Preliminary a concise synopsis of the leading positionic
Citalopram is used in the treatment of major depressive disorder is an SSRI antidepressant commonly marketed as Celexa and supplied generically as citalopram. In the UK it is also available under other brand names such as Cipramil. It is primarily prescribed for major depressive disorder and is sometimes used for panic disorder or certain anxiety-related conditions when clinically appropriate.
In brief, key points:
- Active compound: citalopram.
- Primary use: treatment of depression; may be used for some anxiety conditions and panic disorder.
- Typical tablet strengths found in the UK include 10 mg and 20 mg. The usual adult maximum dose is 40 mg per day; for older adults or patients with risk factors the upper limit is often reduced to 20 mg because of potential effects on heart rhythm.
For administration details, jump to How to Take It Right. For advice on a i forgot to take a dose see Forgotten dose.
Prior to starting
Tell your prescriber or pharmacist about any of the following so they can assess safety and need for continuous oversight:
- Heart conditions, known long QT interval, or current use of medicines that alter heart rhythm.
- A history of seizure disorders.
- Bipolar disorder in you or a close relative, or previous episodes of mania or hypomania.
- Renal or hepatic function is reduced.
- Diabetes as a health condition mellitus.
- Upcoming or recently completed electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
- Current thoughts of self-harm or past suicide attempts.
- Hypersensitivity to citalopram, escitalopram, or any excipients in the tablet.
- Pregnancy, planning a pregnancy, or lactation.
If you are unsure whether an over-the-counter product or herbal remedy is safe to take with citalopram, mention it during your consultation.
How to take properly the medication citalopram
Take tablets once daily, at about the same time each day, with water. Tablets can be taken regardless of food intake. Follow the instructions on your NHS or private prescription label and any additional advice from your clinician. Do not increase the frequency without professional advice and avoid stopping abruptly; a gradual reduction is usually recommended to reduce withdrawal effects.
Clinical benefits often take several weeks to appear. If you suspect an an overdose, contact NHS 111, your local poison information service, or go directly to A and E immediately.
The infant and child population and adolescents should only receive citalopram under specialist supervision. If you need quick navigation, see also Observation and Protective Measures for driving and safety alerts and clear guidance.
Untaken dose
If you skip a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless the next scheduled dose is within about four hours. If the next dose is due soon, skip the dose was skipped and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take more than one dose at once to replace a dose was skipped.
Substances and medicines that interact
Medications you should not combine with citalopram
- MAOIs such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid and certain forms of selegiline - allow clinician-advised washout periods before making the switch.
- The drug pimozide treatment option.
- Cisapride acts as a gut motility stimulant in some therapies. or thioridazine.
- Escitalopram used for depression and anxiety - avoid duplicating therapy.
- Nefazodone formulation.
- Certain older anorectic drugs like dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, and sibutramine.
- Procarbazine therapy is a chemotherapy medication used in oncology.
- Saint John's wort and tryptophan supplements, which can raise serotonin levels.
Apply with caution. or examine further dose
- Other antidepressants and several antipsychotics; for example phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine or prochlorperazine.
- Linezolid drug therapy or intravenous methylene blue therapy. because they have MAOI-like effects.
- Triptans for migraine - examples include sumatriptan, rizatriptan and others.
- Drugs that increase bleeding risk: warfarin, DOACs, low molecular weight heparins.
- NSAIDs and aspirin-containing medicines.
- Carbamazepine and some other anticonvulsants.
- Metoprolol and cimetidine which can alter drug levels or effects.
- Certain antiretrovirals and stimulants such as amphetamine.
This list is only partial. Always provide a full list of prescribed medicines, over-the-counter products, herbal remedies and supplements, and mention alcohol, nicotine and recreational drug use to your clinician.
Active ongoing observation and safety practices
- Attend follow-up appointments so your prescriber can check effectiveness and acute side effects. Mood may worsen initially or after dose changes; seek help promptly if you get worse or develop new thoughts of self-harm.
- When discontinuing, a tapered reduction is usually advised to avoid withdrawal symptoms; follow your prescribers plan.
