Citalopram 40mg Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication as directed, with or without food, and continue taking it even if you start to feel better. It's essential to follow your doctor's or healthcare provider's advice and take the medication as prescribed.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding the bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets. When disposing of unused or expired medications, do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. Instead, consult with your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method. You may also want to explore local drug take-back programs in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for the missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Avoid alcohol, as it can worsen side effects like drowsiness and dizziness.
- Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Report any unusual changes in mood or behavior, especially suicidal thoughts, to your doctor immediately.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's Wort.
- Maintain regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and side effects.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of low sodium levels: headache, trouble focusing, memory problems, feeling confused, weakness, seizures, or changes in balance
Signs of bleeding: vomiting or coughing up blood, vomit that resembles coffee grounds, blood in the urine, black, red, or tarry stools, bleeding from the gums, abnormal vaginal bleeding, unexplained bruises or bruises that enlarge, or uncontrollable bleeding
Chest pain or pressure
Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or fainting
Seizures
Unintentional weight changes
Painful or prolonged erections (lasting more than 4 hours)
Changes in menstrual periods
Sexual problems, including decreased libido, difficulty achieving orgasm, ejaculation problems, or erectile dysfunction
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor. Additionally, be aware of the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that may occur, especially when taking certain other medications. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
Agitation
Changes in balance
Confusion
Hallucinations
Fever
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Flushing
Muscle twitching or stiffness
Seizures
Shivering or shaking
Excessive sweating
Severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
Severe headache
Other Possible Side Effects
Most people taking this medication do not experience severe side effects, but some may encounter mild or moderate side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor if they bother you or persist:
Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, or weakness
Dry mouth
Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite
Sleep disturbances
Shakiness
Excessive sweating
Yawning
* Common cold symptoms
This is not an exhaustive list of potential side effects. If you have concerns or questions, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Worsening depression or suicidal thoughts
- New or worsening anxiety, panic attacks, agitation, restlessness, irritability, aggression, or unusual excitement
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Impulsivity or other unusual changes in behavior
- Symptoms of serotonin syndrome: fast heartbeat, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, confusion, severe diarrhea, shivering, agitation, hallucinations
- Symptoms of QT prolongation: dizziness, fainting, irregular heartbeat, seizures
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Symptoms of hyponatremia: headache, confusion, weakness, unsteadiness, memory problems
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Certain health conditions, such as:
+ Abnormal heartbeat patterns, including a prolonged QTc interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG), slow heartbeat, or low potassium or magnesium levels.
+ Heart failure (a weakened heart) or a recent heart attack.
Medications you are currently taking, including:
+ Linezolid or methylene blue.
+ Escitalopram or pimozide.
+ Any medications that can cause abnormal heartbeat patterns (prolonged QT interval). There are many medications that can have this effect, so be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
If you have taken certain medications for depression or Parkinson's disease within the last 14 days, including isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline, as this may increase the risk of very high blood pressure.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. It is crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health problems you may have. This will help ensure your safety while taking this medication. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
If you are taking this medication, it is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, about your treatment.
Precautions and Safety Measures
Avoid operating a vehicle or engaging in activities that require alertness until you understand how this medication affects you.
Do not abruptly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor, as this may increase the risk of side effects. If you need to discontinue treatment, your doctor will guide you on how to gradually stop taking the medication.
Cardiac Risks
This medication has been associated with an abnormal and potentially life-threatening heartbeat (long QT on ECG), which has rarely resulted in sudden death. Discuss this risk with your doctor.
Interactions and Substances to Avoid
Refrain from consuming alcohol while taking this medication.
Consult your doctor before using marijuana, cannabis, or prescription/over-the-counter medications that may cause drowsiness or impaired reaction time.
Depression Treatment and Response
While taking this medication for depression, you may experience improvements in sleep and appetite soon after starting treatment. However, other symptoms of depression may take up to 4 weeks to show significant improvement.
Bleeding Risks
This medication may increase the risk of bleeding, which can be life-threatening in some cases. Discuss this risk with your doctor.
Ocular Risks
Certain individuals may be at a higher risk of developing eye problems while taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend an eye examination to assess your risk. If you experience eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling/redness in or around the eye, contact your doctor immediately.
Hyponatremia (Low Sodium Levels)
This medication can cause low sodium levels, which can be life-threatening and lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, respiratory distress, or death. If you are 60 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of taking this medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Taking this medication in the third trimester may increase the risk of postpartum bleeding and potentially cause health problems in the newborn.
