Citalopram Hydrobromide is a known antidepressant drug of the class known as SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). It is prescribed for some conditions related to anxiety and largely in the treatment of major depression.
Citalopram Hydrobromide Side Effects
One side effect of citalopram is sexual dysfunction. Some typical specific side effects are a couple, such as difficulty in being aroused, losing interest in sexual intercourse and issues with achieving an orgasm. There is also genital anesthesia, ejaculatory anhedonia and low response to stimuli of a sexual nature. These side effects are mostly reversible but there are people who end up having them permanently later on after citalopram usage has stopped in what is known as post selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor sexual dysfunction.
What happens to cause citalopram hydrobromide side effects is the increase of serotonin concentration in a number of body parts, for instance the intestines. Side effects associated with heightened emotional or apathy flattening might be due to lessening of dopamine release mostly associated with high levels of serotonin. Also, citalopram is a known antihistamine, though mild, which could be responsible of sedating effects.
Other common cases of side effects associated with citalopram include fatigue, intense yawning, diarrhea, trembling, heightened sweating, dry mouth, frequent urination, vivid dreaming, and changes in weight, nausea, insomnia and drowsiness. There are other side effects not that common such as dizziness, headache, mood swings, anxiety, dilated pupils, and changes in blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, vomiting and bruxism. Uncommon side effects have also been observed, such as reactions of severe allergies, hallucinations and convulsions. People suffering from bipolar disorder that is yet to be diagnosed usually have a mixed state induced by citalopram.
Across theUnited States, health regulators have been warning physicians to refrain from prescribing high citalopram doses since it could cause serious heart complications. FDA has approved the drug but indicated it has the effect of interfering with electrical activity of the heart if the doses cross the 40mg mark, leading to instant death. Also, citalopram together with other SSRIs has been known to raise the threat of body bleeding more so if used together with warfarin, NSAIDs, aspirin and a number of other anticoagulants.
In a number of cases, the stopping of treatment using the drug leads to the discontinuation syndrome. To reduce symptoms related to discontinuation, tapering therapy is mostly observed that leads to less severe discontinuation symptoms.
The moment you observe citalopram hydrobromide side effects such as suicidal behaviors or thoughts, panic attacks, agitation and anxiety coupled with aggressiveness or hostility, you should contact a health provider as fast as possible. You should also call your doctor for an appointment if you realize a person taking citalopram is engaging in dangerous and unusual activities as well as being unable to remain still and appearing restless. Other side effects worth looking out for include extreme happiness feeling or intense elation that switches with sad or depressed mood back and forth.
Always arm yourself with knowledge of citalopram side effects so that you can call a medical professional in case of a related problem.