VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: Karolina Porowska

Citalopram is a drug with antidepressant properties. It belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The preparation was first introduced to the market in 1989 by the Danish pharmaceutical company H. Lundbeck. Citalopram can be purchased by prescription in the form of tablets.

Citalopram composition

The tablet (Cipramil) contains the active ingredient citalopram (citalopram hydrobromide) and excipients: corn starch, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, copovidone, glycerol 85%, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate.

Coating: hypromellose, macrogol 400, color - titanium dioxide (E171).

Action of citalopram

Citalopram acts on serotonin transmission in the brain by blocking its transport back to the nerve cell. As a result, the level of this monoamine in the central nervous system increases.

Demonstrates minimal effect on norepinephrine, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) uptake. It does not bind to, or only slightly binds, serotonergic 5-HT1A and 5-HT2, dopaminergic D1 and D2, adrenergic a1, a2 and ß, histamine H1, muscarinic, benzodiazepine and opioid receptors.

Use of citalopram

Citalopram was used in:

  • depressed,
  • anxiety disorder with agoraphobia
  • or in other psychiatric disorders.

Indications for the use of citalopram

It is recommended to use the preparation in the treatment and prevention of recurrent depressive disorders and in anxiety disorders with anxiety attacks with agoraphobia (morbid fear of open spaces) or without it.

Contraindications to the use of citalopram

Do not use the drug if you are allergic to citalopram or if you are allergic to any of the modules listed in the formulation.

The drug is contraindicated in people with congenital heart rhythm disturbances or episodes of cardiac arrhythmias.

Do not combine the drug with alcohol, as alcohol may affect the effect of the drug.

Citalopram dosage

The drug should be used as described in the package leaflet oraccording to specific guidelines and recommendations of a doctor or pharmacist. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Precautions

Take special care when taking this medicine if you have diabetes, are receiving electroconvulsive therapy, are struggling with psychotic illness, or have previously had episodes of mania (feeling unreasonably good mood or over-excitement resulting in unusual behavior).

Stop taking citalopram if the patient goes into mania.

In addition, caution is advised in people with hepatic or renal insufficiency, patients with eye problems, slow heart rate or epilepsy.

Side effects of citalopram

Citalopram can primarily cause:

  • headaches,
  • sleepiness,
  • sleep problems,
  • dry mouth,
  • nausea,
  • loss of appetite,
  • arousal,
  • anxiety,
  • nervousness,
  • unusual dreams,
  • tremors,
  • fatigue,
  • constipation,
  • vomiting,
  • yawning,
  • increase in appetite,
  • depersonalization,
  • mania,
  • fainting,
  • increased heart rate,
  • slow heart rate,
  • rash,
  • puffiness,
  • weight gain,
  • convulsions,
  • taste disturbance,
  • involuntary movements,
  • fever
  • or suicidal thoughts.

Interaction with other drugs and diseases

In order to avoid undesirable ailments, inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications that are currently or recently used, as well as about medications that the patient is going to use.

You should also inform your doctor about your current he alth condition, about any diseases or additional ailments you are struggling with.

It is mostly not recommended to combine citalopram with:

  • class IA and III antiarrhythmic drugs,
  • with MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase),
  • linezoliem,
  • pimozide,
  • metoprolol (used to treat high blood pressure),
  • cimetidine (used to treat cancer),
  • lithium and tryptophan (used to treat bipolar disorder) and others.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Before taking the drug, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The use of citalopram during pregnancy and breastfeeding is generally not recommended.

Storagedrug

The drug should be stored in a suitable place that is invisible and inaccessible to children. Store in a dry place below 25 ° C in the original packaging.

The drug should not be used after the expiry date stated on the package. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

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He alth