Generic Name: citalopram

Brand Name: Celexa

Drug Class:Antidepressants, SSRIs

What is citalopram, and what is it used for?

Citalopram is anantidepressantmedication that affects neurotransmitters, the chemicals that nerves within the brain use to communicate with each other. Neurotransmitters are manufactured and released by nerves and then travel and attach to nearby nerves. Thus, neurotransmitters can be thought of as the communication system of the brain. Many experts believe that an imbalance among neurotransmitters is the cause ofdepression.

Citalopram works by preventing the uptake of one neurotransmitter, serotonin, by nerve cells after it has been released. Since uptake is an important mechanism for removing released neurotransmitters and terminating their actions on adjacent nerves, the reduced uptake caused by citalopram results in more free serotonin in the brain to stimulate nerve cells.

Citalopram is in the class ofdrugscalled selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class that also containsfluoxetine(Prozac),paroxetine(Paxil) andsertraline(Zoloft). Citalopram was approved by the FDA in July 1998.

Citalopram is approved for treatingdepression. It is also used off-label for treating:

Warnings

Some patients may experience withdrawal reactions upon stopping citalopram. Symptoms of withdrawal include:

Antidepressants increased the risk ofsuicidalthinking and behavior (suicidality) in short-term studies in children and adolescents withdepressionand other psychiatric disorders.

Worsening behavior andsuicidaltendencies may require discontinuation of therapy and should be reported to the health care provider.

Anyone considering the use of citalopram or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Patients who are started on therapy should be closely observed for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior.

禁忌症

  • Hypersensitivity
  • Coadministration withpimozide
  • Coadministration with serotonergic drugs

What are the side effects of citalopram?

Side effects associated with citalopram are

Overall, between 1 in 6 and 1 in 5 persons experience a side effect. Citalopram is also associated with sexual dysfunction.

SLIDESHOW

Learn to Spot Depression: Symptoms, Warning Signs, MedicationSee Slideshow

What is the dosage for citalopram?

  • 通常在早上开始剂量为20毫克evening. The dose may be increased to 40 mg daily after one week.
  • A dose of 60 mg has not been shown to be more effective than 40 mg.
  • As with all antidepressants, it may take several weeks of treatment before maximum effects are seen.
  • Doses are often slowly adjusted upwards to find the most effective dose.

Which drugs or supplements interact with citalopram?

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possibledrug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor's recommendation.

MAOIs

All SSRIs, including citalopram, should not be taken with any of themono-amine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor-class of antidepressants, for example, isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate),selegiline(Eldepryl), and procarbazine (Matulane). Such combinations may lead to confusion,high blood pressure,tremor, andhyperactivity.

If treatment is to be changed from citalopram to anMAOIor vice-versa, there should be a 14 day period without either drug before the alternative drug is started.Tryptophan, a common dietary supplement, can causeheadaches,nausea,sweating, and dizziness when taken with any SSRI.Linezolidand intravenousmethylene blueare also MAO inhibitors and should not be combined with citalopram.

Pain Medications and NSAIDs

Use of an SSRI withaspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or other drugs that affect bleeding may increase the likelihood of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Severe interactions of citalopram include:

  • dronedarone
  • goserelin
  • isocarboxazid
  • leuprolide
  • phenelzine
  • pimozide
  • procarbazine
  • selegiline
  • selegiline transdermal
  • tranylcypromine
  • ziprasidone

Citalopram has serious interactions with at least 79 different drugs.

Citalopram has moderate interactions with at least 208 different drugs.

Mild interactions of citalopram include:

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription andover-the-countermedications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • Exposure of neonates to citalopram in thethird trimestermay cause complications.
  • Citalopram is excreted inbreast milk.Breastfeedingby a citalopram treated woman may cause adverse effects in the infant.

What else should I know about citalopram?

Do I need a prescription for citalopram?

Yes, a prescription is needed.

What preparations of citalopram are available?

Tablets: 10, 20, and 40 mg. Solution: 10 mg/5 ml

How should I keep citalopram stored?

Citalopram should be stored at room temperature, 15 to 30 C (59 to 86 F).

Summary

Citalopram is an antidepressant drug used to treat: depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric syndrome (PMDD), anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and patient safety information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.

Treatment & Diagnosis

药物和补品

Prevention & Wellness

QUESTION

Depression is a(n) __________ .See Answer

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See more info:citalopram on RxList
Medically Reviewed on2/3/2022
References
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