Citalopram Hydrobromide

Citalopram Hydrobromide is a type of antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group of medicines. It is prescribed to treat depression, where it helps to make you feel better and prevent new episodes of depression. This medicine is also used to treat panic disorder. Citalopram Hydrobromide can be taken with or without food. The dose and how often you need it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and increase it gradually. Do not change the dose or stop taking it without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well. Doing so may make your condition worse or you may suffer from unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, restlessness, palpitations, dizziness, sleep disturbances etc).

Citalopram Hydrobromide is one of a group of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. It is thought to be work by enhancing the level of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters called serotonin in the brain. This may help you to improve your energy level and feelings of well-being.

• Depression
• Panic disorder

Citalopram is bicyclic phthalane derivative and a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, with little or no effect on noradrenaline, dopamine and GABA re-uptake. The inhibitory activity explains the antidepressant property of citalopram. It has no or very low affinity for 5-HT1AA, 5-HT2A, D1 and D2 receptors, α1, α2, β-adrenergic, histamine H1, muscarinic, cholinergic, benzodiazepine and opioid receptors.

Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor which increases serotonin levels in the brain, providing antidepressant effects.

Depression (Adult): Initial: 20 mg/day (single dose in morning or evening), may increase to max 60 mg/day if necessary.

Panic Disorder (Adult): Initial: 10 mg/day, increased to 20 mg after 7 days; usual dose 20-30 mg/day; max 60 mg/day.

Elderly: Max 40 mg/day.

Hepatic Impairment (Mild-Moderate): 10 mg/day for first 2 weeks, max 20 mg/day.

Child: Contraindicated.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Citalopram Hydrobromide may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

If you miss a dose of Citalopram Hydrobromide, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
• Low sexual desire
• Nausea
• Restlessness
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Increased sweating
• Delayed ejaculation
• Sleepiness

Serious Side Effects: Palpitations, orthostatic hypotension, confusion, amnesia, migraine, taste disturbance, tinnitus, seizures (overdose).

• [UNSAFE] Citalopram Hydrobromide may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
• It can take up to 8 to 12 weeks to see the medicine full effects on your mood.
• Take it with food to avoid stomach upset.
• It causes less drowsiness as compared to other antidepressant medications.
• Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
• Inform your doctor if you experience decreased sex drive or difficulty having an orgasm.
• Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.

• Hypersensitivity
• Concomitant administration with MAOIs or within 14 days of discontinuing MAOI treatment
• Children and adolescents <18 years
• Lactation

May increase anticoagulant effect with drugs affecting hemostasis (e.g. warfarin). Increased risk of hypomania with sibutramine. Increased lowering seizure threshold with TCAs and other SSRIs. Increased risk of severe adverse effects (e.g. serotonin syndrome) with MAOI. QT interval prolongation with subsequent risk of torsade de pointes with QT-prolonging drugs (e.g. pimozide, quinidine, procainamide, chlorpromazine, thioridazine, amiodarone, sotalol, moxifloxacin, pentamidine, methadone).

[UNSAFE] It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Citalopram Hydrobromide.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Citalopram Hydrobromide may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor. Pregnancy Category C.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Citalopram Hydrobromide is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby. Babies should be monitored for behavioral side effects such as sleepiness or fussiness.

Contraindicated in children (under 18 years).

Elderly: Max 40 mg/day.

[CAUTION] Citalopram Hydrobromide should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor. No dose adjustment is recommended in patients with mild to moderate kidney disease.

[CAUTION] Citalopram Hydrobromide should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Overdose symptoms: Respiratory depression, convulsions. Doses as high as 2000 mg have been taken without signs of alteration in cardiovascular parameters.

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Citalopram Hydrobromide