Citalopram

Citalopram or nitalapram is an antidepressant drug used to treat depression associated with mood disorders. It is also used on occasion in the treatment of body dysmorphic disorder and anxiety. more...

Citalopram belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is sold under the brand-names Celexa™ (U.S., Forest Laboratories, Inc.), Cipramil™ (Europe and Australia) and Talohexane (Australia).

Citalopram was originally created by the pharmaceutical company Lundbeck although the patent for it expired in 2003, allowing other companies to legally produce generic versions.

Lundbeck has recently released a new SSRI drug called escitalopram oxalate (also known as Cipralex or Lexapro) derived from the citalopram molecule.

Reported side effects

Over 10% of patients

• Feeling sick or tired
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feeling agitated or nervous
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Blurred vision
• Missed heartbeats
• Feeling of weakness
• Difficulty ejaculating

Over 1% of patients

• Itchiness
• Rashes
• Migraine
• Strange dreams
• Changes in taste
• Decreased libido or impotence
• Failure to orgasm
• Painful menstruation
• Tingling in fingers or toes
• Loss of memory or concentration
• Changes in appetite (increase or lack of)
• Mood changes
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Yawning
• Indigestion
• Vomiting
• Stomach ache
• Flatulence
• Increased saliva
• Change in weight
• Dizziness on standing up
• Fast heartbeat
• Changes in blood pressure
• Runny nose
• Sinusitis
• Changes in passing urine

Rare (under 1% of patients)

• Muscle pain
• Convulsions
• Increased libido
• Coughing
• Abnormal movement of the face or body
• Ringing in the ears
• Mood changes
• Slowing of the heartbeat
• Photosensitivity
• Allergic reactions
• Fainting
• Suicidal ideation

Other side effects

Occasionally, panic attacks, thoughts of suicide or self-harm may occur or increase in the first few weeks, before the antidepressant effect starts.

Other occasional effects include leaking of milk from the breasts, changes in heart rhythm, swelling of the skin, joint pain or severe allergic reactions.

Overdose

Citalopram is considered relatively safe in overdose; although coma at a dosage of 400mg has been observed. It is important to seek medical attention if an overdose of this medication has occurred.

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