Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Citalopram

Citalopram: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Citalopram?

Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, and various mood disorders. The drug is effective in treating depression and general anxiety disorder, with benefit onset within a week or two of initiating treatment. This is a highly effective medication that is considered a first-line option for treating depression and anxiety.

What are the uses of Citalopram?

The drug treats depression, panic disorder, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. 

It’s also used to help those who have had a section of their stomach or uterus surgically removed.

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    What are the side effects of Citalopram?

    Not everybody experiences side effects, but it is essential to be aware of some of them too, so you can notify your doctor if you experience them. 

    Minor side effects

    • Nausea
    • Constipation
    • Headache
    • Drowsiness
    • Dry mouth 
    • Insomnia
    • Erectile dysfunction

    Serious side effects

    • Seizures
    • Changes in appetite
    • Changes in the frequency of urination
    • Decreased sex drive
    • Impotence 
    • High blood pressure

    Call the doctor immediately if experiencing vomiting, shaking, fast heart rate, or fits/ seizures.

    What is Citalopram

    Uses of Citalopram

    Side effects of Citalopram

    References

    1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1353802099000504
    2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12454683_Citalopram_-_A_review_of_pharmacological_and_clinical_effects
    3. https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/docs/default-source/mental-health/treatments-and-wellbeing/print-outs/stopping-antidepressant-printable.pdf
    4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12454683_Citalopram_-_A_review_of_pharmacological_and_clinical_effects
    5. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Citalopram
    6. https://www.drugs.com/monograph/citalopram.html

    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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    Frequently Asked Questions about Citalopram

    Citalopram is a class of medicines used to treat depression and panic disorder symptoms such as excessive fear, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, or trembling/shaking. Citalopram helps regulate the balance of a chemical stimulant (serotonin) and helps restore the balance between chemicals in the brain.

    Yes. Citalopram is known to cause high blood pressure. It is one of the rare side effects of citalopram. As it blocks the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, it causes an imbalance in the way the neural cells use serotonin, which causes high blood pressure.

    Citalopram can affect the levels of various hormones, including thyroid hormone. Citalopram can affect the thyroid, but not to an extent where it causes any major health concerns. Because of how nausea works, your body produces fewer thyroid hormones when you are vomiting or nauseous.

    If you consecutively feel better for six months or more, reduce your dose gradually over several weeks to help prevent extra side effects. You should not discontinue this medicine without discussing it with your doctor, as withdrawal symptoms might be severe.

    Citalopram may cause some people to be irritable. This medication may cause aggressive behavior or hostility for adolescents and young adults that can disrupt daily life. You should also remember that this drug might cause people of this age range to become increasingly depressed or experience suicidal ideation.

    Citalopram can interfere with dopamine transmission in the brain and cause symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease. Physicians should warn patients against taking Citalopram with any kind of medication. When dopamine levels increase or decrease in your brain, you could end up experiencing symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.

    Citalopram has been linked to daytime sedation and could improve the quality of sleep in depressed patients. Common side effects such as sedation, drowsiness, feeling tired, dry mouth, and sweating may also occur for several weeks during the dosage.

    Citalopram is used to help treat anxiety and depression. It will not work immediately and may take a few weeks for you to notice any improvements. Some people experience some side effects while they're on Citalopram. You can talk about it with your doctor if necessary.

    Citalopram helps you feel calm and relaxed. It could take a little while, but it should have the desired effect. That includes reducing any anger outbursts or destructive ways you might have been using to cope with being tense and worried.

    Citalopram, an antidepressant commonly prescribed for treating behavioural problems, does not specifically target anger or rage within the body. Still, it can have a calming effect that might help you control your emotions during times of extremely high stress or anxiety.

    Citalopram is a safe drug when used with a guided Doctor’s prescription. The effect of this drug is intended to support your ability to regulate your emotions. As it relates to Prozac, Celexa, or Zoloft medications, these drugs are used specifically to facilitate appropriate control of one's rage.

    Citalopram is not strong or inferior to other antidepressants. However, some people respond better to one antidepressant than another. If you are still not feeling better after six weeks, consult your doctor.

    10mg citalopram is effective for depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. SSRIs cause an increase in the number of serotonin receptors and binding sites within the central nervous system. This leads to a clinical improvement of the patient. So, 10mg of Citalopram will most definitely be effective.