Citalopram

About citalopram

How does citalopram work?

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. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram increase the amount of circulating serotonin available in your brain. This may help the symptoms of depression or panic disorder in some people.

Before taking citalopram

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:

• Si está embarazada, esperando un bebé o en período de lactancia.

• If you have any liver or kidney disorders.

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

• Si padece epilepsia.

• Si tiene niveles elevados de azúcar en sangre (diabetes mellitus).

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

• Si ha padecido alguna vez un trastorno hemorrágico.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido un estado de ánimo anormalmente "elevado", llamado manía.

• Si está siendo tratado con terapia electroconvulsiva (TEC).

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

• If you have taken an antidepressant known as a monoamine-oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the previous two weeks.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que pueda adquirirse sin receta, así como medicamentos a base de plantas y complementarios.

How to take citalopram

• 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.

• Si olvida tomar una dosis, tómela en cuanto se acuerde. Si no se acuerda hasta el día siguiente, sáltese la dosis olvidada. No tome dos dosis juntas para compensar la dosis olvidada.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• 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.

• Procure acudir a las citas periódicas con su médico. Así podrá comprobar su evolución.

• 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.

• You should expect that a course of treatment will last for several months. This is normal and helps to prevent your symptoms from recurring.

• 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.

Citalopram side effects

The most common side effects of citalopram are:

• Sensación de malestar (náuseas)

• Estar enfermo (vómitos)

• Indigestión

• Estreñimiento

• Diarrea

• Feeling sleepy, weak or tired

• Boca seca

• Dolor de cabeza

• Increased sweating

• Cambios de humor

Encontrará una lista completa en el prospecto suministrado con su medicamento. Los efectos no deseados suelen mejorar a medida que su organismo se adapta al nuevo medicamento, pero consulte a su médico o farmacéutico si alguno de los siguientes efectos persiste o se vuelve molesto.

How to manage citalopram side effects

If you experience any other symptoms that you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store citalopram

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

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

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos