Citalopram: uses, side effects and precautions

This Antidepressant is used in depressive and anxiety disorders.

Antidepressant drugs have gained special importance. Especially since the cases of depression and anxiety have skyrocketed in recent years due to different social and individual factors.

One of these drugs is Citalopraman antidepressant that increases serotonin levels and releases a large amount of painkillers in the person. Below we talk about its uses, side effects and what precautions should be taken into account by those who are going to start its treatment.

What is citalopram?

Citalopram is an antidepressant drug that has been produced since 1989.. This drug, popularly known as Celexa, is included in the category of antidepressants Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).

This type of drug increases the amount of serotonin by preventing it from being reuptaken. The main function of serotonin is to maintain harmony, balance and emotional well-being, which is essential when intervening in emotional disturbances such as depressive disorders or conditions with anxious symptomatology.

Moreover, compared to other types of antidepressants, citalopram discharges large quantities of analgesic substances with an effect as strong as that of morphine. This has earned it a reputation as a very effective antidepressant.

For which disorders is it effective?

Like many other antidepressants, citalopram is administered in a multitude of cases in which the person needs to achieve emotional stability. Specifically the list of disorders and illnesses in which citalopram has proved to be of great help are are the following.

1. Depressive symptomatology

There are many emotional conditions that include symptoms of depression in addition to the disease of depression as such.

These symptoms include the sensation of irritability, heaviness, sadness and crying.. Anhedonia or inability to enjoy things that were once satisfying. In addition, the feeling of constant fatigue or alterations in eating and sleeping patterns are also symptoms of this type of disorder.

2. Social anxiety disorder

More popularly known as social phobia, this type of disorder is distinguished by the fact that the person experiences a profound sense of fear and anxiety in some or several social situations. anxiety in one or more social situations in which it is necessary to interact with other people.

3. Panic disorder

Another type of anxiety disorder in which the administration of citalopram is recommended is panic disorder. In panic disorder the patient experiences sensations of impending fear and panic imminent without there being a real stimulus that provokes them.

4. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

Another disorder with anxious symptomatology is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). (OCD). In this disorder the patient presents a series of intrusive thoughts that appear continuously and repeatedly and cause feelings of worry and anxiety, and repetitive behaviors with the aim of calming these feelings.

5. Huntington's disease

This disease, also known as Huntington's chorea, is a hereditary and neurodegenerative neurodegenerative condition.is an inherited, neurodegenerative condition in which the person has motor symptoms such as uncontrolled movements, coarseness and impaired balance.

6. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

In premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) a woman experiences symptoms associated with severe depression, irritability, distress and nervousness before menstruation. These symptoms are very similar to those of premenstrual syndrome but much more intense.

How is it administered?

The use of this medication must always be indicated by medical personnelIt is essential to follow their indications to the letter. A daily dose of 20 mg is usually recommended, which should be taken, if possible, either in the morning or in the evening. However, depending on the patient's symptomatology and the effects of the drug on the patient, this dose may be increased up to 60 mg per day.

Whatever the patient's state or conditions, in any case, the patient may not alter the recommended dosage at his own discretion.. That is to say, he/she cannot increase or decrease the dose, nor can he/she take it more frequently than indicated.

The first effects of citalopram on mood appear between 3 and 4 weeks after starting to take it, so the patient should not stop taking it even if he/she does not feel the effects immediately.

What are the side effects?

Citalopram carries with it a number of unwanted side effects that can cause a number of discomforts to the individual.

These effects can be divided into non-serious side effects and serious side effects. In case the patient experiences any of the non-serious side effects repeatedly, it is recommended that he/she informs his/her physician in order to adjust the dose of citalopram.

While if you experience any of the symptoms included in the list of serious side effects it is of vital importance that you contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Non-serious side effects

More serious side effects include the following.

• Gastric problems such as stomach pain, diarrhea or heartburn.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Appetite disturbances..
• Decrease in weight.
• Extreme fatigue.
• muscle weakness.
• tremors
• Muscle and joint pain.
• Dry mouth.
• Alterations in sexual desire or performance.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding.

Serious side effects

The most serious side effects associated with this drug are the following.

• Fever.
• Choking sensation.
• Fainting.
• Chest pain.
• Heart rhythm disturbances.
• Hallucinations.
• Vertigo.
• Hyperhidrosis or abundant sweating.
• Sensation of confusion.
• Coma.
• Coordination problems..
• Muscle numbness or muscle twitching.
• Skin disorders such as hives, blisters, rashes and itching..
• Swallowing problems.
• Swelling of the face, throat, ankles and legs.
• Hoarseness.
• Recurrent headaches.
• Bleeding or bruises for no apparent reason.
• Lack of concentration and feeling of instability.
• Convulsions.

What precautions should be taken by those who take it?

Those who have to start a treatment with citalopram should inform their physician of any allergies, other medical conditions or any special health or any special health condition the patient may have.

In addition, due to the effects and interferences that may be caused, you should also inform about any medication, vitamin supplement or natural compound that the patient is taking during the treatment.

As for alcohol consumption, it can aggravate the side effects of citalopram, so it is advisable not to consume any alcoholic beverage during treatment.

Like other drugs in this category, citalopram tends to cause drowsiness.Therefore, patients should avoid or take special precautions when driving or operating heavy machinery.

Finally, it has been shown that citalopram may cause adverse effects in newborns if administered during the last months of pregnancy. Therefore, the patient should inform if she is pregnant or intends to become pregnant, since the physician will have to assess which medication is the best for both the mother's and the baby's health.