Get a friend or family member to go with you in case you feel ill on the way. If you take too much citalopram, you may be at risk of developing serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include a high fever, agitation, confusion, trembling, or weird movements of your muscles. This is rare, but you should watch out for it. While taking citalopram some people may think about hurting themselves or taking their own lives. This can happen to anyone, including people who are under These thoughts may happen or get worse in the first few weeks of taking the tablets until the level of serotonin in the brain becomes stable.
You must go straight to hospital if you have these thoughts, taking your tablets with you. Ask a friend or family member to go with you to keep you safe on the way. Stop taking citalopram and go to a doctor or hospital straight away if you get any of the following symptoms:.
Go to your doctor or the hospital straight away, but don't stop taking citalopram, if you get any of the following symptoms:. People under 18 who take citalopram can get serious side effects and have an increased risk of thinking about taking their own lives, trying to take their own lives, and hostility mostly aggression, oppositional behaviour and anger. Therefore, it is not licensed for people under 18 years old. If you are under 18, you and your doctor may decide that the benefits of taking citalopram outweigh the risks for you.
You should decide with your doctor what to do if you experience any side effects while taking citalopram. If you are taking citalopram and have not talked about this with your doctor, go back to them and talk it through.
You might also want to talk to your parents or carers about it. SSRIs can, but not very often, increase your risk of bleeding, including intestinal stomach or gut bleeding. Let your doctor know if you vomit blood or develop black or blood-stained poo. Do not stop taking the tablets until you talk to your doctor, or you may get withdrawal symptoms as well. If you do get a side effect, please think about reporting it via the 'Yellow Card' scheme.
Citalopram can affect the way your heart works and should be used carefully with certain medications. Citalopram and escitalopram a very similar medicine can change the way electricity goes through the heart called the QT length. Escitalopram has less of this effect on the heart.
Before starting citalopram your doctor may check your heart using an electrocardiogram ECG. If you're taking any other medicines that affect your heart, your doctor may decide to use a different medicine or check your heart on a regular basis.
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Open site search Open main navigation. View shareable links View Basket : 0 items. Guide Menu for Citalopram. Hide Show guide menu. Guide contents jump to section About citalopram Citalopram and everyday life Uses, warnings, safety and side effects About this information More information and advice. My experience taking fluoxetine and citalopram for PTSD.
Taking citalopram for agoraphobia and depression. About citalopram. Please note. Always talk to your doctor about your situation and whether this medication is for you. Thinking about trying medication?
Read our guide. How citalopram works. Citalopram is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRI. Citalopram is often prescribed alongside a talking therapy. Citalopram and everyday life. Frequently asked questions. How long does it take to start working? What effects will it have on my body?
Citalopram can cause people to lose weight when they first start talking it. Should I tell my family and friends I am taking it? Will it affect my sleep? Can I drink alcohol and take street drugs while taking it?
Alcohol You can continue to drink alcohol in moderation while taking citalopram. Street drugs Citalopram does not mix well with street drugs or legal highs. Cannabis can make drowsiness worse with citalopram and give you a fast heartbeat.
Can I take it with other medications? Citalopram can interact with some other medicines and drugs. I have allergies and food intolerances. Is there anything I need to know? The drops contain a small amount of alcohol, but not enough to affect your blood alcohol level.
Can I drive while taking it? Do not drive or ride a bike just after you start taking citalopram. Don't worry - most people drive as normal while taking citalopram.
Can I take it if I am pregnant or breastfeeding? Pregnancy If you become pregnant while you are on citalopram, you should carry on taking it and go back to your doctor as soon as possible to see if you should change or stop your medicine.
Post-natal If citalopram is taken in the last five months of a pregnancy, it can cause a serious condition called persistent pulmonary hypertension of the new-born PPHN. There are some other symptoms that can occur in newborn babies if citalopram is taken in the last three months of pregnancy, so do look out for these and get help if they happen: seizures fits or shaking being too hot or cold feeding difficulties or being sick Breastfeeding Breastfeeding may help offset any withdrawal symptoms.
Will it affect my sex life or fertility? Some of the common side effects of citalopram will gradually improve as your body gets used to it. Some people who take citalopram for panic attacks find their anxiety gets worse during the first few weeks of treatment. This usually wears off after a few weeks, but speak to your doctor if it bothers you. A lower dose may help reduce your symptoms.
Common side effects happen in more than 1 in people. Keep taking the medicine, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:. In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to citalopram. These are not all the side effects of citalopram. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.
It's important for you and your baby that you stay well during your pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking citalopram, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Citalopram has been linked to a very small increased risk of problems for your unborn baby. But if your depression is not treated during pregnancy, this can also increase the chance of problems.
You may need to take citalopram during pregnancy if you need it to remain well. Your doctor can explain the risks and the benefits, and will help you decide which treatment is best for you and your baby.
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, citalopram can be used during breastfeeding. Citalopram passes into breast milk in small amounts, and has been linked with side effects in very few breastfed babies. It's important to continue taking citalopram to keep you well.
