Citalopram

About citalopram

Citalopram is a type of antidepressant called inibitori selettivi della ricaptazione della serotonina (SSRI), that is used to treat depression and panic disorders in adults.

Citalopram increases the amount of circulating serotonin available in your brain. This may help the symptoms of depressione oppure disturbo di panico in some people.

Depression and panic disorders can develop for no apparent reason, or they may be triggered by a life event such as a relationship problem, a bereavement, or an illness.

Brain cells, called neurons, release a number of chemicals which go on to stimulate other neurons. This leads to electrical impulses which result in many functions controlled by the brain. Serotonin is one such chemical in the brain. Once released, it stimulates other neurons and is then taken back up into the neuron cells and recycled.

The most common side effects of citalopram are:

• Nausea.

• Essere malato (vomito).

• Indigestione.

• Costipazione.

• Diarrea.

• Feeling sleepy, weak or tired.

• Bocca secca.

• Mal di testa.

• Increased sweating.

• Cambiamenti d'umore.

Troverai un elenco completo nel foglietto illustrativo del produttore fornito con il tuo medicinale. Gli effetti indesiderati spesso migliorano man mano che il tuo corpo si adatta al nuovo medicinale, ma parla con il tuo medico o farmacista se uno dei seguenti persiste o diventa problematico.

Se si verificano altri sintomi che ritieni possano essere dovuti a questo medicinale, parla con il tuo medico o farmacista per ulteriori consigli.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking citalopram it is important that your doctor knows:

• Se sei incinta, stai cercando di avere un bambino o stai allattando.

• If you have any liver or kidney disorders.

• If you have a heart condition or have been told you have an irregular heartbeat.

• Se hai l'epilessia.

• Se hai livelli elevati di zucchero nel sangue (diabete mellito).

• If you have raised pressure in your eye(s) (glaucoma).

• Se hai mai avuto un disturbo emorragico.

• Se hai mai avuto sbalzi d'umore anormalmente 'elevati', chiamati mania.

• Se stai ricevendo un trattamento con terapia elettroconvulsiva (ECT).

• Se hai mai avuto una reazione allergica a un medicinale.

• Se hai assunto un antidepressivo noto come inibitore della monoamino-ossidasi (IMAO) nelle ultime due settimane.

• Se stai assumendo altri medicinali. Questo include qualsiasi medicinale che stai assumendo e che è disponibile per l'acquisto senza prescrizione medica, così come i medicinali a base di erbe e complementari.

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about citalopram and will provide you with a full list of the side effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take citalopram exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is prescribed as a once-daily dose. You can generally take it at a time to suit you, but try to take your doses at the same time of day, each day. There are several strengths of tablet available, so your doctor will tell you which strength is right for you. This information will also be on the label of the pack you have been supplied with.

• If you are being treated for a panic disorder, your doctor may prescribe a low dose for you to begin with. This is because some people develop anxiety during the first two weeks, and slowly increasing the dose helps to reduce this.

• If you have been given Cipramil® oral drops, your doctor will tell you how many drops to take each day. Count the correct number of drops into a drink of water, orange juice or apple juice. Stir it briefly, and then drink it straightaway.

• You can take citalopram before or after food.

• Se dimentichi di prendere una dose, prendila appena te ne ricordi. Se non te ne ricordi fino al giorno successivo, salta la dose dimenticata. Non prendere due dosi insieme per compensare una dose dimenticata.

• You may feel that citalopram is not working for you straightaway. It can take a week or two after starting this treatment before the effect begins to build up, and 4-6 weeks before you feel the full benefit. Do not stop taking it after a week or two, even if you feel it is not helping.

• Cerca di mantenere i tuoi appuntamenti regolari con il tuo medico. Questo è per permettere al tuo medico di controllare i tuoi progressi.

• If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor for advice. Your doctor is likely to recommend that you do not drink alcohol while you are on citalopram, as it increases the risk of side effects, such as feeling sleepy.

• If you have diabetes, you may need to check your blood sugar (glucose) more frequently, as citalopram may affect the levels of sugar in your blood. Your doctor will be able to advise you about this.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with citalopram. This is because several medicines which are available from general retail outlets can interfere with this treatment. In particular, do not take the herbal remedy St John's wort, and ask for advice before buying any anti-inflammatory painkillers.

• There are several types of antidepressants and they differ in their possible side effects. If you find that citalopram does not suit you then let your doctor know, as another may be found that will.

• While you are taking citalopram, you may have thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life. These thoughts may also be associated with your condition. It is very important that you tell your doctor about this if it happens.

• Dovresti aspettarti che un ciclo di trattamento duri diversi mesi. Questo è normale e aiuta a prevenire la ricomparsa dei tuoi sintomi.

• Do not stop taking citalopram unless your doctor tells you to do so. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems and your doctor will probably want you to reduce your dose gradually when this becomes necessary.

• A few people taking citalopram find that their skin is more sensitive to sunlight than normal. Until you know how your skin reacts, use a sun cream with a high sun protection factor (SPF) in strong sunlight.

• Tenere tutti i medicinali fuori dalla portata e dalla vista dei bambini.

• Conservare in un luogo fresco e asciutto, lontano da fonti di calore e luce diretta.

• You can use citalopram drops for 16 weeks after first opening the bottle. Do not use the drops after this time.

Does citalopram cause weight gain?

Citalopram can sometimes cause weight gain, although not everyone experiences it. The effect varies between individuals and may be linked to changes in appetite, metabolism, or mood.

How does citalopram make you feel at first?

Citalopram may cause nausea, headaches, or anxiety at first, but these symptoms usually ease within a few weeks.

How long does citalopram take to work?

Citalopram usually takes 4-6 weeks to work, although some people may notice small improvements in their sleep or appetite sooner. Everyone responds differently, so for some it may be quicker or take a little longer.

How long can you stay on citalopram?

How long you can stay on citalopram varies. Many people take it for at least 6-12 months after starting to feel better, as this helps reduce the risk of symptoms returning. Some may need it for longer.

Can you drink alcohol on citalopram?

Drinking alcohol whilst taking citalopram is not usually recommended as it can make the side effects worse. It may also affect your mood, which can interfere with your recovery from depression or anxiety.

Can I drive or ride a bike on citalopram?

Citalopram can sometimes cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision, especially when you first start taking it. You should not drive, ride a bike, or use machinery if you are experiencing these side effects.