Tag Archives: Citalopram

Citalopram Side Effects Weight Gain and Related Issues

Citalopram falls within the framework of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs in short, while being a trusted antidepressant. The effects of the drug in cognitive functions and processes include depression and being unbalanced. In fact, the drug is highly used in the treatment of depression.

citalopram side effects weight gain

Citalopram Side Effects Weight Gain

There are a number of possible side effects that come with citalopram hydrobromide, weight gain being at the middle. Studies and clinical trials on the drug have given a lot of input on documented side effects. Prior to medications being approved by patients and to be prescribed by doctors, clinical observations are important including other related trials. Such studies have indicated that weight gain is a common side effect of citalopram.

As you use citalopram only to realize weight gain has been observed, it is important to talk to a medical doctor. The professional will do a number of physical exams to find related weight gain causes, for instance specific types of health conditions. In some cases, the weight gain might be hard to explain and a healthcare expert can offer some important suggestions such as limiting alcohol intake, exercising more and devouring healthy and hearty foods. If the citalopram side effects weight gain issue continues, the professional can recommend a number of changes in lifestyle or changing to another less intrusive antidepressant.

Obviously, weight changes follow citalopram and for a number of reasons. People welcome changes in weight but if there is unwanted weight gain or loss, a patient could be predisposed to risks of health. Weight changes can be caused by a drug in a number of ways. In some drugs, the cravings or appetite of a patient is decreased or increased. Other drugs lead to a hastened or slowed metabolism with a number causing retention of fluid. Citalopram usage usually has an effect on central nervous system manifested in an increased appetite. In many cases, patients end up seeing an increase of their appetite after depression has been relieved. Nonetheless, some patients experience side effects related to gastrointestinal through the use of citalopram such as loose stool, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea, ending up into some loss of weight.

Citalopram side effects weight gain on patients has always been very complex. In a number of patients the weight gain or loss is very varied. Also, there are also times when the drug ends up in weight loss only to see an increase in weight after some time. This is the reasons those patients who are into citalopram must be closely monitored to prevent changes in weight that are anything but healthy.

Of importance is that as much as weight is expected to occur after depression has been relieved, the rate should not be that alarming. This is why it is very crucial to let a healthcare provider known about any excessive gain of weight, suddenly.  Proper measures of weight gain management should be adopted while it is common for physicians to recommend dietary counseling or changes in diet.

A detailed guide to Citalopram side effects

Both Celexa and the generic equivalent of celexa i.e. Citalopram are manufactured by the pharmaceutical companies in ten, twenty and forty milligrams tablets. Other than that these are also available in the liquid solution. The doctors, when fond, that a patient needs celexa or Citalopram then he usually starts these with low doses and gradually increases them if these do not affect the patient in low dose. It is wiser to start taking these with low dose as it mitigates a lot of the side effects that can be caused if higher dose is taken. Citalopram can be taken once in a day, it depends on the consent of the patient whether he takes it with or without food as both the options are open for patients.

Citalopram side effects

There are various Citalopram side effects from which the patient can suffer. These Citalopram side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, agitation, diarrhea, nausea and fatigue. Some patients also suffer from the impaired sexual functioning as well. The doctors suggest that the patients gradually get over with the side effects but if they do not then they should consult their doctor in order to know whether should they take the Citalopram or not. But there are some side effects that if the patient experiences, should call his doctor in the first place. These side effects include irritability or agitation, restlessness, hyperactivity, tremors, problems associated with memory or impulsiveness.

According to the doctors there are some side effects, other than those that are mentioned, that need medical attention right away. These Citalopram side effects include allergic reactions such as facing difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, tongue or lips. Sometimes patients suffer from the throat swelling as well that makes it swallowing difficult for them. Other includes the seizures, problems regarding the balance and coordination i.e. they might face balancing problems even while walking, confusion, fainting, abnormal heart rate, suicidal thoughts and hallucinations. Of all the side effects that citalopram can cause these are the most serious ones. Therefore these should not be ignored at any cost and must be told to the doctor immediately.

When a patient starts taking Citalopram it usually takes him or her to improve within two weeks but some of the patients experience the signs of improvements after weeks! This medicine does not take as an addictive or habit forming therefore people should not be worried about that. Some people get worry about missing the dose. Well for their information, if they miss any of their doses then they are advised to take that if it is not the time of taking the next dose. But if it is, then there is absolutely no need to take any extra dose in order to cater the missed one.

The studies and the research shows that the pregnant women must not take Citalopram as it can lead to a ling disorder in a newborn or it can even lead to serious hypertension problems or other Citalopram side effects for the mothers. Therefore the pregnant women must abstain themselves from taking it.