Citalopram 40 Mg Tablet

Citalopram 40 mg Uses 

Citalopram 40 mg is used to treat depression and panic disorder. The medicine also helps treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). It belongs to the class of antidepressants known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). The drug boosts the amount of serotonin, a natural substance that encourages a balanced mental state. 

How Citalopram 40 mg Works

Citalopram 40mg belongs to a group of antidepressants called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs. It is thought to work by enhancing the level of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters called serotonin in the brain. This may help you improve your energy level and feelings of positivity.

How to take Citalopram? 

When you intake Citalopram oral tablet, the dose, drug form, and how frequently you take the medicine will depend on a few factors – 

1. Age 
2. Health condition to be treated 
3. The seriousness of the condition  
4. Other medical conditions you have 
5. Reaction at the first dose 

If you stop taking the medicine, don’t take it at all. The medicine has not been stated as safe and effective for use in individuals less than 18 years old.  Symptoms like hallucinations, coma, confusion, muscle twitching, fever, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, palpitations, coordination issues, and muscle stiffness can be noticed if you take too much of the medicine. In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But, if you remember just a few hours before the next dose, take one dose only. Don’t double the dose. It is not at all advisable to make up for the missed dose by taking two doses at once. 

Once you start experiencing the betterment and notice that your depression symptoms have started fading away, you know that citalopram is working. It needs a few weeks to see the positive results of the medicine.  

Common Side Effects of Citalopram 40 mg

In case you suffer symptoms or allergic reactions after taking citalopram 40 mg, you must seek emergency medical attention. The reactions may include trouble breathing, hives, and inflammation in the face, lips, tongue or throat. 

You must inform your physician right away if you feel sudden mood fluctuations like depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble in the sleep cycle, impulsiveness, aggression, agitation, irritability, hostility, talkativeness, and suicidal thoughts or tendencies. 

Serious side effects include – 

• Light-headedness 
• Redness and pain in eyes, blurred vision 
• Fast heartbeats, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, and sudden dizziness  
• Seizure 
• Abnormal bleeding – bleeding nose or gums, vaginal bleeding, or any internal bleeding that won’t stop
• Insomnia, mania, a sudden jump in energy level, whims, risk-taking behavior, or talkativeness 
• Stiffness in muscles, high fever, confusion, abnormal sweating, uneven heartbeats, fear
• Headache, confusion, trouble in clear thinking and remembering events, a feeling of imbalance or weakness 

You must look for medical assistance if you have serotonin syndromes like hallucination, fever, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, or diarrhea. 

The medicine can hinder growth in kids. Guardians must inform the doctor if their child faces issues in growth and development after taking Citalopram 40mg.

The most common side effects to be seen in adults are – 

• Sexual problems 
• Dizziness and drowsiness 
• Thirst, dry mouth, urination 
• Loss of appetite, nausea, and constipation 
• Agitation, anxiety, and shakiness 
• Fatigue and tiredness, frequent yawning, insomnia
• Rapid muscle movements 
• Heavy menstrual flow 
• Cold symptoms such as sneezing, cough, sore throat, or runny nose

However, not all the side effects are listed here. You must call your doctor when you encounter serious side effects. Report your side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Considerations before taking Citalopram 40 mg

You must not use Citalopram 40mg if you are allergic to medicines like citalopram or escitalopram. The same applies if you take pimozide. 

Do not take citalopram if you have used an MAO inhibitor medication in the past fortnight. In that case, a dangerous interaction may occur. MAO inhibitors include medicines like linezolid, isocarboxazid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. You should wait for at least 14 days after having any of these medications before you take citalopram. 

Inform your doctor if you regularly take any opioid or stimulant medications, supplements or herbal products, antidepressants, or medicines for mental health, migraine, Parkinson’s, serious infections, vomiting or nausea. 

Tell your doctor if you ever had – 

1. Cardiac problems 
2. Long QT syndrome 
3. Bleeding issues
4. A stroke 
5. Glaucoma
6. Epilepsy or seizures 
7. Bipolar disorder 
8. Electrolyte imbalance  
9. Liver or kidney disease 

You must be aware of the changes in your mood or symptoms. Women during the last 3 months of pregnancy must not take the medicine as it may affect their unborn baby. But, it is also not safe to stop the medicine on a sudden note. Always consult your healthcare provider before you start or stop citalopram. Also, ask your doctor if it’s safe to have citalopram for a lactating mother. 

How to take Citalopram 40mg?

Take citalopram exactly as your doctor prescribes. You must follow all the instructions written on your prescription and all the medication guides. Your doctor might change the dose if you need.

Your dose may require change if you switch to a different brand or a form of the medicine. It is advisable to use only the medicine your doctor prescribes. You can take citalopram with or without food, but take it the same way each time. 

You might start seeing symptoms after 4 weeks. Inform your doctor if you have any changes in sexual function like loss of interest in sex, men with orgasm or ejaculation issues. Always follow your doctor’s advice when adjusting your dose. A number of eye tests are necessary before the treatment begins. The medicine bottles are stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Close the bottle tight when not in use. 

What to Avoid When Taking Citalopram? 

While you are on Citalopram, you must ask your doctor before taking Non-Steroidal, Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) like aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, and others. When you are on NSAID, taking Citalopram may cause you to bleed.

You must avoid alcohol consumption while having citalopram. Do not engage in any hazardous activity, as that may affect you. The reaction might be different. 

Disclaimer:

The core concern of Global Care Meds is to ensure that its consumers get expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy information. However, the information provided herein should not be taken as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The facts provided here are for informational purposes only. The information may not cover all possible side effects, drug interactions or, warnings or alerts of citalopram 40 mg. Please consult your physician and check all your queries related to your disease or medication. Our objective is to support, not hamper, the doctor-patient relationship.