Perhaps you or someone in your family has been prescribed Citalopram by your doctor as a treatment for depression. It's normal to feel a little nervous and anxious when starting a new medication. So today, let's talk briefly and honestly about what Citalopram is, how it affects our bodies, and what we need to be aware of when using this medication.
What is this Citalopram?
Simply put, Citalopram is a drug used to treat mental conditions such as depression . It belongs to a class of drugs called SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor).
Okay, now what is an SSRI? Our brain has a chemical messenger called serotonin. This helps a lot in controlling things like our mood, happiness, and calmness. In conditions like depression, this serotonin level can decrease. A drug like Citalopram helps to keep this serotonin level in the brain for a longer period of time. Through this, this drug helps to improve your mood.
Doctors may prescribe this medication for other conditions besides depression. It's best to ask your doctor for more information.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting Citalopram, it is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has any of the conditions listed below.
| Information type | What you need to inform |
|---|---|
| Mental health history | Having bipolar disorder or a family history of suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts. |
| Heart and blood related problems | Heart disease, irregular heartbeat, bleeding disorders, taking medication to prevent blood clots. |
| Other medical conditions | Glaucoma, kidney disease, liver disease, seizures, thyroid disease. |
| Blood levels and treatment | Low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood, undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). |
| Personal information and allergies | If you have an allergic reaction to Citalopram, Escitalopram or any other medicine, food, or dye. If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How should I use this medicine?
- Follow medical advice: Always take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by your doctor.
- Measure correctly: If you have received this as a solution, use only the special spoon or cup provided to measure the medicine. Do not use household teaspoons or tablespoons , as these are not accurate measurements.
- Before or after food?: This medicine can be taken with or without food. It doesn't make much difference.
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly: This is very important. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and weakness. Or your condition may get worse. If you do stop, do so under the supervision of your doctor, gradually reducing the dose.
- Overdose: If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not delay.
- What if I miss a dose?: If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give this to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Citalopram is a drug that can interact with other medications, foods, and supplements, so it's important to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
Medicines that are absolutely not good to take
If you are taking the following medications, it is not recommended to use Citalopram.
- Antidepressants called MAOIs (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl)
- Linezolid, Methylene blue (intravenous)
- Pimozide, Thioridazine
- Escitalopram (this is a drug very similar to Citalopram)
- Cisapride, Dronedarone
- Some medications for fungal infections (e.g. fluconazole, ketoconazole)
Things to be very careful about when using
Talk to your doctor about the following things, as they may cause problems when taken with Citalopram:
- Alcohol
- Aspirin and NSAID-type painkillers (e.g. Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
- Other medications that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin)
- Other antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications
- Some migraine medications (Triptan type)
- Herbal supplements - e.g. St. John's wort
- Strong painkillers like Tramadol and Fentanyl
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, or traditional medicine you take.
What should I be careful about when taking the medicine?
- Be patient: It may take several weeks for this medicine to show its full effects. So don't stop taking it just because you don't feel much difference in the first few days. Continue to use it as directed by your doctor.
- Watch for mood swings: Watch for signs of suicidal thoughts or depression, especially early in treatment or after changing your medication dosage. If you notice any sudden changes in your mood, behavior, or emotions (e.g., agitation, irritability, restlessness), call your doctor right away.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. So do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you. Especially if you are elderly, do not get up or sit up suddenly.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is common. This can be controlled by things like chewing sugarless gum and drinking plenty of water.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, Citalopram can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
| Side Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Black/tarry stools, red/dark brown urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Changes in heart rate | Rapid heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Confusion, restlessness, excessive sweating, fever, muscle stiffness/twitching, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Decreased sodium in the blood | Muscle weakness, extreme fatigue, headaches, confusion. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor side effects | Dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset, excessive sweating, tremors, changes in sexual desire or function. |
Take-Home Message
- Citalopram is a medication for depression. Always follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
- It takes several weeks for this medicine to take full effect, so be patient with the treatment.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly without medical advice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, herbal supplements, and any medical conditions you may have.
- Watch for changes in mental status (especially suicidal thoughts) early in treatment. If you notice any of these, tell your doctor immediately.
- If you take too much medicine or have a serious side effect, go to a hospital's emergency department (ETU) immediately.
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