Citalopram Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Citalopram side effects may include suicidal thoughts, headaches, decreased sex drive, agitation, anxiety, nervousness, difficulty with ejaculation, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, upset stomach, appetite loss, insomnia, rash, sleepiness, and vomiting. Rare Citalopram side effects may include impotence, acne, abnormal dreams, low concentration, allergic reaction, hair loss, back pain, blindness, breast development in males, breast pain or enlargement, breathing difficulties, cataracts, chest pain, difficulty breathing, high blood pressure, hot flushes, inflammation of the penis, throbbing heartbeat, vaginal inflammation, hemorrhage, and urinary pain.

Citalopram Side Effects Reporting

If you experience any Citalopram side effects not mentioned above you should report it to your primary health care provider or FDA 1-800-FDA-1088 in the United States, Health Canada 1-866-225-0709 in Canada, MHRA 020 3080 6000 in UK, or TGA 1800 020 653 in Australia.

Citalopram belongs to the family of drugs known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) that block the movement of the neurotransmitter (chemical messengers) serotonin into nerve endings. Citalopram is given to treat depression that lasts for over 2 weeks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia, anorexia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorder, migraine and chronic headaches, post traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and social phobias. Serotonin is believed to govern moods and is quickly reabsorbed after its release at the nerve endings. Citalopram slows this process, thus boosting the levels of serotonin in the brain. It usually takes about 7 days for Citalopram to start working.

Citalopram Overdose

Symptoms of Citalopram overdose include seizures, nausea, agitation, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, coma, fainting, mania, and high or low blood pressure. In case of a Citalopram overdose, seek medical attention right away. If you miss a dose of Citalopram, take it as soon as you can. However, if it is just about time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and go on with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose of Citalopram.

Citalopram Pregnancy

Pregnant women using SSRIs like Citalopram are more likely to deliver prematurely or going to have babies with major abnormalities. Citalopram pass into breast milk. Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feeding while taking Citalopram.

CITALOPRAM WARNING

Unless the condition is significantly improved, possibility of suicide while taking Citalopram exists especially in severely depressed patients.

Citalopram is not recommended for children and teens as it could increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.

If you have a kidney or liver disorder, or have had seizures, your physician may limit your dosage. Caution is advised.

Citalopram may impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. Use caution until you know how the Citalopram affects you.

CITALOPRAM CAUTION

Do not take Citalopram within 2 weeks of taking any drug classified as an MAO inhibitor. Serious and sometimes fatal reactions can occur.

SSRIs like Citalopram should be used with caution by people with seizures.

Do not combine Citalopram with herbs like St.John's Wort, Kava, Hop, or Ginseng.

CITALOPRAM INTERACTION

There should be an interval of 2 weeks between stopping Citalopram and starting an MAOI antidepressant.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Citalopram. Use over-the-counter (OTC) medicines such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Aleve with caution.

Do not combine Citalopram with herbs like St.John's Wort, Kava, Hop, or Ginseng.

It is imperative to check with your physician before combining Citalopram with the following:

Blood thinners
Cimetidine
Crystodigin
Flecainide
Imitrex
Lithium
MAO inhibitor drugs
Other serotonin-boosting drugs
Other antidepressants
Propafenone
Sumatriptan
Tolbutamide
Valium
Warfarin

CITALOPRAM DOSES

ADULTS
The usual starting dose is 20-40mg a day.
Seniors and people with liver or kidney condition may need a lower dose (less than 20mg/day).

CHILDREN
Citalopram is not recommended for children and teens as it could increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.
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