Lybrate Logo
Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
tab_logos
About
tab_logos
Feed
Overview

Citalopram

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Citalopram

Citalopram is an antidepressant and belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used to treat depression by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance called serotonin in the brain. It may improve your energy level and feelings of well-being.

Some side effects like nausea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, tiredness, drowsiness, blurred vision, sweating, and yawning may occur. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including tremor, changes in sexual ability, decreased interest in sex, fast and irregular heartbeat, easy bruising or bleeding, fainting, black stools, seizures, widened pupils or vision changes.

Do not start or stop taking Citalopram during pregnancy without consulting a doctor. Breast-feed while you are using this medicine can be harmful for the baby. It is not approved for use by anyone who is under 18 years of age or younger. Some medicines like socarboxazid, tranylcypromine, linezolid, rasagiline, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, selegiline, and others can inhibit the proper functioning of Citalopram It is not safe for you to use this medicine if you have the following conditions :

The usual Initial dose of Citalopram is 20 mg orally, once a day. Gradually the dose can increase in the following days but the maximum limit should be restricted to 60mg per day. Acute episodes of depression may require several months of sustained therapy. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose depending on your response to the medicine. Do not use this medication in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than prescribed.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Citalopram

    • Depression

      Citalopram is used in the treatment of depression which is a serious mood disorder characterized by feeling sad, irritable and devoid of energy.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Citalopram ?

    • Allergy

      Not recommended in the patients allergic to Citalopram or other antidepressants.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Citalopram ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Citalopram

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 2 to 3 days.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The peak effect of this medicine can be observed in 1 to 6 hours. The antidepressant effect can be seen in 1 to 4 weeks.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. The risk of feeding difficulties, irritability, and respiratory problems is more in the third trimester. Consult your doctor about the potential benefits and risks before deciding to take this medicine.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendency has been reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This medicine is known to excreted in breastmilk. It is not recommended in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. Close monitoring of behavioral changes like drowsiness or fussiness and body weight is necessary.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor if any symptoms of the overdose like dizziness, loss of consciousness appear.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Citalopram approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Citalopram

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Citalopram as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medicine belongs to the class selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin thus increasing its concentration in the brain and helps in reducing the symptoms.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Citalopram ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Alcohol

        Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it can result in dizziness and difficulty in concentration. Avoid activities that need mental alertness like driving or operating machinery.
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        Lab

        Information not available.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Clarithromycin

        These medicines are recommended together due to increase in the risk of irregular heart rhythm. Inform the doctor if you are receiving any antibiotics. Close monitoring of symptoms like breathlessness, dizziness and heart palpitations is necessary. An alternate medicine should be considered based on clinical condition.

        Ketoconazole

        These medicines are recommended together due to increase in the risk of irregular heart rhythm. Inform the doctor if you are receiving any antibiotics. Close monitoring of symptoms like breathlessness, dizziness and heart palpitations is necessary. An alternate medicine should be considered based on clinical condition.

        sulfonylureas

        Citalopram may increase the effect of antidiabetic medicines like glimepiride, glipizide and may cause hypoglycemia. Close monitoring of symptoms like dizziness, headache, weakness is necessary. An alternate class of medicines or dose adjustments should be made based on the clinical condition.

        Diuretics

        Citalopram may increase the risk of blood sodium levels if coadministered with diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide. Inform the doctor if you may have symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness after taking these medicines. Consider regular monitoring of blood pressure and sodium level.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Depression

        Use with caution in adults and pediatrics with depression as it may worsen the symptoms of depression. Close monitoring of these symptoms like changes in the behavior and suicidal thoughts is necessary. Discontinue the medicine if symptoms persist.

        Seizures

        This medicine may increase the seizures. It should be used with caution in the patients with the history of epilepsy and not recommended in the patients with unstable epilepsy.
      • Interaction with Food

        Food

        Information not available.

      References

      • Citalopram-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 3 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/citalopram

      • Citalopram-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 3 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00215

      • CITALOPRAM Tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 3 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=CITALOPRAM

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
      swan-banner
      Sponsored

      Popular Questions & Answers

      View All

      My mother has been taking citalopram for a week...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. R.Manoj Raghavan

      Psychologist

      Kindly share the details of why she was put on medications, or if she has been diagnosed for depr...

      I was in depression before 4 years. Now again i...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Saranya Devanathan

      Psychiatrist

      Dear Renu, Citalopram starts its action after 2-3 weeks only. It also acts in a particular dose. ...

      Hi. I’m on a weaning plan for valium atm. I bee...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Harpreet Singh

      Psychologist

      First if you feel uncomfortable then please consult a psychiatric and also if you want to more im...

      I currently am taking 20 mg of citalopram (whic...

      related_content_doctor

      Dr. Sushil Kumar Sompur

      Psychiatrist

      Since you have a pointed question, the straight answer to your question is yes. Citalopram and am...

      Hi. I just got back on citalopram after switchi...

      related_content_doctor

      Ms. Samiksha Jain

      Psychologist

      Just taking medication will only correct the chemical imbalances in the brain. While you also nee...

      Table of content

      Content Details
      Profile Image
      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
      Profile Image
      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
      chat_icon

      Ask a free question

      Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors

      posted anonymously
      swan-banner