storage
Store at room temperature between 15-25 degrees C 59-77 degrees
F away from heat and moisture.
Citalopram Precaution
Store the US product at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees
C), away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees
F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom.
Store the Canadian product at room temperature between 59-86 degrees
F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in
the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. |