Pediatric Considerations
* This medication may affect growth in children and adolescents. Regular growth checks may be necessary. Consult your doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits of treatment.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tremor
- Somnolence
- Sinus tachycardia
- QT prolongation
- Arrhythmias (including Torsade de Pointes)
- Seizures
- Coma
- Hypotension
- Rhabdomyolysis
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention or call 911. For poison control, call 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (risk of serotonin syndrome)
- Pimozide (risk of QT prolongation and Torsade de Pointes)
Major Interactions
- Other serotonergic drugs (e.g., triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, St. John's Wort) (risk of serotonin syndrome)
- Drugs that prolong the QT interval (e.g., Class IA and III antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, macrolide antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, certain antihistamines) (additive QT prolongation risk)
- Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) and antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin, NSAIDs) (increased risk of bleeding)
- Linezolid (MAOI activity, risk of serotonin syndrome)
- Methylene blue (MAOI activity, risk of serotonin syndrome)
Moderate Interactions
- CYP2C19 inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, cimetidine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine) (may increase citalopram levels)
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir) (may increase citalopram levels)
- Drugs that cause hyponatremia (e.g., diuretics) (increased risk of SIADH/hyponatremia)
- Alcohol (additive CNS depression, though specific interaction not well studied)
Minor Interactions
- Not available
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To assess baseline QT interval, especially in patients with cardiac disease, electrolyte disturbances, or on other QT-prolonging medications.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To correct any abnormalities that could predispose to QT prolongation or Torsade de Pointes.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To guide dosing adjustments in patients with impaired organ function.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To establish baseline mood, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Weekly for first 4-6 weeks, then periodically (e.g., monthly or quarterly) or as clinically indicated.
Target: Improvement in depressive symptoms, tolerability of side effects.
Action Threshold: Lack of response, worsening symptoms, intolerable side effects, emergence of suicidal ideation.
Frequency: Especially during initial treatment and dose changes, then periodically.
Target: Absence of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Action Threshold: Emergence or worsening of suicidal ideation or behavior.
Frequency: Consider if dose exceeds 20 mg/day, in patients with cardiac risk factors, or if new cardiac symptoms develop.
Target: QTc < 450 ms (men), < 470 ms (women).
Action Threshold: QTc > 500 ms or increase of >60 ms from baseline; consider dose reduction or discontinuation.
Frequency: Periodically, especially in elderly, those on diuretics, or with symptoms of hyponatremia.
Target: 135-145 mEq/L
Action Threshold: Sodium < 130 mEq/L or symptomatic hyponatremia.
Symptom Monitoring
- Worsening depression
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Unusual changes in behavior (e.g., agitation, irritability, aggression, panic attacks, insomnia, impulsivity, akathisia, hypomania, mania)
- Symptoms of serotonin syndrome (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, rapid heart beat, fever, sweating, shivering, muscle stiffness or twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Symptoms of QT prolongation/Torsade de Pointes (e.g., dizziness, palpitations, fainting, seizures)
- Symptoms of hyponatremia (e.g., headache, confusion, weakness, unsteadiness, seizures)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Sexual dysfunction
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally avoided, especially in the third trimester, due to potential risks to the neonate. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Citalopram is excreted into breast milk. Use with caution; monitor the infant for adverse effects.
Pediatric Use
Not approved for major depressive disorder in pediatric patients. Black Box Warning regarding increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Use generally not recommended.
Geriatric Use
Maximum recommended dose is 20 mg/day due to increased risk of QT prolongation. Increased risk of hyponatremia (SIADH) and falls. Initiate at lower doses and titrate slowly.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Citalopram has a dose-dependent risk of QT prolongation; doses above 40 mg/day are not recommended. For patients over 60, with hepatic impairment, or on CYP2C19 inhibitors, the maximum dose is 20 mg/day.
- Serotonin syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. Educate patients on symptoms and advise immediate medical attention if they occur.
- Discontinuation syndrome can occur if citalopram is stopped abruptly. Taper dose gradually over several weeks to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
- Monitor for suicidal ideation, especially at the beginning of treatment and with dose changes, particularly in young adults.
- Hyponatremia (low sodium) can occur, especially in elderly patients, those taking diuretics, or those who are volume-depleted. Monitor sodium levels if risk factors are present or symptoms develop.
Alternative Therapies
- Other SSRIs (e.g., Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Paroxetine, Fluvoxamine)
- Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) (e.g., Venlafaxine, Duloxetine)
- Atypical Antidepressants (e.g., Bupropion, Mirtazapine)
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) (e.g., Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline)
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (e.g., Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine)
- Psychotherapy (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Cost & Coverage
General Drug Facts
This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, which is a valuable resource that provides important information about your treatment. Please read this guide carefully and review it again whenever you receive a refill of your medication. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, do not hesitate to consult with your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
In the event of a suspected overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Call your local poison control center or visit the emergency room right away. When seeking help, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the name of the medication taken, the amount consumed, and the time it occurred. This information will help healthcare professionals provide you with the most effective treatment.