Lundbeck Pharmaceutical Company initially manufactured Citalopram in 1989, with a patent license of 15 years, which expired in 2003, giving other drug manufactures the freedom to manufacture generic versions of Citalopram. Forest Laboratories generic version is known by brand name Celexa. Other brand names include Citta, Cipramil, Elopram, Vodelax, Celapram, Cipram, Opra, Celius and Oropram amongst others. Citalopram and its generic versions are formulated as antidepressant medication. It has been subjected to various safety tests and approved for human use.
Disease/Conditions
Citalopram is approved and indicated for the treatment of major depression symptoms. However, it is also very effective in the treatment of other depression-related conditions. Doctors prescribe the medication in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders amongst others. It is also prescribed to diabetics showing neuropathy symptoms. The medication has also proved to be of great help to men suffering from premature ejaculation and menopausal women suffering hot flashes.
Side Effects
The use of Citalopram produces varied side effects in the body. Citalopram side effects occur due to the increase of serotonin concentration that the medication produces, especially in the intestines. Some of the side effects include:
- Reduced libido – Like with other antidepressants, Citalopram also reduces one’s libido, which leads to lack of interest in sex and difficulty in achieving orgasm.
- Drowsiness, insomnia, nausea, weight changes, dry mouth, fatigue, mood swings and allergic reactions are common Citalopram side effects.
- Dependency – Long use of Citalopram presents the risk of dependency, which shows as an effect upon discontinuation of use. Discontinuation syndrome is one of the major side effects after prolonged use of the medication. Doctors normally prevent this by prescribing other medications such as Prozac to help stop discontinuation syndrome.
- Change of behavior – Long use of Citalopram presents the serious effect of behavior change, which in most cases is negative. One may develop increased suicidal thinking. This has been established to be common amongst those under the age of 25 years.
Apart from dependency, the other Citalopram side effects are generally mild and can be managed effectively.
Citalopram dosage
Doctors normally prescribe a single dose of Citalopram, taken either in the morning or in evening. It can be taken with or without any food as taking with food does not affect its absorption. However, doctors do recommend taking the medication with food to prevent the feeling of nausea, which does occur due to increase of serotonin in the intestines. Citalopram overdose usually leads to instances of vomiting, nausea, dizziness, excess sweating, tremor, confusion, coma and convulsions; it can also lead to death. This is especially if the overdose occurs in the presence of other medications one may be taking.
Although Citalopram is a prescription only medication, it is readily available over the counter in some jurisdictions where sale of medications is not strictly enforced. This presents a serious risk of many developing dependency and overdose incidents. Generally, however, Citalopram is not only safe for use but is also well tolerated. This is one characteristic makes Citalopram the drug of choice by many doctors treating elderly patients.
3 Responses
I have been given the Citalopram because of high blood pressure. I begun to develop the pain in my ankle and pain in my left side when I begun to take the medicine. The doctor advised to use metoprolol, the pain disappeared, however it reappeared when I begun to use Citalopram again. Regardless of this problem, I am happy with the medicine, it has been able to control my heart rate and it works well by controlling high blood pressure. About the pain I think blood pressure is more important. So this medicine is right choice for me.
Citalopram: it is a very better and effective appetite suppressant and it took this medicine before some years. I lost my 35 ponds weight only in one month. Similarly I have gained too much energy with the help of citalopram and now I am very satisfied. It is also a very effective metabolism booster. If you want to get maximum benefit then it is very necessary to change your eating habit. Before the usage of citalopram I was very anxious and nervous due to obesity. But only after one month citalopram suppressed my appetite and now I am very happy.
do you want to reduce your weight? I had lost my 50 pounds weight only in three months with the help of Citalopram. It is a very famous product and it suppressed my appetite therefore after a short period of time my weight becomes reduced up to 50 pounds. It is a safe product and it doesn’t cause any side effects. I have used Citalopram few years before. I have reduced my weight with the help of Citalopram. It is easily available in the whole world and it is not too expensive. I love with this product.