Citalopram: uses, side effects and precautions

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

One of these drugs is citalopram., an 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 those who are going to start their treatment should take into account.

• Related article: "Types of antidepressants: characteristics and effects"

What is citalopram?

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

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

Also, compared to other types of antidepressants, citalopram releases large amounts of pain-relieving substances with an effect as strong as that of the morphine. This has earned it fame as a very effective antidepressant.

• Related article: "SSRIs: types, operation and effects of this antidepressant"

For which disorders is it effective?

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

1. depressive symptoms

Quite a few emotional conditions include symptoms of depression in addition to the illness of depression itself.

These symptoms include feeling irritable, gloomy, sad, and crying. The anhedonia or inability to enjoy those things that were previously satisfying. In addition, the feeling of constant fatigue or changes in eating and sleeping patterns are also symptoms of this type of disorder.

2. social anxiety disorder

More popularly called social phobia, this type of disorder is distinguished by the person experiencing a profound sense of fear and anxiety in one or several social situations where you have 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 it the patient experiences feelings of fear and panic imminent without there being a real stimulus that provokes them.

4. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

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

• You may be interested in: "Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): what is it and how does it manifest itself?"

5. Huntington's disease

This disease, also known as Huntington's KoreaIt is a hereditary and neurodegenerative condition in which the person presents motor symptoms such as uncontrolled movements, coarseness and balance disturbance.

• Related article: "This degenerative disease affects the areas of the brain involved in voluntary movement."

6. premenstrual dysphoric disorder

In premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) the woman experiences symptoms associated with severe depression, irritability, anguish 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 medicine must always be indicated by medical personnel, and it is essential to follow his instructions to the letter. A daily dose of 20 mg is usually recommended, which should be taken, if possible, either in the morning or at night. However, depending on the patient's symptoms and the effects that the drug causes in him, this dose may be increased to 60 mg per day.

Whatever the state or conditions of the patient, In no case may he alter the recommended dose at his own discretion.. That is, he will not be able to increase or decrease the dose, nor can he take it more frequently than indicated.

The first effects of citalopram on mood appear between 3 and 4 weeks after having consumption has started, so the patient should not stop taking it despite not feeling the effects immediate.

What are the side effects?

Citalopram carries a series of unwanted side effects that can cause a series of discomfort in the person.

These effects can be divided into non-serious side effects and serious side effects. In the event that the patient experiences any of the non-serious side effects repeatedly, it is recommended that they inform their doctor to adjust the dose of citalopram.

While if you experience any of the symptoms listed as serious side effects it is vitally important that you contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Non-serious side effects

Among the most serious side effects are the following.

• Gastric problems such as stomach pain, diarrhea or heartburn.
• Nausea.
• vomiting
• Changes in appetite.
• Weight loss.
• extreme fatigue.
• Muscular weakness.
• Tremors.
• Muscle and joint pain.
• dry mouth.
• Changes in sexual desire or performance.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding.

serious side effects

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

• Fever.
• Sensation of suffocation.
• Fainting.
• Chest pain.
• Alterations in heart rhythm.
• hallucinations.
• vertigos
• Hyperhidrosis or profuse sweating.
• Feeling of confusion
• Eat.
• coordination problems.
• Muscle numbness or muscle twitching.
• Skin disorders such as hives, blisters, rashes and itching.
• trouble swallowing
• Swelling in faces, throat, ankles and legs.
• Hoarseness.
• recurring headaches.
• Bleeding or bruising for no apparent reason.
• Lack of concentration and feeling of instability.
• seizures.

What precautions should those who consume it take?

Those people who must start a treatment with citalopram should inform their doctor about their allergies, other conditions or any special health condition in which the patient is.

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

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

Like other drugs in this category, citalopram often causes drowsinessTherefore, patients should avoid or take special precautions when driving or operating heavy machinery.

Finally, it has been shown that citalopram can cause negative effects in newborns if it is administered during the last months of pregnancy. Therefore, the patient must inform if she is pregnant or if she intends to be, since the doctor should assess which medication is the best for both the health of the mother and that of the baby.