Indications
- Citalopram used for depression treatment.
- May enhance energy levels and feelings of well-being.
- Classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
- Operates by restoring the balance of serotonin in the brain.
Dosage and administration
- Read Medication Guide and, if available, Patient Information Leaflet before starting citalopram and with each refill. Consult a doctor or pharmacist with questions.
- Take medication with or without food as directed by the doctor, usually once daily in the morning or evening.
- Dosage based on medical condition, treatment response, age, lab tests, and other medications. Inform doctor/pharmacist about all products used.
- For liquid form, measure dose carefully with a special device/spoon; avoid using a household spoon.
- Doctors may recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increasing to reduce side effects. Follow instructions; do not exceed prescribed dose or frequency.
- Take regularly at the same time daily for maximum benefit. Use aids like a routine to remember.
- Continue medication even if feeling well. Do not stop without consulting the doctor, as sudden cessation may worsen conditions and lead to withdrawal symptoms.
- It may take 1 to 4 weeks to feel benefits and several weeks for full effectiveness.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms to the doctor. Consult a doctor or pharmacist for details on gradually reducing the dose when stopping treatment.
Side effects
- Nausea, dry mouth, loss of appetite, tiredness, drowsiness, sweating, blurred vision, and yawning may occur.
- Inform doctor/pharmacist promptly if these effects persist or worsen.
- Medication prescribed considering benefits outweighing the risk; many users don’t experience serious side effects.
- Immediately report serious side effects to the doctor, including shaking (tremor), decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, easy bleeding/bruising.
- Seek immediate medical help for very serious side effects such as fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, black stools, coffee ground-like vomit, seizures, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, vision changes.
- Risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity; seek urgent medical attention for symptoms like fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness.
- Rarely, males may experience a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours; seek immediate medical help.
- Very serious allergic reactions are rare; seek immediate medical help for symptoms like rash, itching/swelling (especially face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
- Not a complete list of possible side effects; contact your doctor or pharmacist for any unlisted effects.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor/pharmacist about allergies, especially to citalopram or escitalopram.
- Inactive ingredients may cause allergic reactions; consult your pharmacist for details.
- Provide medical history, especially bipolar disorder, suicide attempts, liver disease, seizures, low blood sodium, bleeding problems, and family history of glaucoma.
- Citalopram may cause QT prolongation affecting heart rhythm.
- Rarely, it may lead to serious or fatal fast/irregular heartbeat, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Increased risk with certain medical conditions or drugs causing QT prolongation; inform your doctor of all medications and relevant medical conditions.
- Discuss with your doctor about using citalopram safely if you have low potassium/magnesium, use certain drugs, or have conditions like severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- May cause drowsiness or blurred vision.
- Alcohol or marijuana can intensify drowsiness; avoid activities requiring alertness or clear vision.
- Discuss marijuana use with your doctor.
- Inform your doctor or dentist about all products used before surgery.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to bleeding, loss of coordination, and QT prolongation; monitor carefully.
- Children may be more sensitive to loss of appetite and weight loss; monitor weight and height.
- Pregnant women should use citalopram only when clearly needed, as it may harm the unborn baby.
- Babies born to mothers using citalopram in the last 3 months of pregnancy may develop withdrawal symptoms; promptly report any symptoms to the doctor.
- Do not stop medication without doctor’s guidance, especially if planning pregnancy.
- Citalopram passes into breast milk; consult the doctor before breastfeeding.
Buy Celexa at Online Canadian Pharmacy.