Citalopram: Drug Information

Generic name: Citalopram

Brand Name: Celexa

Other names: C-Talo, Celica, Citadep, Ctalomine, Citara, Citola, Feliz, Madam, Palocit, Topdep, Zetalo

Drug Class: Selective Serotonin reuptake Inhibitor, Antidepressant

Uses of Citalopram:

Citalopram hydrobromide is used in the treatment of major depressive disorder. It helps alleviate the symptoms of sadness, irritability, inability to concentrate, feelings of hopelessness, loss of appetite and melancholia.

It is not supposed to be given to patients diagnosed with bipolar depression as it can aggravate or cause a swift mood swing from a depressive to manic state. It is also used to treat patients with Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD), although it has not yet been approved by the FDA for the diagnosis of this disorder.

Citalopram belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and works by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Dosage:

Citalopram is available in the form of tablets or as liquid and can be taken with or without food at regular intervals everyday. Take this medicine as directed by your doctor in the prescribed dosage and do not stop taking it abruptly as it may worsen your present condition.

Warning and Precautions:

Do not take this medicine if you are hypersensitive to it.

Do not take this medicine if you are taking monoamine oxiase inhibitors (MAOIs).There should be a gap of at least 2 weeks after discontinuation of MAOIs prior to starting Citalopram therapy.

Intake of the drug should be immediately discontinued if the patient enters a manic phase.

This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation as it can harm the baby. Therefore, it is essential for you to tell your doctor in case you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or nursing before taking Citalopram.

Drug Interactions:

Caution is advised when co-administering Citalopram with lithium and tryptophan.Cimetidine causes a moderate increase in the average steady state levels when taken with Citalopram.

Side effects of Citalopram:

Some of the most common side effects of the drug include headache, tremor, increased sweating, dizziness, somnolence, insomnia, nervousness, agitation, constipation, diarrhea, palpitation, asthenia, rash, pruritus, paraesthesia, migraine, abnormal vision, sleep disorder, impaired concentration, altered taste, decreased libido, vivid dreams, amnesia, confusion, vomiting, anxiety, increased salivation, rhinitis, fatigue, dyspepsia, anorexia and apathy.