Uses of Citalopram

Citalopram is one of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the market. As a class of drugs, SSRIs are used to treat depression by restoring the chemical balance in the brain. Citalopram increases the level of serotonin in our body, which improves the mood, and ultimately relieves the user when he feels depressed.

When not to use Citalopram

You should not use Citalopram if you are allergic to any component of the said medicine. You should not take Citalopram if you have taken St. John's worts or monoamin oxidase inhibitors like phenelzine. Other drugs that may cause harm with Citalopram are pimozide, dexfenfluramine, sibutramine, terfenadine, phenothiazines and astemizole. If you are taking any of these drugs, consult your health care provider immediately.

Things to Consider Before Using Citalopram

If you have any of the following medical conditions, contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking in Citalopram:

• Pregnancy, Breast Feeding
• Thinking of having a baby
• Allergies
• Taking other prescription and nonprescription medicine; herbal meds; dietary supplement
• Suicidal tendencies or history of attempted suicide
• Kidney or liver disease, bleeding in stomach, confusion and seizures

Some medicines interact with the drug that may present dangerous complications. Notify your health care provider if you are under medication with any on the list:

• Risperidone and Cypropeheptadine - Citalopram's effectiveness may decrease with these drugs.
• Linezolid, lithium, anorexiants (phentermine), sumatripan - side effects such as altered consciousness or irritability is likely to happen.
• Clozapine, metoclopramide, phenothiazines (thioridazine), trazodone, and risperidone - the side effects and action of these medicines may increase with Citalopram
• Aspirin, anticoagulants (warfarin), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - these drugs may increase the risk of stomach bleeding and bowel bleeding when mixed with Citalopram.
• Fenfluramine and its derivatives, selegiline, sibutramine, MAO inhibitors, tramadol, and St John's wort - the side effects and action of these drugs (irritability, altered consciousness) may increase.

Ask you doctor for other medicines that interact with Citalopram as the list above may not be complete. Your doctor has the final say when you need to modify, or stop your Citalopram dosage.

The Right Citalopram Dosage

Only use Citalopram as instructed by the doctor. View the label of the medicine to know your exact dosing guidelines.

• There is an extra information leaflet available when you secure the drug. If you have questions about what is said in the leaflet, talk to a pharmacist.
• You may take Citalopram with or without food
• Continue to take Citalopram even though you might not feel its full effect. It usually takes one to four weeks before you feel any noticeable improvement.
• Even if you do well, continue with your medication.
• Your doctor will gradually lessen the dosage if it is time for you to stop the medicine.
• Never miss a dose, but if you miss a dose, skip the next dose and maintain your dosage schedule.

Do not hesitate to ask questions to your doctor about dosage instruction.

Things you should now before you take Citalopram

• Citalopram can cause drowsiness or dizziness, which may prevent you from doing heavy physical activity, lest you will be put in harm.
• Do not operate machinery or do anything that is deemed dangerous until you know how to react to the drug.
• Do not use Citalopram with other meds or alcohol.
• If you feel more anxious, agitated or irritable, that means that the symptoms worsened. If this happens, call your doctor immediately.
• The effects of Citalopram may worsen when coupled with other depressants or alcohol. Ask your doctor for information about the list of depressants.
• Your doctor will ask you to undergo intensive monitoring at the start of your Citalopram treatment and after you modify your dosage.
• Laboratory testing is important to monitor the progress of your treatment. Always keep on your laboratory appointments.
• The safety and effectiveness of Citalopram have not been confirmed in children. Contact your doctor if you are pregnant. He will discuss the risk and the benefits as you take Citalopram while pregnant. Citalopram is known to pass in breast milk. Thus, you should not breast feed while you are under this medication.

Citalopram and its Side Effects

Medicines cause side effects, but it is manifested only in a certain set of people. If you have any of these common side effects, consult with your doctor:

• Decreased menstrual flow
• Painful period
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Change in taste
• Ejaculation disorder
• Increased sweating
• Impotence
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Runny nose
• Inflammation of the sinus
• Tremors
• Weight loss/gain
• Upset stomach

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following serious side effects:

• Severe allergies such as rash, hives, itching, breathing difficulty, chest tightness, swelling in the mouth, lips, face, or tongue
• Cold sweat
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Impulsiveness
• Hostility
• Irritability
• Lack of concern
• Mania
• Mood swings
• Restlessness
• Panic attacks
• Shakiness
• Seizures
• Sore throat
• Sleeplessness
• Suicidal thoughts
• Worsening depression
• Vision changes

Shelf life of Citalopram:

The expiration date of Citalopram is mentioned in its blister pack. Take note that the expiration date is varied from different batches. Usually, the shelf life is two years from the time of manufacture.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.