Breastfeeding will also benefit both you and your baby. If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual or seems unusually sleepy, or you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor or doctor as soon as possible. For more information about how citalopram can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, read this leaflet on the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy BUMPs website. Some medicines and citalopram can interfere with each other and increase the chances of you having side effects.
Tell your doctor if you're taking these medicines before you start citalopram :. Do not take St John's wort, the herbal remedy for depression, while you're being treated with citalopram as this will increase your risk of side effects.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements. Citalopram is one of a group of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These medicines are thought to work by increasing the levels of a mood-enhancing chemical called serotonin in the brain. You may not notice much improvement in your symptoms for 1 or 2 weeks until citalopram begins to take effect.
Do not stop taking citalopram after 1 or 2 weeks just because you feel it is not helping your symptoms. Antidepressants like citalopram help to jump start your mood so you feel better.
You may notice that you sleep better and get on with people more easily because you're less anxious. You'll hopefully take little things that used to worry you in your stride. Citalopram w ill not change your personality or make you feel euphorically happy. It'll simply help you feel like yourself again. Do not expect to feel better overnight, though. Some people feel worse during the first few weeks of treatment before they begin to feel better.
Once you're feeling better it's likely that you'll continue to take citalopram for several more months to prevent the symptoms returning.
You'll need to discuss with your doctor the pros and cons of continuing to take citalopram for longer than a few months. The decision will depend on the type and severity of your symptoms, whether it's a one-off problem or one that keeps coming back, how well citalopram works for you, and whether you have had any bad side effects.
A few people may get sexual side effects, such as problems getting an erection or a lower sex drive. In some cases these can continue even after stopping the medicine. Speak to your doctor if you are worried. Otherwise there do not seem to be any lasting harmful effects from taking citalopram for many months and years. If you have been feeling better for 6 months or more, your doctor may suggest coming off citalopram.
Your doctor will probably recommend reducing your dose gradually over several weeks, or longer if you have been taking citalopram for a long time. This is to help prevent any extra side effects you might get as a reaction to coming off the medicine. Do not stop taking citalopram suddenly or without talking to your doctor first. But sometimes people respond better to one antidepressant than to another.
Citalopram can make you feel less hungry, so you may lose weight when you first start taking it. If you start to have problems with your weight while taking citalopram, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Some people cannot concentrate properly while they're taking citalopram. It might be best to stop driving and cycling for the first few days of treatment until you know how this medicine makes you feel. Researchers then looked at the people who took Celexa and had their depression symptoms ease to see how the drug worked long term. These people were compared with people who took a placebo. The people in the Celexa group were less likely to have their depression come back again. Celexa tablets are available as a brand-name medication.
A generic drug is an exact copy of a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. Celexa contains one active drug ingredient: citalopram. This means citalopram is the ingredient that makes Celexa work.
Celexa can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Celexa. For more information on the possible side effects of Celexa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be bothersome. Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing should call You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug.
As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Celexa. However, there are no studies showing the frequency of allergic reactions in people using Celexa. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:. A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:. Call your doctor right away if you have a severe allergic reaction to Celexa.
Changes in appetite may occur while taking Celexa, which can lead to weight gain or weight loss. In some studies, people who took Celexa lost about 1 lb. Keep in mind that depression itself sometimes causes changes in appetite and weight. They can look at what might be causing the change in your weight and suggest helpful treatments. Sexual problems may occur with Celexa use. Both men and women who take the drug may have a lower sex drive.
Men who take Celexa may also have impotence or ejaculation changes mostly a delay in ejaculating. You may not have sexual side effects while taking Celexa. Your doctor may be able to change your dose of Celexa to ease symptoms or recommend a different medication. Sleep problems may occur while taking Celexa.
However, clinical studies found very similar rates of insomnia in people who took Celexa or a placebo. In addition, depression may also cause trouble with sleep. Sleep is an important part of your overall health. Diarrhea is a possible side effect of taking Celexa, but it may get better over time. You may also have diarrhea if you stop taking Celexa too quickly.
They can suggest helpful treatment options. They can suggest tips on how to be more comfortable. In studies , more people who took a placebo had constipation than people who took Celexa. However, if you have constipation while using Celexa, talk with your doctor about treatment options. Sweating including night sweats may occur when taking Celexa. Sweating may also occur if you stop taking the drug too quickly or as a result of certain drug interactions.
They may be able to suggest treatments to help you feel more comfortable. Studies have looked at cases of suicide in people younger than age 18 years who took either an antidepressant or a placebo. The results showed 14 more cases of suicide in every 1, people who took an antidepressant compared with people who took a placebo. In people ages 18 to 24 years, studies showed 5 more cases of suicide in every 1, people who took an antidepressant, compared with people who took a placebo.
And in people ages 25 years and older, there were fewer cases of suicide in every 1, people who took antidepressants, compared with people who took a placebo. Be sure to have friends and loved ones keep an eye out as well. If you have thoughts of harming yourself while taking Celexa, tell your doctor right away or call Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs. The starting dose of Celexa is 20 mg a day. Your doctor may have you increase your dose to 40 mg a day after at least 1 week of treatment with the starting dose.
