What is Citalopram?

Citalopram, also known as Celexa, is an antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class. Severe depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and social phobia are all handled with it. It may take one to four weeks for the antidepressant effects to appear.


Citalopram Uses

  • Type of Drug: Antidepressant.
  • Benefits: Raises energy levels and improves mood.
  • Mechanism: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that restores the balance of serotonin in the brain.

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How to Use Citalopram HBR

Before Taking:

  • Read the Prescription Guide and Patient Information Leaflet.
  • Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Dosage Instructions

  • Take as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning or evening.
  • Can be taken with or without food.
  • Recommended daily dose: 40 milligrams.
  • Use a special measuring device/spoon for liquid form to ensure correct dosage.
  • Your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase it.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions precisely.
  • Do not increase your dose or take it more frequently than prescribed.

Directions To Take Citalopram HBR

  • Take the medication regularly for best results.
  • Take it at the same time every day to help you remember.
  • Keep taking the medication even if you feel well.
  • Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor.
  • Abruptly stopping can worsen your condition and cause symptoms like mood swings, headaches, tiredness, sleep shifts, and electric shock-like sensations.
  • Your doctor may gradually reduce your dose to prevent these symptoms.
  • It can take 1 to 4 weeks to notice a difference.
  • Full benefits may take several weeks.

Essential Precautions for Using Citalopram

Allergies:

  • Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Citalopram, escitalopram, or any other substances.
  • Inactive ingredients may cause allergic reactions or other problems.

Medical History:

  • Inform your doctor about any personal or family history of:
  • Bipolar/manic-depressive disorder
  • Suicide attempts
  • Liver disease
  • Seizures
  • Low sodium levels in the blood
  • Peptic ulcer disease
  • Glaucoma (angle-closure type)

Heart Rhythm Disorder:

  • QT prolongation can cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (e.g: extreme dizziness, fainting).
  • Risk may be increased with certain medical conditions or medications.
  • Low potassium or magnesium levels can also increase risk.

Drowsiness and Blurred Vision:

  • Citalopram can cause drowsiness or blurred vision.
  • Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can exacerbate these effects.
  • Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing tasks that require alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can do so safely.
  • Avoid alcoholic drinks and consult your doctor if using marijuana.

Older Adults:

  • More susceptible to side effects such as bleeding, loss of coordination, and QT prolongation.
  • Higher risk of hyponatremia (salt deficiency), especially if taking diuretics.
  • Increased risk of falls due to lack of control.

Children:

  • More vulnerable to side effects such as appetite loss and weight loss.
  • Monitor weight and height in children taking this medication.

Pregnancy:

  • Should be taken during pregnancy only if absolutely necessary.
  • May harm the unborn child and cause withdrawal symptoms in newborns if taken during the last three months of pregnancy.
  • Consult your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Citalopram during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding:

  • Citalopram can pass into breast milk and may have adverse effects on a nursing baby.
  • Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

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Citalopram vs Fluoxetine

Citalopram Fluoxetine
Citalopram, sold under the brand name Celexa Fluoxetine is sold under the brand names Prozac and Sarafem
Molecular Formula: C20H21FN2O Formula: C17H18F3NO
Citalopram is is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class Fluoxetine is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class
Citalopram is an antidepressant drug. It will raise your energy levels and make you feel better. Citalopram is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor that is selective (SSRI). It is used for treating the major depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Molecular Weight: 324.4 g/mol Molecular Weight: 309.33 g/mol

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is citalopram used for?

Citalopram is an antidepressant drug. It will raise your energy levels and make you feel better. Citalopram is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor that is selective (SSRI). This medicine works by restoring the balance of a natural drug in the brain called serotonin.

2. What are the side effects of citalopram?

Common side effects are -problems with memory or concentration, headache, drowsiness, dry mouth, increased sweating, numbness, or tingling.

3. Is citalopram a powerful antidepressant?

According to a new review, Citalopram outperforms all other antidepressants except escitalopram for acute phase depression. Citalopram (brand names: Cipramil and Celexa) is an antidepressant in the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

4. Is citalopram good for anxiety?

Citalopram is an antidepressant medication that is often prescribed to treat mood and anxiety disorders. Celexa is the brand name of citalopram that belongs to a class of antidepressants also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

5. Does citalopram cause weight gain?

Earlier studies have suggested that it is average when it comes to weight gain. In this study, the weight gain experienced by people taking citalopram averaged between one and two pounds. Compared to citalopram, the weight gain associated with other antidepressants was small.

6. What does 20 mg of citalopram do?

Citalopram is used for the treatment of depression. It may improve your level of energy and well-being. Citalopram is known to be a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This medicine works by restoring the balance of a certain natural substance called serotonin in the brain.

7. Is citalopram a sedative?

Citalopram selectively inhibits serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) reuptake, which enhances serotonergic neurotransmission and is associated with clinical antidepressant effects. In some cases, hair loss appears to accelerate when the antidepressant dose is increased.

8. How long should you take citalopram?

Most people have been taking citalopram for 6 months. In some cases, however, the doctor may prescribe this substance for a period of 9 months. Long-term use of antidepressants may put people at risk for type 2 diabetes, and higher doses of SSRIs may cause heart rhythm abnormalities.

9. Is citalopram bad for your liver?

Liver test abnormalities have been reported to occur in less than 1% of patients with citalopram, and elevations are usually modest and rarely require dose modification or discontinuation.


Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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