Citalopram: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What medicine is Citalopram?

What is citalopram for?

Citalopram is a drug to treat depression. This drug belongs to the SSRI class of antidepressant drugs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) which work to restore the serotonin balance in the brain, thereby increasing your energy and feelings.

Citalopram is a drug only prescribed by doctors. Use this medication for the conditions listed below only if it has been prescribed by your doctor and health care professional.

The citalopram dosage and the side effects of citalopram are described further below.

How do I use citalopram?

Read the drug's guide and the Patient Information Leaflet provided by the pharmacy, if available, before you get this medication and each time you buy again. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication should be taken by mouth usually three times a day, with or without food. If your stomach hurts easily, you should eat before taking the medicine.

The dose of medication you take depends on your health condition, response to the drug, age, laboratory test results, and other medications you are currently taking. Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about any medications you are currently taking (prescription or not, as well as herbal remedies). Do not increase or decrease the dose from what has been prescribed because the risk of side effects is very large. Don't take more than 40 mg per day.

If you are taking liquid medicine, use a packaging spoon or other measuring device to get the correct dosage. Do not use a kitchen spoon to take medicine.

To reduce side effects, your doctor will usually give you a low dose at the start of use and increase it periodically. Always follow your doctor's instructions for optimal results. It is better if this medicine is taken at the same time every day.

Keep taking this drug for the specified time period even though your health condition has improved. Do not stop using it without telling your doctor because it can cause side effects. You will likely experience mood swings, headaches, fatigue, changes in sleep time, and feel stung after taking this medicine. Consult your doctor for more information and report any time your condition worsens.

It can take 1 to 4 weeks to feel the benefits of this drug and it may take several more weeks for optimal results.

How is Citalopram stored?

Citalopram is a drug that should be stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Citalopram dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of citalopram for adults?

To treat depression in adults:

• Initial dose: 20 mg orally once a day
• Follow-up dose: 20 to 40 mg per day. The dose can be increased up to 20 mg, but not for more than one week and not to exceed 40 mg per day.

Dosage for depression in the elderly:

Take this drug as much as 20 mg per day. This is the maximum dosage for seniors aged 60 years and over.

What is the dose of citalopram for children?

D osis treat depression in pediatric:

Children 11 years and over:

Initial dose: Take 10 mg of this drug once daily, the dose will be increased by another 5 mg per day every two weeks if needed. The doses per day range from 20 to 40 mg.

Children 12 to 18 years of age:

Initial dose: Take 20 mg orally once a day. Increase dosage to 10 mg per day every two weeks if needed. The dosage range per day is 20-40 mg.

In what dosage is Citalopram available?

Citalopram is a drug that is available in a 20 mg tablet dosage

Citalopram side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to citalopram?

The side effects of citalopram are generally associated with changes in mental state. Common and normal side effects include:

• Feel tired and easily sleepy.
• Troubled sleep.
• Mild nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, and dry mouth.
• Nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat, and cough.
• Easy sweating and frequent urination; changes in weight.
• Decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty orgasming.

This medication can also change mood and behavior, such as easily becoming anxious and panicking, or easily feeling depressed and angry, aggressive, hyperactive (mental and physical). Some people report suicidal thoughts and self-harm after taking this medicine. Report any symptoms to your doctor, especially if you feel suicidal.

Call your doctor immediately if:

• Stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, unstable heartbeat, seizures, feeling faint
• Agitation, hallucinations, hyperactivity, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of balance
• Headache followed by chest pain, lethargy, unconsciousness and palpitations
• Headaches, slacking speech, no energy, muscle cramps, imbalance, seizures, and difficulty breathing

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Citalopram Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using citalopram?

Before using this drug, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. To take this drug, pay attention to the following:

1. Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

2. Use in children

There is no adequate research into the risks of using this medicine in children. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medicine.

3. Use in the elderly

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in elderly patients. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. However, elderly patients may suffer from hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels). Need to adjust the dosage before consumption.

Is Citalopram safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A = No risk, B = not at risk in several studies, C = May be risky, D = There is positive evidence of risk, X = Contraindicated, N = Unknown

Citalopram Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Citalopram?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Abciximab
• Aceclofenac
• Lipid Microsphere
• Phenindione
• Phenprocoumon
• Phenylbutazone
• Piketoprofen
• Piroxicam

Can food or alcohol interact with Citalopram?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Citalopram?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Bipolar disorder (mood disorder and depression).
• Bleeding.
• Glaucoma.
• Hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood).
• Convulsions.
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate) and heart rate problems (eg congenital long QT syndrome).
• Heart attack.
• Heart failure.
• Hypokalemia (low levels of potassium in the blood).
• Hypomagnesemia (low blood magnesium levels).
• Kidney illness.
• Liver disease (liver)

Citalopram overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Here are the symptoms of an overdose:

• Tired.
• Sweating.
• Nausea.
• Throws up.
• Erratic seizures.
• Easily sleepy.
• Heartbeat uncontrollable.
• Memory loss.
• Confusion.
• Coma (loss of consciousness).
• Hard to breathe.
• Mouth, fingers and nails turn blue.
• Muscle ache.
• Dark urine.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.