Tag Archives: side effects of citalopram

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.

Work it out safe with Citalopram

Also known as Celexa, Citalopram is one of the well known and popular antidepressant that has been prescribed for quite a few decades. Classified to be under the category of the SSRI drugs, the drug has a depressing action on the levels of serotonin, inhibiting the uptake of serotonin in neurotransmitter in the brain. Decreased levels of serotonin thus reduce the disorders that are caused due to depression and other levels of anxiety. It is thus used in the treatment of a wide range of psychological disorders such as the obsessive compulsive disorder and also other physiological disorders such as autism, dementia and more.

Citalopram side effects

The effects of the antidepressant being to manifest within two weeks, however, care should be taken to ensure that the patient is not left alone, as the Citalopram side effects prone to occur at a very early stage. Mostly, the side effects are mild and are not severe, thus do not threaten the well being of the individual. However, with increased severity, caution should be taken at all times and the sleeping patterns of individuals should be monitored with care. Insomnia is the most common side effect that has been observed and tends to make the patient drowsy and dull at all times.

There are other Citalopram side effects that include dryness in the mouth and a sensation of nausea that leads to difference in the appetite and the weight of the individual. There is also an increased sense of respiration, trembling, shakiness and increased frequency of urination. Differences occur in the movement and the coordination of the various motor actions and all these are confined to the decreased levels of serotonin in the blood, as the neurotransmitter is responsible for coordinating the actions from the brain to the body, via the blood.

The other most frequent and complained Citalopram side effects are the changes that are observed in the sexual behavior of an individual. These not just affect the individual who is prescribed with the medication, but also the partner, as it involves both together. Most frequently, individuals find it difficult to achieve orgasm, there is a lack of sex appeal and women may experience irregularities in the menstrual cycle. Aside that, the individual may also experience mood swings and other patterns of self harm and thus, the drug is absolutely not ideal for anyone under the age of 18. Life threatening episodes may lead to attempts of suicide, hallucinations and seizures.

Citalopram Side effects–What worse could happen?

Marketed under the brand name Celexa and Cpiramil, Citalopram is a well known antidepressant that belongs to the class of SSRI. Approved by the FDA, the drug is an off-label that is prescribed for a wide range of anxiety and depressing conditions. However, with many, the most common question is what could be Citalopram side effects?

Citalopram side effects

Dysfunction of the sexual organs is one of the well known side effects, which includes difficulty in arousal, lack of interest in sex, and difficulty in achieving the levels of orgasm. Also, the individual exhibits lack of tolerance to sex and experiences a wide range of difficulties including ejaculation and anhedonia. Despite being reversible, Citalopram side effects usually tend to last for a month or a year depending on the duration of the drug prescribed and the date it was withdrawn.

Citalopram side effects also include increase in the levels of serotonin in various parts of the body, especially the intestine. There are other side effects that include apathy and lack of emotions, which is due to the decreased levels of dopamine that is associated with the consumption of this drug. Being a mild anti histamine, the drug is well known for its sedating effects as well. The other common Citalopram side effects are nausea, drowsiness, increased levels of urination, low sex drive, increased levels of sweating, diarrhea and fatigue. Extreme levels may lead to hallucinations and psychological disturbances.

The initial stages, when the side effects begin to manifest are not dealt very critically although it does require a clinical intervention. There are reported cases of changes in pulse, anxiousness, vomiting and a few allergic reactions such as the rashes, problems in breathing and irritation that lead to the development of aggressive states in a few individuals. Whatever might be the side effect one could experience, it is important that they know the best way to control and thus conceptualize strategies to face them in an emotional manner as well.

It is advised that you get to know the various syndromes that are associated with consuming Citalopram, as it could increase your pressure levels and you might find it difficult to cope up with a later stage. Also, anti-depressants should be consumed with care as medication might lead to a habit, which is something that needs to be avoided as a whole. The moment you notice a few symptoms setting in do not hesitate and contact the doctor right away.