How it works

Citalopram belongs to a group of drugs that reduce the reuptake of Serotonin in the brain. It affects the mood of the patient.

Guidelines for usage

Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or as mentioned in the instruction booklet/product label.

Always use only as prescribed. Never exceed the dosage.

Citalopram may be used with or without food.

Doctors recommend that you swallow the whole tablet/capsules with a glass of water unless it is specified that it can be broken or chewed.

NOTE: Use only if prescribed to you and intended for your use. Do not share with others.

Missed Dose

It is common for people to forget their dosage times and miss doses.

Do not panic if you have missed a dose.

Instead, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double up or take more than what the doctor has prescribed.

How & where do I store Citalopram?

The medicine label contains detailed instructions regarding safe storage of the medication. Most medicines are best stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Some medications may require to be refrigerated. Please check the product label.

Keep it away from the reach of children. Ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.

Ask your pharmacist about safely disposing off medication that is past expiry date.

Overdose Related Information

If you accidentally consume more medication than what was prescribed, then contact an emergency healthcare center immediately.

Safety Information/ Warning Precautions

Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before you start using any new medication.

Ensure that you mention the following:

Any prior serious ailment, lifestyle disease or surgery
All the prescription drugs, OTC health supplements, herbal supplements that you are using currently
Your alcohol intake and whether you smoke or not
Any history of a known allergic reaction to prescription drugs or food

This will allow your healthcare provider to prescribe the apt dosage of the medication for you.

To be avoided

You must avoid using Citalopram if it you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if:

you are taking escitalopram; you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days;
you are taking a fenfluramine derivative (e.g., dexfenfluramine), an H1 antagonist (e.g., astemizole, terfenadine), nefazodone, pimozide, or sibutramine.

Using Alcohol

Citalopram is known to cause drowsiness or dizziness. Your vision may be blurred and your judgement affected if you consume alcohol with this medication. So, avoid using alcohol while using Citalopram.

These effects may also get aggravated due to hot weather or fever or severe exercise. So, be cautious when you stand up after a long time from a sitting or lying position. If you feel giddy then lie down immediately and seek medical help.

Additional Information

Citalopram can trigger suicidal thoughts or actions especially in young adults, children and teenagers. The chances of this occuring are higher in people suffering from bipolar disorder. So patients taking Citalopram must be monitored closely. Even the slight change in their mood or behavior like depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks must reported to the doctor.

Elderly people are more likely to experience side effects while using Citalopram. If the side effects are bothersome, then seek medical help.

It may cause a prolonged and painful erection. Seek emergency medical help if this occurs.

Important Information for Pregnant Women

Citalopram is categorized under FDA category C which indicates that it may pose a risk to the unborn fetus.

Discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before using the medication.

Certain medications may be found in breast milk so speak to your child’s doctor to rule out any possibilities of risk.

Side Effects

Report the following side effects to your doctor only if they become bothersome or do not stop on their own

drowsiness, tired feeling;
sleep problems (insomnia);
mild nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, dry mouth;
cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough;
increased sweating or urination, weight changes; or
decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

The following side effects require immediate medical attention. So report these to your doctor immediately.

very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out;
agitation, hallucinations, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, feeling like you might pass out;
headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats; or
headache, slurred speech, severe weakness, muscle cramps, feeling unsteady, seizure (convulsions), shallow breathing (breathing may stop).