Citalopram hydrobromide (
Celexa®) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of
depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression).
Side Effects of Citalopram
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects.
However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects of citalopram include:
(Click Citalopram Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of the drug, including serious side effects to look out for.)
You can also read about possible citalopram side effects by clicking on the following links:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking It?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Citalopram is part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or
SSRIs for short. SSRIs, such as citalopram, act on a specific chemical within the brain known as serotonin. Serotonin is one of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.
As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release serotonin. The serotonin enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough serotonin reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any serotonin that remains in the gap between cells. This is called "reuptake."
Normally, this process works without any problems. When the levels of serotonin become unbalanced, however, it can cause a variety of conditions, including
depression. Citalopram helps to block the reuptake of serotonin so more serotonin remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the serotonin a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell.
Studies have shown citalopram to be effective for
depression treatment in adults. People who took it showed more improvement in
depression symptoms compared to people not taking the medicine. Also, long-term studies have shown that fewer people taking citalopram relapse (have their depression come back) than people not taking it.
When and How to Take Citalopram
Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
- Citalopram comes in tablets and also as a liquid form. It is taken by mouth usually once a day.
- If the medication makes you drowsy, try taking it before bedtime. If it causes insomnia for you, try taking it in the morning.
- You can take it with or without food. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Citalopram should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For the medicine to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of citalopram that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Citalopram can potentially interact with a number of medicines.
Alternatives to Citalopram
Depression, even in its most severe form, is highly treatable. As with many illnesses, getting
depression treatment early is more effective and reduces the chance of recurrence.
The most common forms of treatment for depression are medication (
antidepressants) and psychotherapy ("talk therapy"). In some cases of severe depression, healthcare providers may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some people may also try complementary or alternative treatments for depression
(see Natural Remedies for Depression).
For most people, citalopram is quite effective at treating depression. It is also generally well-tolerated. However, citalopram side effects can occur or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to citalopram. Some examples of substitute depression medications include:
- Other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
People who take too much citalopram may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Drowsiness
- Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Amnesia (memory loss)
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Trouble breathing
- Blue skin
- Muscle pain
- Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Coma
- Loss of life.
If you happen to overdose on citalopram, seek medical attention immediately.
Citalopram should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. The tablets and liquid form should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep citalopram and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your citalopram as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of citalopram.
It is manufactured by Forest Pharmaceuticals. Generic citalopram is made by several manufacturers.
Citalopram tablets are available in three strengths:
- Citalopram 10 mg tablets
- Citalopram 20 mg tablets
- Citalopram 40 mg tablets.
The liquid form of citalopram is available in one strength -- Citalopram Oral Solution 10 mg per 5 mL (equal to 10 mg per teaspoonful).
There are currently both brand-name and generic citalopram and citalopram liquid licensed for sale.
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