How to use Citalopram? (Celexa, Cipramil) - Doctor Explains

Описание: In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Citalopram, also known as Celexa. This video is part of a video series on mental health problems. So for more mental health related videos check out this playlist:
   • Mental Health Problems and Solutions  

Generic name: Citalopram.
Brand names: Celexa and Cipramil.
Available as a tablet and as a drink.

How to use it?
Swallow the tablet completely with half a glass of water.
When using it as a drink: add some drops in half a glass of water and drink it. DO NOT mix these drops with tea or milk.

Duration of treatment:
Furthermore if citalopram has no effect within 6-12 weeks, it is probably not effective for you. However if it is effective, you should usually keep using it for 6 months to several years.

When to use it?
Citalopram is part of a group of drugs called Specific serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI). It selectively inhibits the serotonin uptake in your brain. Citalopram can be used to treat several mental health conditions:
Depressive episode.
Panic disorder.
Off-label it is often used to treat Anxiety Disorders and bipolar disorder.

What is the correct dosage?
Unfortunately I can’t provide you with guidelines for the correct dosages, as these differ a lot depending on the specific indication, the side effects you experience and the severity of your complaints.
Usually your doctor starts with a low dose and quickly builds it up over a few days. Afterwards your maintenance dose will be adapted throughout your treatment based on the blood levels of Citalopram you will be having.
Therefore always use the prescribed dose and frequency your doctor gave you.

What are the side-effects?
Very common (10%): nausea, dry mouth, somnolence, insomnia and headache.
Common (1-10%): weight loss, agitation, nervousness, anxiety, abnormal dreams, difficulty concentrating, tremor, dizziness, tinnitus, yawning, intestine complaints, itching, muscle pain, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction and fatigue.
Uncommon (0.1-1%): weight gain, increased appetite, aggression, hallucinations, slow heart rate, fast heart rate, hives and a rash

Safety:
You should be careful to combine Citalopram with alcohol. As this might increase the dazing effect of this drug.
In addition it is usually safe to drive while using Citalopram, however it can cause you to become drowsy, sleepy and/or dizzy. If you experiencing any of these side effects then please do not drive.
Furthermore, Citalopram can have interactions with several drugs. Therefore always discuss this with your treating physician.

Pregnancy and Lactation:
Citalopram can be dangerous in both cases, however there are some exceptions. Therefore always discuss this with your doctor.

Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -

I want to give special thanks to my sponsors on Patreon:
Sebastian Houwing: Investor
Roel: Supporter

Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2020). Citalopram
2: Apotheek.nl (2020). Citalopram.

The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Most of the images and video material in this video come from https://www.canva.com/.

Music:
1. Verified Picasso, Fish Room
2. Patrick Patrikos, Good Times
3: Patrick Patrikios. Rockville

Follow me on instagram: @HOWTOMEDICATE
Follow me on twitter: @HOWTOMEDICATE
Support me on Patreon:   / howtomedicate