Sometimes, it is not normal to feel sad, anxious, or not want to do anything. This could be a mental condition called depression. So if your doctor has prescribed you a medicine called Citalopram for this condition, you may be a little scared and curious about it. You may have many questions like "What will happen with this?", "Are there any side effects?". That is why I have come up with this description today to answer all those questions. Let's talk about this medicine simply and clearly.
What is Citalopram?
Simply put, Citalopram is a medication that is used to treat mental conditions like depression. Let's understand what this does.
Imagine that there is a little messenger inside our brain that helps us feel happy, calm, and in a good mood. Its name is serotonin. In conditions like depression, the work of this messenger called serotonin is disrupted. What Citalopram does is increase the level of serotonin in the brain and improve your mood.
This medication belongs to a class of drugs called SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) . Although the name is a bit complicated, it refers to the same process that I mentioned earlier, which is to increase serotonin levels. Sometimes, doctors may prescribe this medication for other medical conditions as well.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Although Citalopram is a very safe drug, it may interact with other medical conditions you may have. Therefore, before starting this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Any medical condition you or someone in your family has | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Bipolar disorder or family history | This medication can sometimes worsen bipolar disorder, so a proper diagnosis is very important. |
| Bleeding disorders or taking medication that prevents blood clotting | Citalopram may slightly increase the risk of bleeding, so it is important to inform your doctor about this condition. |
| A history of heart disease or irregular heartbeat | In some cases, this medication can affect the heart rhythm, so it is important to inform about heart disease. |
| Glaucoma condition | This can affect glaucoma, a condition that increases eye pressure. |
| Liver or kidney disease | These diseases affect the process of removing medication from the body, so the dosage may need to be changed. |
| Low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood | This is important to be aware of, as it can affect heart rate. |
| Having had seizures before | Although rare, this medicine may affect the risk of seizures. |
| If you or someone in your family has had suicidal thoughts | This is very important. The doctor should be especially careful about this. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is essential to seek medical advice before taking any medication during pregnancy. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | The ingredients in the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk, so it's important to talk to your doctor. |
| If you have allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | This is important to confirm whether you are allergic to Citalopram or any of its ingredients. |
How should I take the medicine?
The method of using this medicine is very simple, but it is very important to follow the instructions exactly.
- Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the capsule.
- You can take this with or without food.
- Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day. That way, you won't forget and you can keep the medicine levels in your body consistent.
The most important thing is, do not stop taking this medicine suddenly unless your doctor tells you to. Doing so may cause discomfort and make your condition worse.
Special occasions
- Children: If this medicine is given to young children, special supervision by a doctor is required.
- People over 60 years of age: The doctor may prescribe a lower dose because the body may react differently in older people.
What to do if you overdose?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, that is, more than the prescribed dose, do not take it lightly. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is very close to your next dose (e.g., only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. Never take two doses at once.
Other medications that may interact with Citalopram (Interactions)
Other medications you take may interact with Citalopram. This can cause side effects or change the way the medicine works. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Medicines that should never be taken together with Citalopram | |
|---|---|
| |
| Things to use with caution and things that may cause interactions | |
| Alcohol | It may increase drowsiness and dizziness. It is best to avoid alcohol while taking this medication. |
| NSAIDs (painkillers) | Medications like Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Aspirin. These can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with Citalopram. |
| Anticoagulant | Medicines such as Warfarin, Dalteparin, Enoxaparin. The risk of bleeding can be significantly increased. |
| Medication for other mental illnesses | Other antidepressants, such as lithium, may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when taken together. |
| Some anti-infectives and antifungals | Medicines like Clarithromycin and Ketoconazole. |
| Some supplements | Herbal supplements such as St. John's wort. |
This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about every medicine, herb, and vitamin you take.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Patience is important: It can take several weeks (maybe 4-6) to see the full effects of this medication. So don't stop taking it just because you don't feel much difference in the first few days. Don't panic, and continue using it as your doctor has told you.
- Medical tests: Go to the clinics regularly as prescribed by your doctor and check your condition.
- Suicidal thoughts: This is very important. Pay close attention to whether your suicidal thoughts or depression get worse , especially when you first start taking this medication or after changing your dose. If you experience sudden changes in your mood or behavior (e.g., agitation, irritability, restlessness), tell your doctor or a trusted person right away.
- Driving and using machines: This medicine may reduce your alertness and reaction time. It may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore , avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery until you know how this affects you.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common side effect. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on a candy, and drinking small amounts of water throughout the day can help.
Let's learn about side effects.
Like all medicines, Citalopram can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some are minor, while others need immediate attention.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/dark brown urine, red/purple spots on the skin, and unexplained bruising. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint, chest pain. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Confusion, agitation, excessive sweating, fever, muscle stiffness or tremors, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Decreased sodium levels in the blood | Muscle weakness, extreme fatigue, headaches, confusion. |
| Vision changes | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights. |
| Suicidal thoughts | Thoughts of harming yourself, worsening mood. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome: | |
| |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned on this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep it in a safe place out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (20-25°C) , away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture.
- Do not use medication that has passed its expiration date .
- Ask your doctor about how to properly dispose of unwanted or expired medications. Flushing them down the toilet or putting them in the trash is not always appropriate.
Take-Home Message
- Citalopram is an SSRI medication used for depression. It increases serotonin levels in the brain, improving your mood.
- Do not stop taking this medication suddenly for any reason without your doctor's advice.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and any other medications you are taking.
- Be aware of any changes in your mood or suicidal thoughts, especially during the first few weeks of taking the medication. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
- It may take several weeks to feel the full effects of the medication, so be patient and continue using it.
- If you have any questions, fears, or doubts about this medication, don't keep it to yourself, but talk to your doctor openly.
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