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.