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Citalopram

 

Citalopram (generic Celexa, Cipramil) Review

brand name: Celexa
generic name: Citalopram

How does it work?

Cipramil tablets and drops contain the active ingredient citalopram hydrochloride, which is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) . (NB. Citalopram is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)

Antidepressant medicines act on nerve cells in the brain. In the brain there are numerous different chemical compounds called neurotransmitters. These act as chemical messengers between the nerve cells. Serotonin is one such neurotransmitter and has various functions that we know of.

When serotonin is released from nerve cells in the brain it acts to lighten mood. When it is reabsorbed into the nerve cells, it no longer has an effect on mood. It is thought that when depression occurs, there may be a decreased amount of serotonin released from nerve cells in the brain.

SSRIs work by preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells in the brain. This helps prolong the mood lightening effect of any released serotonin. In this way, citalopram helps relieve depression, panic and fear.

It may take between two to four weeks for the benefits of this medicine to appear, so it is very important that you keep taking it, even if it doesn't seem to make much difference at first. If you feel your depression or anxiety has got worse, or if you have any distressing thoughts or feelings in these first few weeks, then you should talk to your doctor.

Most important fact about Celexa

Be careful to avoid taking Celexa for 2 weeks before or after using an antidepressant known as an MAO inhibitor. Drugs in this category include Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate. Combining Celexa with one of these medications could lead to a serious--even fatal--reaction.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Call 1-800-222-1222 to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, your local poison control center ( http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm ), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dizziness; tremor; sweating; nausea; fast heartbeat; drowsiness; vomiting.

Proper storage of Citalopram (Celexa) :

Store Citalopram at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Citalopram (Celexa) out of the reach of children and away from pets.

What side effects may I notice from taking Citalopram?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
•confusion
•dizziness or lightheadedness
•skin rash, especially in the first week of treatment or when doses are changed

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•blurred vision
•diarrhea
•difficulty sleeping
•drowsiness
•dry mouth
•fever
•frequent urination
•headache
•indigestion, or restlessness, anxiety, itching (hives)
•fast talking and excited feelings or actions that are out of control
•suicidal thoughts
•vomiting
More common:
•agitation, nausea
•increased or decreased appetite
•increased sweating
•sexual difficulties (decreased sexual ability or desire)
•taste alterations
•tremor (shaking)
•weight changes

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Sexual problems
  
  
• Appetite and weight changes
  
  
• Loss of memory (amnesia)
  
  
• Visual disturbances
  
  
• Awareness of your heart beat (palpitations)
  
  
• Nervousness
  
  
• Agitation
  
  
• Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)
  
  
• Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)
  
  
• Dizziness
  
  
• Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Increased sweating
  
  
• Dry mouth
  
  
• Sleepiness (somnolence)
  
  
• Disturbances of the gut such as nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting or abdominal pain
  
  

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Celexa

Celexa does not increase the effects of alcohol. Nevertheless, it's considered unwise to combine Celexa with alcohol or any other drug that affects the brain. (Be particularly careful to avoid MAO inhibitors.)

If Celexa is taken with certain other drugs, decreased, the effects of either could be increased, or altered. Tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter drugs you are planning to take, Pamelor, Norpramin, Lithonate)
Metoprolol (Lopressor)
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Other antidepressants such as Ery-Tab)
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Lithium (Lithobid, Elavil, and be especially certain to check with him before combining Celexa with the following:

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Erythromycin (Eryc, and Tofranil
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Warfarin (Coumadin)