Citalopram Side Effects

These side effects can be minimal with the right plan and doctor supervision as with any SSRI drug. Citalopram hydrobromide (Celexa) is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Now these drugs have helped many people in our society but don’t work for some. Some of the side effects listed by users have been a wide range but that is the case with all drugs because we are all different and it would be silly to think that the drug would affect us all the same.

In research gained from the web it is found that doses should not exceed greater than 40 mg per day. It is stated that it should not be used by people with congenital long QT syndrome, congestive heart failure, bradyarrythmias or predisposition to hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia because of concomitant illness or drugs, are at higher risk of developing Torsade de Pointes. Make sure to read the FDA Drug Safety Communication for additional recommendations for doctors and patients. You can visit the FDA website here. Now this is quit obvisous but your dosage must be regulated by your doctor and communication between you and them is vital to having a successful track record with this drug so that you can minimize the occurrence of any type of side effects. By watching your daily mood changes and reactions to regular occurrences is vital for a good run with this SSRI drug.

We found that there are warnings that come along with citalopram side effects occurring. A very small number of young individual up to the age of 24, teenagers and children that took antidepressants, aka mood elevators, during clinical studies did in fact become suicidal. Suicidal is the thought of killing themselves or someone else, that is why it is very important to consult with your doctor before making any changes in your medications because an addition or dropping of a dosage amount could be very hard on a person mentally.

Experts are not sure about how great this risk is and how much it should be considered in deciding whether a child, teenager or young adult should take an antidepressant. Doctors believe that a child under the age of 18 should not take it to combat their bouts of depression or anxiety. But there could arise a case where a doctor may decide that citalopram is the best medication that can treat a child’s specific condition.

It is good to know that your mental condition may change the most during the beginning phase of taking this drug. It may occur in unexpected ways when you take it or other antidepressants no matter what your age may be. If you become suicidal you, your family or your caregiver should call your doctor immediately; some of the other side effects that could occur are worsening depression; thinking about harming or killing yourself, or planning or trying to do so; extreme worry; agitation; panic attacks; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; aggressive behavior; irritability; acting without thinking; severe restlessness; and frenzied abnormal excitement.

As stated by a 39 year old female patient, “I started taking Citalopram 2 yrs. ago for mild depression. I started at a 20 mg pill once daily. I notice approx. 1 yr. later I was still SLIGHTLY depressed, so my Dr. prescribed I move up to 30 mg. I felt great. In the fall, I noticed ‘blue’. (S.A.D. ?) So my Dr. again prescribed that I move up to 40 mg throughout the winter months to see if that helps with seasonal affective disorder, & that I can start to ween myself back down to 30mg shortly before spring. The only side effect I’ve noticed so far, has been some mild sweating durting the night that started when I started taking the 40mg. Other than that, I have loved the way I feel since I’ve been taking Citalopram. So far so good.”

Also stated by a 22 year old mail patient, “I started taking 20mg pills for a few months. I noticed that it would feel as though it was wearing off by 7pm or so. My doctor prescribed me up to 30mg for a week and then to 40mg for the rest of the month. Things seem better than on the 20mg. However I still get depressed at times and nothing seems to ever go right. Perhaps therapy will help which my doctor mentioned. Going to continue on the 40mg for a few more months and see if it helps if not I will make another apt at the doctor and see what she thinks weather we want to try and up the dose or try something different.”

All side effects should be monitored while on the drug and if needed frequent visits to your doctor may be needed. Although the above listed side effects and warnings seem severe they are not experienced by all who take SSRI’s and many have had much success with reducing depression and successfully dealing with the side effects with ease. Make sure to get the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) once you start your treatment it and see that side effects are manageable.

Common Citalopram Side Effects

One in six people taking this medication will experience one or more side effects of Citalopram such as:

• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Weight changes
• Drowsiness
• Frequent urination
• Decrease in sex drive
• Anorgasmia (trouble achieving orgasm)
• Dry mouth
• Increased sweating
• Trembling
• Diarrhea
• Excessive yawning
• Fatigue

Other Citalopram Side Effects

Other side effects of Citalopram which are less frequent include:

• Bruxism (grinding of teeth while sleeping or while awake)
• Vomiting
• Cardiac Dysrhythmia (too fast, too slow, or irregular heartbeats)
• Changes in blood pressure
• Dilated pupils
• Mood swings
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Vomiting
• Vomiting

Some more rare side effects of Citalopram are:

• Convulsions
• Hallucinations
• Severe Allergic Reactions

Citalopram Side Effects in Men
Side effects of Citalopram specific to men are of a sexual nature. As with women, men may experience a decrease in sex drive or trouble achieving orgasm. These effects are experienced by 6.1% of men taking Citalopram.

Citalopram Side Effects in Women

The only different side effect that women will experience with Citalopram compared to men is menstrual irregularity, meaning that their monthly cycle may be altered while taking this medication. It is however suggested that women should contact their gynaecologist to rule out any other illnesses if their menstrual cycle remains irregular or if they experience other discomforts.

Certain side effects that are in men are also experienced by women, but they may also experience irregularity in their monthly cycle that may happen when they take this drug. Contacting their gynecologist is suggested in order to rule out any other illness if the condition remains or they experience any other irritations.