Side Effects Drug Review

Citalopram, an antidepressant belonging to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class with FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval used for treating depression and anxiety conditions. The most of commonly known Citalopram side effects is increased concentration of serotonin in body parts. The decrease in the level of dopamine is the cause that is related to the increase of serotonin.

Sexual dysfunction is another known side effect of Citalopram. Sexual dysfunction includes difficulty in getting sexually aroused, trouble having orgasm and losing interest in sex.

The dosage for this drug fixed by Food and Drug Authority of United States of America is less than 40 mg a day. Tablets are available in 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg solutions. The reason being unnatural change in electrical activity of human heart which is very critical though the possibility of is very rare.

Other Citalopram side effects includes sleeping disorder or sleepiness / somnolence, vomiting sensation, constant weight loss and gain, vivid dreaming, regular micturition, no sexual arousal, absence of an orgasm, xerostomia also known as dry mouth, shivering, increased sweating, looseness of the bowels, excessive oscitance and frequent feeling of tiresome.

There are other hardly known about this medicine which include involuntarily or unconsciously clenching or grinding the teeth, puking, abnormal rate of muscle contractions in the heart, change in blood pressure, elaborated pupils, anxiousness, mood swings, cephalalgia, and giddiness.

According to assumed facts Citalopram side effects also include emotional flattening & absence of emotion or enthusiasm. Sudden uncontrollable attack, severe allergies and delusions are other known side effects.

Marketed as Celexa or Cipramil, Citalopram is also used to treat ailments like anxiousness, anxiety disorder, dysmorphophobia or BDD (Body dysmorphic disorder), Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD).
One should avoid having Citalopram along with 5-HTP or tryptophan because the combination of these two medicines will lead to Serotonin syndrome. Increase in suicidal thoughts is another side effects of antidepressants like Citalopram.

Side Effects Observed In Children :

If children are medicated for Citalopram, the side effects observed on them include suicidal thinking, hypertension, migraine, increased heartbeat and lack of sleep.

Side Effects Observed In Pregnant Women :

Consumption of Citalopram by pregnant women causes severe issues to new born babies. It is highly recommended to avoid using it during pregnancy. Respiratory diseases and lung affecting diseases are known to affect new born. If neonates are exposed to Citalopram it many cause severe complications.

Other Known Side Effects Include :

1. Pancreatitis
2. Epistaxis (Nose Bleeding)
3. Purpura
4. Epidermal Necrolysis
5. Acute Renal Failure
6. SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion)
7. Increased Risk of Bleeding
8. Muscle Stiffness
9. Priapism
10. Pyelonephritis
11. Nephrolithiasis
12. Rectal Hemorrhage
13. Vaginal Hemorrhage
14. Rhabdomyolysis

The above mentioned side effects of Citalopram are not inclusive, it may even happen you may not even be effected by it. It is advisable to consult your physician before consuming this medicine. If you are already consuming this medicine, it is better not to stop the consumption immediately. You can reduce the number of intake and try engaging yourself in activities which will keep your mind busy and happy.