A maximum dose of 40 mg a day is recommended because higher doses are more likely to lead to heart-related side effects. These include a heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation.
If you miss a dose of Celexa, take it as soon as you can. A medication timer may be useful, too. Celexa is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. Celexa may also be used off-label for other conditions. Celexa is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression in adults. Early studies of the medication were in people with major depressive disorder MDD. MDD involves symptoms that interfere with daily life for at least 2 weeks. Examples of these symptoms include:. In addition to the use listed above, Celexa may be used off-label.
And you may wonder if Celexa is used for certain other conditions. However, some studies suggest selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs like Celexa may be good treatment options for anxiety. These medications may be an option for people with anxiety who may benefit from taking medication.
This is a behavioral health condition in which unwanted thoughts or behaviors keep coming back or repeat over and over. Treatment of OCD usually requires doses of Celexa that are higher than those used for depression.
And it can take longer for people with OCD to notice that Celexa is working. Although the maximum recommended dose of Celexa for depression is 40 mg, doses of 60 mg have been used to treat OCD.
Taking 60 mg of Celexa may increase your risk for heart-related side effects such as dizziness and heart palpitations feeling of skipped or extra heartbeats. Bipolar depression is a mental health condition in which you have extreme shifts in your energy and mood. If you have bipolar depression, you may have mania or hypomania racing thoughts or periods of high energy when taking Celexa or other antidepressants.
PMS is a group of physical and mental symptoms women have a week or two before their period. To treat PMDD, your doctor may prescribe doses of Celexa 10 mg to 30 mg that are lower than those used to treat depression.
Celexa may be prescribed off-label for symptoms of menopause , usually at doses smaller than those used for depression. Your doctor may prescribe 10 mg to 30 mg of Celexa to help treat menopause symptoms. Celexa may be used off-label to treat irritable bowel syndrome IBS , a condition that affects your intestines.
Celexa studies of people with IBS have shown mixed results. IBS symptoms may ease in some people when taking Celexa. Your doctor may prescribe Celexa as part of your treatment plan. Post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur after going through or witnessing a traumatic event.
Celexa may be used off-label for the treatment of PTSD, although other antidepressants and medications are often chosen over Celexa.
The drug may not fully help treat your symptoms. Also, nondrug treatments such as counseling are generally tried before medication. Celexa may be used off-label to treat depression in children. Other antidepressant medications have FDA-approval for the treatment of major depressive disorder in children and are preferred over Celexa. Examples of these medications include fluoxetine Prozac and escitalopram Lexapro.
Celexa may be used off-label to treat agitation caused by dementia. Dementia is a group of symptoms that mark a decline in how you communicate, think, and remember things. The people were treated with counseling and either citalopram the active drug in Celexa or a placebo.
Researchers found that symptoms eased more in the people who took citalopram than in those who took a placebo. Among the different scales researchers used to evaluate people in the study was the modified Alzheimer Disease Cooperative Study — Clinical Global Impression of Change.
These conditions affect how well you sleep on a regular basis. Other drugs are available that can treat depression. Some may be better suited for you than others. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you. You may wonder how Celexa compares to other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Celexa and Lexapro are alike and different.
Celexa contains the active drug citalopram. Lexapro contains the active drug escitalopram. Lexapro is FDA-approved to treat depression in adults as well as children ages 12 to 17 years. Lexapro is also FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder in adults.
Celexa and Lexapro are both available as tablets that you swallow. Lexapro is also available as an oral liquid solution. Both Celexa and Lexapro are generally taken once a day. Celexa and Lexapro belong to the same class of drugs. Therefore, both medications can cause very similar side effects. Below are examples of these side effects. These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Celexa, with Lexapro, or with both drugs when taken individually.
These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Celexa, with Lexapro, or with both drugs when taken individually. Separate studies of the two drugs were compared in a larger review of studies. People who took Lexapro were more likely to have their symptoms ease than those who took Celexa. Celexa and Lexapro are both brand-name drugs.
Both drugs are also available in generic forms. The generic form of Celexa is called citalopram, and the generic form of Lexapro is called escitalopram. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.
According to estimates on GoodRx. Generic Celexa tablets generally cost about the same as generic Lexapro tablets. Like Lexapro above , the drug Zoloft has uses similar to those of Celexa. Zoloft is also FDA-approved to treat the following:.
Celexa is used off-label to treat most of these conditions. Celexa and Zoloft are both available as tablets that you swallow. Zoloft is also available as an oral liquid solution. Both Celexa and Zoloft are usually taken once a day. Celexa and Zoloft belong to the same class of drugs. These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Celexa, with Zoloft, or with both drugs when taken individually. These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Celexa, with Zoloft, or with both drugs when taken individually.
Celexa and Zoloft are both brand-name drugs. The generic form of Celexa is called citalopram, and the generic form of Zoloft is called sertraline. Generic Celexa tablets generally cost about the same as generic Zoloft tablets. Stopping Celexa too quickly can make you feel ill. You may have withdrawal symptoms that last days to weeks, which is known as discontinuation syndrome.
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