Citalopram

Citalopram is an antidepressant belonging to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Introduction #

Generic name: Citalopram

Brand name: Celexa

Dosage forms: oral solution (10 mg/5 mL); oral tablet (10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg)

Drug class: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Uses #

Depression

Panic disorder

Benefits #

In Depression

Citoshant 40mg Tablet works by increasing the level of a chemical called serotonin in the brain. This improves your mood, relieves anxiety, tension, and helps you sleep better. It has fewer side effects than older antidepressants. It usually takes 4-6 weeks for this medicine to work so you need to keep taking it even if you feel it is not working. Do not stop taking it, even if you feel better unless your doctor advises you to.

In Panic disorder

Citoshant 40mg Tablet can help relieve symptoms of many panic disorders including panic attacks. It can help you feel calmer and improve your ability to deal with problems. Do not stop taking it, even when you feel better, unless your doctor advises you to.

Directions for use #

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Citoshant 40mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How it works? #

Citoshant 40mg Tablet is one of a group of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. It is thought to be work by enhancing the level of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters called serotonin in the brain. This may help you to improve your energy level and feelings of well-being.

Side effects #

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out

• Blurred vision, eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights

• Fast or pounding heartbeats, pain or fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out)

• A seizure

• Manic episodes - racing thoughts, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, risk-taking behavior, being agitated or talkative

• Severe nervous system reaction - very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors

• Low blood sodium - headache, confusion, problems with thinking or memory, weakness, feeling unsteady.

Warnings #

• Citalopram can cause a serious heart problem. Call your doctor right away if you have chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness.

• You should not use citalopram if you also take pimozide, as the combination can cause problems with your heart rhythm.

• Do not use citalopram if you have used a MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days (such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine) or have received a methylene blue injection. A fatal reaction may occur.

• People with depression or mental illness may have thoughts about suicide. Some young people may have increased suicidal thoughts when first starting a medicine to treat depression. Tell your doctor right away if you have any sudden changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts about suicide.

• Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

• Do not stop using citalopram without first asking your doctor.