Citalopram
Generic Name:
Citalopram hydrobromide
Brand Names:
Celexa
Citalopram Description:
Citalopram is a medicine used to treat mental depression. It is manufactured by several different companies and operates under the brand name Celexa. One of the common manufacturers of citalopram is Biovail Labs International. Citalopram is normally given orally in a tablet form but may also be taken in a solution. Citalopram is considered an antidepressant.
Citalopram Uses:
Depression is a serious condition that affects millions of people. One of the ways in which depression can be treated and prevented is through antidepressant medication such as citalopram. Citalopram belongs to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that work by increasing the activity of the chemical serotonin in the brain.
Serotonin acts as a stabilizer of mental activity in the brain. When serotonin levels are in balance, a patient may experience positive changes from antidepressant medication.
Citalopram Interactions:
Given the primary CNS effects of citalopram, caution should be used when it is taken in combination with other centrally-acting drugs.
The use of alcohol by patients taking citalopram is not recommended.
Patients should be cautioned about the use of drugs that interfere with homeostasis (NSAIDs, Aspirin, Warfarin, etc.) with citalopram.
Lithium may enhance the serotonergic effects of citalopram and caution should be exercised when citalopram and lithium are co-administered.
Citalopram Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Citalopram should only be taken when directed and prescribed by a doctor. It can be taken with or without food. Adults will usually take 20 mg once a day which may be increased to 40 mg a day after a couple of weeks. The actual dosage you receive will depend greatly on the severity of your condition and other factors that your doctor may consider.
Missing a Dose
Do not take a double dose of citalopram to regain your regular dosing schedule. Take the missed dose immediately, or if close to the next dose, simply skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
Overdosing
During clinical trials of citalopram, overdoses of up to 1500 mg did not result in associated fatalities. However, there is always a concern of combining an overdose of citalopram with other medications including alcohol. Symptoms of citalopram overdose may include:
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Sinus tachycardia (a real fast heart rate)
In rare cases of overdose, observed symptoms included:
- Amnesia
- Confusion
- Coma
- Convulsion
- Hyperventilation
- Cyanosis (blue spotty coloration of the skin)
- Rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle fibers that are subsequently released into the bloodstream)
- ECG changes
In the case of an overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately and establish and maintain an airway to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation. Careful observation and cardiac and vital sign monitoring are recommended, along with general symptomatic and supportive care.
Citalopram FDA Approval:
December 20, 2005
Citalopram Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Suicidal Thoughts Warning
Citalopram carries a Black Box Warning of the potential for suicidal thoughts associated with citalopram usage, especially among younger people. Children, teenagers, and young adults who take antidepressants to treat depression or other mental illnesses may be more likely to become suicidal than children, teenagers, and young adults who do not take antidepressants to treat these conditions.
Before taking any antidepressant, you should discuss the potential for these adverse reactions (including thoughts of suicide) with your doctor. While under citalopram therapy it is important for a patient to be consistently monitored by a healthcare provider.
Other Warnings
Abrupt Discontinuation
Citalopram may take some time to work and the effects may not start to occur until four weeks to up to six months after first dosage. Stopping citalopram is not recommended without first consulting with a doctor as the depression, suicidal thoughts and other symptoms could return more severely. Because of this, the physician may continue decreasing the dose but at a more gradual rate. The dose may also be spaced further apart, depending on the opinion of your physician.
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