Category Archives: Citalopram Side Effects

Citalopram side effects

Citalopram (Oral Route) Side Effect

Citalopram is an antidepressant medication that is commonly used to treat depression, anxiety and panic disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). When taken orally, citalopram works by increasing the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the brain.

Like all medications, citalopram can cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects include:

Nausea: This is one of the most common side effects and usually goes away after a few days of taking the medication.
Diarrhea: This can occur as a result of the medication altering the normal balance of bacteria in the intestines.
Constipation: This is another digestive side effect that can occur as a result of taking citalopram.
Headache: This is a common side effect and can be caused by the medication’s effect on the blood vessels in the head.
Drowsiness: This can be a side effect, especially when first starting the medication or if the dose is increased.
Dizziness: This can occur as a result of changes in blood pressure and balance caused by the medication.
Trouble sleeping: Some people taking citalopram may have trouble sleeping, especially if they take the medication in the evening.
Increased sweating: This can be a side effect of taking citalopram, especially in people who are prone to sweating.
Decreased sex drive or difficulty achieving an orgasm: This is a common side effect and can be distressing for some people.
Dry mouth: This is a common side effect of citalopram and can be due to the medication decreasing the production of saliva.
There are also some serious side effects that require immediate medical attention, including:

Allergic reactions: If you experience a rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, stop taking citalopram and seek medical attention immediately.
Seizures: This is a rare but serious side effect that requires immediate medical attention.
Changes in vision: If you experience changes in vision, such as blurring, double vision, or seeing halos around lights, stop taking citalopram and seek medical attention immediately.
Hallucinations: If you experience hallucinations, stop taking citalopram and seek medical attention immediately.
Unusual behavior: If you experience unusual behavior or thoughts, stop taking citalopram and seek medical attention immediately.
Fast, irregular or pounding heartbeat: If you experience a fast, irregular or pounding heartbeat, stop taking citalopram and seek medical attention immediately.
Mania: If you experience mania, which is characterized by unusual excitement, agitation, and irritability, stop taking citalopram and seek medical attention immediately.
It’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience any side effects while taking citalopram. Your doctor may be able to adjust the dose or switch you to a different medication if necessary.

Varied Side Effects for Citalopram Users to Know

Citalopram is an antidepressant medication within the class of drugs known as SSRI or selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. The medication is usually prescribed for those types of patients who are suffering from acute depression and a host of other conditions. These conditions include premature ejaculation although its off label usage, alcoholism, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, bulimia, anorexia, binge kind of eating disorder, OCD, prevention of migraines, dementia, social phobia, somatoform disorders of pain, dysmorphic body disorder, post traumatic kind of stress disorder, pathological post stroke crying, hot flushes, PMDD, agoraphobia, panic disorder, trichotillomania, autism, dysthymia and even  anxiety. As much as there are side effects for citalopram usage, the same antidepressant has been widely used in the prevention of a relapse.

Some of these side effects can be seen in pregnant women and children and for various reasons and in different ways. For instance, the intake of Citalopram in pregnancy can easily cause a lot of severe issues to a newborn and must be used in a pregnancy if the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks or disadvantages. The end result of side effects for citalopram might end up being heart defects, spontaneous abortions, lung problems that are life threatening and serious to the growing fetus. It is possible for the newborn baby to also end up in distressing respiratory issues including withdrawal type of syndrome.  This is the reason it is very important for a woman who is pregnant to consult her physician prior to immersing herself to citalopram.

In case a doctor has indicated that a child is to be given citalopram, there are a number of side effects you need to look out for. Some of the commonest side effects there is in children using the antidepressant include worsening of depression, allergic reactions, dry mouth, insomnia, migraine, headache, hallucinations, agitation, hypertension, fast heartbeat, upset stomach, loose stools in what is known as the serotonin syndrome and suicidal thoughts.

It is possible that you might never have experienced any of the documented side effects for citalopram but there is something you can definitely do. This is talking to your doctor or pharmacist about any other medication you are using as well as any pre-condition so that any change in your body can be weighed and dealt with. Since it is impossible for a doctor to predict the reaction of the body to the medication, you need to try it first so that he can see the changes. In case of any change in the state of your health, you need to take a precaution and call the doctor. It is important to do so every time you feel something is not the same and the physician will give a professional view and way forward including the diagnosis in case the issue is connected to the medicine used.

One important aspect of citalopram is that as much as it is effective, in some people urgent medical attention by a qualified doctor is required and one has to hurry. Also, stopping the intake of citalopram is not recommended due to the onset of withdrawal syndrome.

The Citalopram Side Effects Hair Loss and Much More

While this does not really occur a lot of times, citalopram side effects hair loss occurs some times and can be very incapacitating. Research has suggested that only one person in about a hundred or one in a thousand suffers this side effect.

The first thing that you do once you have used Celexa, as citalopram is well known, and you have observed loss of hair simply make an appointment with your doctor. You will find that as a result of a severity of the loss hair the doctor might be able to do a number of things. Losing your precious hair does bother you as it would be expected, but the doctor will be able to recommend some adjustment of the citalopram medication or even going for another type of medication to deal with your depressing condition.

All types of medication have their own side effects, so many in deed and very many of them, whether mild or severe, and are not really known by many users. However, even if you look at the citalopram side effects hair loss and you find your hair is intact, it does not mean you cannot suffer other types of side effects. To be on the safe side, it is important to talk to a doctor once you have come to realize that you have a persistent and common side effect, or even one that has become really bothersome in your usage of citalopram.

Some of these side effects include yawning, weakness, tiredness, and stuffy nose, nausea, losing your appetite, increased sweating, a very dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea and decrease of sexual ability or desire including constipation. While this might be really mild there are some that you surely cannot ignore if you see any of them.

Once you have noted that you are having any of these severe citalopram side effects, the first thing you should do is seek the attention of a medical professional right away without demur. This includes some really intense allergic reactions such as swelling on the tongue, lips, face and mouth and tightening of the chest, difficulty in breathing, itching, hives and rashes. Other include missing menstrual period, behavior that is bizarre, bloody and black stools, confusion, chest pain, less concentration, fainting, decrease in coordination, irregular, slow or fast heartbeat, memory loss and even hallucinations. Others one needs to remember include worsening and new agitation, problems with remaining still or inability to do so, restlessness, a  feeling of exaggerated sense of wellbeing, irritability, impulsiveness, hostility, aggressiveness, panic attacks and peeling of the skin. You will also find that there are others such as peeling of the skin leading to blisters also swollen and red and a very painful erection.

It is important to remember that including citalopram side effects hair loss plus the mentioned severe side effects there are many more and the list is not exhaustive. In most cases, you do not have to worry about them but it is always important to know their nature and occurrence and how a health provider can come to your aid. Always seek medical advice when it comes to any of these, mild or otherwise, side effects.