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Citalopram is used to treat depression. Citalopram may be used with other drugs as part of a combination therapy. It belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It acts on your brain to increase the level of neurotransmitter called serotonin that helps in mood elevation and improve the symptoms of depression. Neurotransmitters can be thought of communication systems of the brain. The medication prevents the uptake of serotonin by the nerve cell after it has been released, which results in more free serotonin in the brain to stimulate the nerve cells.

The medication may be prescribed by your doctor for the purposes not mentioned here.

How to take it

Citalopram is available as a tablet to be taken by mouth. It is also available as an oral solution.

Dosage

Tablets come in different strengths, ranging from 10 mg to 40 mg. The medication is usually taken once daily in the morning or evening. The maximum dosage for Citalopram is 40 mg per day. If you are taking liquid form of the medication, use a measuring cup or device, not a tablespoon as you may not get correct amount of the medicine. To reduce your risks of side effects, your doctor may start with a low dosage and then increase it gradually. The maximum recommended dose for those above 65 is 20 mg a day.
Dosage will be prescribed as per your specific medical condition and adjusted by your doctor based on your response to the treatment. It is very important to follow your doctor’s dosing instructions exactly. Read the instructions carefully on your prescription label and if available, patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist with the medication.
It may take you up to four weeks to feel a benefit from Citalopram.

What if I miss a dose?

To prevent the chances of missing a dose, take the medication at the same time each day so that you remember. If you forget your doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. However, if you happen to miss a dose, skip the medication if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not overdose yourself to compensate for the missed dose, as taking extra medication without doctor’s advice can cause you severe side effects, and won’t treat you earlier or faster.

Precautions and side effects

Citalopram comes with FDA’s Black Box Warning that warns doctors and patients about its dangerous side effects.
Citalopram is not approved for use by children and should not be given to anyone under 18 years of age without prescription. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the prescriptions, non-prescription and herbal products you are taking, or the allergies that you have.
Do not take Citalopram if you have used a MAO inhibitor antidepressant in the past two weeks. Taking Citalopram can make you sleepy or slow breathing and death may also occur in some cases. Some people might have suicidal thoughts while first taking Citalopram, so the attendants need to carefully observe mood changes in the patient. Other side effects of the medication include constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea and impotency.
This is not a complete list of the side effects and others may occur. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor. Call your doctor if you experience severe side effects.

Disclaimer: The information and content posted on this website is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as a replacement for medical advice. Always seek medical advice from a medical professional for diagnosis or treatment, including before embarking on and/or changing any prescription medication or for specific medical advice related to your medical history.