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Citalopram is a prescription-only antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Like all medicines, citalopram can cause side effects in some people, including nausea, somnolence, dry mouth, increased sweating, tremors, diarrhea, and ejaculation disorder. Less common side effects include muscle pain, muscle twitching, spasms, and uncontrolled movements. In rare cases, citalopram may cause serious allergic reactions and heart rhythm changes. It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist if any side effects occur while taking citalopram.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle Aches | Uncommon (0.1% to 1%) |
| Withdrawal Symptoms | Agitation, breathing problems, chest pain, confusion, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness, fast heartbeat, headache, increased sweating, muscle pain, nausea, restlessness, runny nose, trouble sleeping, trembling or shaking, unusual tiredness or weakness, vision changes, vomiting |
| Sexual Side Effects | Loss of sexual ability, desire, drive or performance |
| Side Effects in Children | Decreased appetite, weight loss |
| Serious Side Effects | Rare (less than 1 in 1,000 people) |
| Risk Factors | Heart problems, bipolar disorder, suicidal thoughts or tendencies, depression, alcohol intolerance, abnormal bleeding, low sodium levels, glaucoma, serotonin syndrome, allergies, pregnancy |
| Long-Term Side Effects | Respiratory infections, diabetes, heart rhythm abnormalities |
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What You'll Learn
Citalopram withdrawal symptoms
Citalopram is an antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by increasing serotonin activity in the brain. Citalopram is also sometimes prescribed "off-label" for other conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social phobia.
When discontinuing citalopram, it is important to do so gradually under medical supervision to minimise the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can occur when the brain experiences rapid changes in serotonin levels after abruptly stopping the medication.
- Mood changes
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Increased sweating
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Tremors
- Muscle pain and aches
- Sensations akin to electric shocks
- Runny nose
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Fast heartbeat
- Vision changes
- Vomiting
Withdrawal symptoms typically emerge soon after discontinuing citalopram and can last from a few weeks to several months. They tend to improve as the body adjusts to the absence of the medication.
It is important to consult a doctor before making any changes to medication. They may advise tapering off citalopram by gradually reducing the dosage over a period of time to minimise withdrawal symptoms.
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Citalopram side effects in children
Citalopram is a prescription drug used to treat depression, including major depressive disorder (MDD). It belongs to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and is available as a brand-name drug called Celexa. It is approved for use in adults only and can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours in children and young adults.
Children younger than 18 years of age should not typically take citalopram. However, in some cases, a doctor may decide that it is the best medication for a child. If a child is taking citalopram, their weight and height should be monitored by a doctor, as the medicine may cause decreased appetite and weight loss.
Citalopram may cause some teenagers and young adults to experience agitation, irritability, or other abnormal behaviours. It may also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and tendencies or lead to depression. Some people may experience trouble sleeping, become easily upset, have increased energy, or act recklessly. If you or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, it is important to inform your doctor immediately.
While rare, citalopram can cause serious side effects in people of all ages, including allergic reactions, seizures, and problems with heart rhythm. It is important to be aware of these potential side effects and to seek medical attention if they occur. Additionally, citalopram should not be stopped abruptly without consulting a doctor, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and muscle pain.
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Citalopram sexual side effects
Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, including major depressive disorder (MDD). It is available only with a doctor's prescription.
While the positive effects of citalopram may improve one's sex life as their mood lifts, it may also cause sexual side effects. These sexual side effects usually stop after the first couple of weeks, but they can sometimes be long-lasting and may not get better even after stopping the medication.
Sexual side effects of citalopram include:
- Loss of libido
- Anorgasmia (inability to orgasm) in women
- Delayed or absent ejaculation in men
- Pain during intercourse
- Nocturnal priapism with emission of seminal fluid
- Emission of seminal fluid on defecation
These sexual side effects can be symptoms of sexual dysfunction. If you experience any of these, check with your doctor to see if there is another treatment you can try.
Other common side effects of citalopram include:
- Nausea
- Somnolence (sleepiness)
- Dry mouth
- Increased sweating
- Tremor
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Abnormal behaviours
- Suicidal thoughts or tendencies
- Increased energy
- Reckless behaviour
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety
- Memory problems
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Seizures or fits
- Loss of balance
- Bleeding problems
- Hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood)
- Low magnesium in the blood
- Liver disease
- Weight loss
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Citalopram and alcohol
Citalopram, also known by the brand name Celexa, is a prescription drug used to treat depression and anxiety. It belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. While citalopram can be effective in treating these conditions, it is important to be aware of potential risks and adverse effects associated with its use, especially when combined with alcohol.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explicitly warns against consuming alcohol while taking citalopram. Alcohol is a depressant, which means it can worsen feelings of depression and increase anxiety. Additionally, drinking alcohol while on citalopram can lead to serious side effects, including overdose and addiction. It can also interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.
Combining citalopram and alcohol can increase the risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a condition characterised by high levels of serotonin in the body. Serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening in severe cases. Furthermore, the combination of alcohol and citalopram has been linked to torsades de pointes, a severe form of irregular heart rate that can sometimes lead to sudden death.
People taking citalopram may be tempted to drink alcohol to self-medicate their anxiety or insomnia or because they believe it will help them feel better. However, alcohol can actually make the symptoms of depression worse and may lead to dangerous complications. It is recommended to refrain from drinking alcohol altogether while taking citalopram to avoid these risks.
If you are taking citalopram and are considering consuming alcohol, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider for recommendations and medical advice. They may advise you to wait until the drug has cleared from your system before drinking or provide guidance on safe alcohol intake. Remember, it is generally best to avoid alcohol altogether when taking citalopram to ensure your safety and well-being.
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Citalopram and serotonin syndrome
Serotonin syndrome is a potentially fatal condition caused by an accumulation of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a chemical that the body naturally produces and is needed for nerve cells and the brain to function. It also plays a role in regulating the digestive process, blood flow, and breathing.
Serotonin syndrome is a drug reaction that occurs when taking medications that affect serotonin levels. It can happen when increasing the dosage of certain medications or when taking a new drug, particularly when combining medications that contain serotonin, such as antidepressants and migraine medication.
Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, including major depressive disorder (MDD). It is available only with a doctor's prescription and is meant to increase serotonin activity in the brain. While the side effects of citalopram are generally mild and transient, there have been reported cases of citalopram overdose leading to severe serotonin syndrome.
Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can range from mild, such as shivering and diarrhea, to severe, including muscle rigidity, fever, seizures, and even death if left untreated. If you suspect serotonin syndrome, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Treatment primarily involves stopping the medication causing the syndrome and, in some cases, administering drugs that block serotonin.
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Frequently asked questions
Citalopram has been associated with muscle pain, muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, and uncontrolled movements.
Some other side effects of citalopram include nausea, somnolence, dry mouth, increased sweating, tremors, diarrhea, and ejaculation disorder.
The side effects of citalopram are generally mild and transient, occurring most frequently in the first 1-2 weeks of therapy. However, serious side effects are rare, affecting less than 1 in 1,000 people.
If you experience any unusual problems or side effects while taking citalopram, it is important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider for advice and guidance.
It is not recommended to suddenly stop taking citalopram without first consulting your doctor. Your doctor may advise gradually reducing the dosage to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms, which can include muscle pain, among other physical and psychological symptoms.
