Antidepressant Medications Anti-depressant Drugs Antidepressant: citalopram, Celexa, Cipramil,Prisdal, Seropram

Antidepressant: citalopram, Celexa, Cipramil,Prisdal, Seropram

Generic Name: citalopram
Brand Name(s): Celexa, Cipramil,Prisdal, Seropram
Common Use: Antidepressant

Citalopram hydrobromide is a highly selective and potent serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT) reuptake inhibitor with minimal effects on the neuronal reuptake of norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA). The ability of citalopram to potentiate serotonergic activity in the central nervous system via inhibition of the neuronal reuptake of serotonin is thought to be responsible for its antidepressant action.

Citalopram hydrobromide is indicated for the symptomatic relief of depressive illness.

Citalopram hydrobromide is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to citalopram hydrobromide or the excipients of the drug product.

In patients, receiving selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in combination with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), there have been reports of serious reactions. These reactions have also been reported in patients who have recently discontinued SSRI treatment and have been started on a MAOI. Some cases presented with features resembling serotonin syndrome. Therefore, it is recommended that citalopram should not be used in combination with a MAOI or within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with a MAOI. Similarly, at least 14 days should elapse after discontinuing citalopram treatment before starting a MAOI.

If a patient enters a manic phase, citalopram should be discontinued.

Although citalopram did not potentiate the cognitive and psychomotor effects of alcohol in volunteers, the concomitant use of alcohol and citalopram should be avoided.

Adverse Reactions

Nausea, insomnia, somnolence, dizziness, vomiting, agitation, asthenia, and dry mouth. Incidence of Adverse Events in Placebo-controlled Studies Reported adverse events were classified using the standard World Health Organization (WHO)-based dictionary terminology.

While sexual dysfunction is often part of depression and other psychiatric disorders, there is increasing evidence that treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may induce sexual side effects. This is a difficult area to study because patients may not spontaneously report symptoms of this nature, and therefore, it is thought that sexual side effects with SSRIs may be underestimated.

Although it is not known whether gradual discontinuation will prevent the discontinuation symptoms, it is recommended that the dosage of citalopram should be tapered off over 1 to 2 weeks.

Some other less common side effects may include:

Influenza-like symptoms, nonpathological trauma, pain, Postural hypotension, tachycardia, Migraine, paraesthesia, Flatulence, Anemia, epistaxis, leukocytosis, purpura, Weight decrease, weight increase, Abnormal dreaming, aggravated depression, amnesia, apathy, confusion, depression, impaired concentration, increased appetite, sleep disorder, suicide attempt, Pruritus, rash, Abnormal accommodation, Polyuria .

Overdose

Citalopram hydrobromide has a wide margin of safety in overdose. Cases of overdoses involved the ingestion of citalopram either alone or in combination with other drugs and/or alcohol. In clinical trials, with overdoses of citalopram ranging from 180 mg to 2000 mg, all patients recovered. Of the cases reported postmarketing, six were fatal. All but one of these patients had concomitant drugs and/or alcohol.

Symptoms most often accompanying citalopram overdose included dizziness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, tremor, and somnolence. In more rare cases, observed symptoms included confusion, loss of consciousness, convulsions, coma, sinus tachycardia, cyanosis, hyperventilation and rhabdomyolysis.

Establish and maintain an airway to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation. Gastric lavage and use of activated charcoal should be considered. In managing overdosage, the possibility of multiple drug involvement must be considered.

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