- The antidepressant called Citalopram can cause drowsiness, dizziness or reduced concentration. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if these occur. In the UK it is an offense to drive while impaired by medication.
- Limit alcohol intake while being treated since it may increase sedation and exacerbate mood problems.
- Check with a pharmacist before using remedies for colds, coughs or allergy as ingredients can interact or increase knock-on effects.
- Simple measures such as chewing sugar-free gum or sipping water may ease dry mouth, a common complaint.
Potential secondary effects
If you notice changes, seek urgent medical attention promptly
- Signs of allergic reaction: rash, itching, hives, swelling of face, lips or tongue.
- Features suggesting serotonin syndrome: agitation, confusion, high temperature, sweating, fast heartbeat or muscle stiffness.
- Epileptic seizures.
- Severe dizziness, fainting or collapse.
- Psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or losing touch with reality.
- Bleeding with no clear cause or bruising easily.
- New or increasing suicidal thoughts or marked changes in behaviour.
Common repercussions that often settle with time
- An ache in the head.
- Nausea or appetite changes.
- Sweating is more pronounced.
- Foggy vision.
- Sleep changes including difficulty sleeping or vivid dreams.
- Altered sexual desire or performance.
If you suspect an adverse reaction you can report it to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme; see Status under law and regulatory rules for compiling reporting details.
Block the term storage describes a place or method for preserving goods or information.
- Make sure all medicines are kept out of children's sight and access.
- Store at room temperature, typically 15 to 30 C (59 to 86 F), away from direct heat and moisture.
- Do not use after the printed expiry date. Return unwanted or expired medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal rather than throwing them in household waste.
Different tracks and value guide in the UK
If citalopram is not tolerated or effective, prescribers may recommend other agents tailored to your clinical needs and side-effect considerations. Mainstream other routes include:
- Other SSRIs: sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, escitalopram.
- SNRIs include venlafaxine and duloxetine.
- Mirtazapine, which has a different the control mechanism and may help sleep or appetite.
- Within the tricyclic antidepressant category you will find amitriptyline and nortriptyline.; often used at low doses for pain or insomnia.
- Newer agents like vortioxetine or agomelatine, typically initiated by specialists.
Indicative private cost scale for a 28 to 30 day supply in the UK (medicine cost only; excludes consultation and dispensing fees):
- Generic citalopram 20 mg: about 2 to 10 GBP.
- The SSRI sertraline or generic fluoxetine: roughly 2 to 12 GBP.
- Escitalopram oral medication generic: around 3 to 15 GBP; branded versions cost more.
- Venlafaxine generic: approximately 4 to 18 GBP; extended-release forms may be pricier.
- Mirtazapine medication generic: typically 3 to 12 GBP.
On the NHS most prescriptions in England attract a fixed charge per item (check the current NHS prescription charge), while prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Prices will vary by strength, brand versus generic, and pharmacy, so confirm costs with your dispensing pharmacy.
Status in law accompanied by practical guidelines in the UK
- Prescription status: citalopram is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM). It must be supplied only with a valid prescription from an authorised prescriber.
- Buying online: only use UK-registered pharmacies that display their General Pharmaceutical Council registration and approved distance-selling logo. Be cautious of overseas or unlicensed suppliers.
- NHS prescription charges: in England most adults pay a set fee per item; check NHS sources for the latest charge. Exemptions and prepayment options can reduce costs.
- Driving and safety: do not drive if the medication affects your ability. For long-term conditions or complex cases consult DVLA guidance about fitness to drive.
- Prenatal to lactation care: citalopram should be used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding only after a careful discussion of risks and benefits with your clinician; do not stop suddenly if advised to continue treatment.
- Adverse event reporting: suspected indirect effects can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. Visit the MHRA website or ask your pharmacist for more details, please refer here.
- Disposal: return unused or out-of-date medicines to a pharmacy; do not dispose of them in household trash or down the sink.
For practical links and quick navigation, return to the Scope and a high level snapshot of the content or land on Interaction patterns for medication checks.
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