Citalopram

Brand Names

Citalopram, Celexa, Citalopram hydrobromide

What is Citalopram

Citalopram is a prescription medicine that helpful in the treatment of depression (major depression or clinical depression).

Side effects of Citalopram

The most common side effects of citalopram include:

• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Sweating

Indication

This prescription medicine is commonly used for the treatment of depression. In some cases, it can also be used for treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Precautions

You have to tell your doctor before taking this medicine if you have:

• Bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression)
• A history of suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts
• Had a recent heart attack or have unstable heart disease
• Seizures or epilepsy
• Congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Low blood potassium (hypokalemia)
• Low blood magnesium (hypomagnesemia)
• Long QT syndrome
• Liver disease including liver failure or cirrhosis
• Kidney problems, including kidney failure (renal failure)
• Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes or preservatives
• Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding

Dosage forms

Adult dose of Citalopram for Depression

Initial dose: 20 mg orally once a day.

Maintenance dose: 20 to 40 mg/day. The initial dose may be increased in 20 mg increments not more often than once a week up to a maximum of 40 mg per day.

Geriatric dose of Citalopram for Depression

Initial dose: 20 mg orally once a day.

Maintenance dose: 20 mg per day. For non-responders, the dose may be increased up to a maximum of 40 mg per day after at least 1 week.

Pediatric dose of Citalopram for Depression

Children up to 11 Years: Initial dose: 10 mg orally once daily; increase dose slowly by 5 mg/day every 2 weeks as clinically needed; dosage range: 20 to 40 mg/day

12 -18 Years: Initial: 20 mg orally once daily; increase dose slowly by 10 mg/day every 2 weeks as clinically needed; dosage range: 20-40 mg/day

Pediatric dose of Citalopram for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Children up to 11 years: Initial: 5-10 mg/day given once daily; increase dose slowly by 5 mg/day every 2 weeks as clinically needed; dosage range: 10 to 40 mg/day.

12 -18 years: Initial: 10-20 mg/day given once daily; increase dose slowly by 10 mg/day every 2 weeks as clinically needed; dosage range: 10-40 mg/day.