Has your doctor prescribed you a medicine called Citalopram for depression? Or is a friend of yours using this medicine? You probably have a lot of questions about this medicine. It's actually normal. Don't worry, we'll talk about this medicine, what it does, and what to be careful about, simply, clearly, and exactly as if we were telling a friend.
What is this Citalopram?
Simply put, Citalopram is a medication used to treat depression. It belongs to a class of drugs called SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). Okay, that sounds a bit scientific, doesn't it? Let's simplify it even further.
There are chemicals in our brains that control our mood, which means happiness and calmness. Serotonin is one such important chemical messenger. When you have depression, your serotonin levels can decrease. Citalopram works by increasing the amount of serotonin in your brain, helping to improve your mood.
In addition to depression, doctors may sometimes prescribe this medication for other mental health conditions.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting Citalopram, it is very important to discuss your complete health history with your doctor. This is because some medical conditions require special care when using this medication. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Disease or condition | Special points to be informed |
|---|---|
| Mental health problems | If you or someone in your family has bipolar disorder. If you have had previous suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts. |
| Heart disease | If you have a history of any type of heart disease, especially irregular heartbeat. |
| Other medical conditions | Liver disease, kidney disease, glaucoma, seizures, thyroid disease, bleeding disorders. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | This is very important if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
| Other treatments and medications | If you are taking blood thinners. If you are receiving electroconvulsive therapy. If you are using any other medicine, vitamin, or herbal product. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to Citalopram, Escitalopram, or any other medicine, food, or coloring. |
How do you use this medicine?
- Swallow this medicine with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew the medicine. Swallow it whole.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor. This will help keep the medicine working properly.
- You can take this before or after meals.
- Most importantly: Do not stop taking your medication unless your doctor tells you to.
Even after you feel better, continue taking the medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to. If you stop taking this medicine suddenly, your symptoms may get worse and you may experience other unpleasant side effects (withdrawal symptoms).
If you are over 60 years old, you usually start with a lower dose because the effect of the medicine may be a little greater.
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 almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take double doses for any reason.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine by mistake, it is an emergency. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. You can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other medications that may interact with Citalopram (Interactions)
Citalopram can interact with many other medications. Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. Be especially careful with the medications listed below.
| Medicines that should never be taken with Citalopram | |
|---|---|
| MAOIs (an old class of medication for depression) | Pimozide, Thioridazine, Cisapride, Escitalopram (this is a drug very similar to Citalopram) |
| Medicines that must be reported to the doctor when used | |
| Blood thinners | Aspirin, Warfarin, Clopidogrel |
| Painkillers | NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Tramadol |
| Other mental health medications | Other antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, sleeping pills |
| Herbs and supplements | St. John's Wort, Tryptophan |
| Alcohol | Drinking alcohol can increase the side effects of the medication (such as drowsiness), so avoid drinking alcohol. |
Possible side effects while taking the medicine
Like any medicine, Citalopram can cause side effects. Most of the time, these are not serious and will go away as the body gets used to the medicine. But there are some things we need to be aware of.
| 🚨 Notify your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Changes in thoughts | Increased depression, suicidal thoughts, extreme restlessness, agitation, or aggression. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Confusion, rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness or twitching, excessive sweating, fever, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Other serious symptoms | Unusual bleeding (black stools, vomiting blood), changes in heart rate, sudden eye pain, blurred vision. |
| 🙂 If it persists, inform the doctor. | |
| Common side effects | Dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset, excessive sweating, tremors, changes in sexual desire or function. |
Other things to be careful about when taking medication
- It takes time to see results: It may take several weeks (maybe 4-6 weeks) to see the full results of this medication. So don't panic, just continue taking the medication as your doctor tells you.
- Drowsiness/Dizziness: You may feel drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking this medicine. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Dry mouth: If you have a dry mouth, you can find relief by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, and drinking small amounts of water throughout the day.
Take-Home Message
- Citalopram is a medication for depression that balances serotonin levels in the brain.
- Avoid stopping medication suddenly at any time without medical advice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, herbal products you take, and any medical conditions you have.
- Be very careful about any changes in your mood, especially suicidal thoughts, when you first start taking the medication. If you experience any of these, tell your doctor immediately.
- If you take too much medicine, it is an emergency. Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
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