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Citalopram as a medication for depression is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It is commonly dispensed in Australia under generic names and sometimes as brand products such as Celexa. Clinicians prescribe it most often for major depressive disorder and for certain anxiety-related conditions when appropriate.

Main ideas at a glance:

  • Active substance: citalopram.
  • Drug class: SSRI - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
  • Typical uses: depression and some anxiety disorders.
  • Usual tablet strengths available locally: 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg (40 mg units may be scored).

Rapid navigation: read up on drug combination social interactions influence perceptions and decisions., major drug incidental effects, costing model in AUD or how to obtain it legally in Australia.

Information to give your prescriber before starting

To help reduce risk and select the right dose, tell your doctor or nurse if any of the following apply to you:

  • You have a history of seizures or epilepsy.
  • You have heart disease, previous myocardial infarction, rhythm problems or known low potassium or magnesium.
  • Personal or family history of bipolar disorder or past manic episodes.
  • Major hepatic or renal impairment.
  • Diabetes, the high blood sugar disorder or other endocrine disorders.
  • Plans for or current receipt of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
  • Current or past suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviour.
  • Known allergy to citalopram, escitalopram or any ingredient in the formulation.
  • If you are pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Please perform a review as well recommended safety checks before initiation; see safety real time monitoring of systems and conduct a checks for routine follow up.

How to take pills safely citalopram

Consume the tablets with water. They can be taken with or without a meal. Try to take the medicine at roughly the same time each day to help maintain stable blood levels and to make it easier to remember.

Practical reminders:

  • It can take several weeks, commonly around four weeks or more, before you notice the full antidepressant effect.
  • People under 18 require careful assessment and specialist oversight because the benefit-risk balance can differ from adults.
  • If you suspect an overdose case, contact emergency services or a poisons information centre immediately.

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Instructions for i forgot to take the prescribed doses

If you forget to take a tablet, swallow it as soon as you remember unless the next scheduled dose is due soon. If the next dose is imminent, skip the missed tablet and continue your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.

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Citalopram helps with depressive symptoms can interact with many prescription and non-prescription products. Some combinations increase the risk of serotonin syndrome or may prolong the QT interval on an ECG.

Combines poorly or is contraindicated with

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine; allow the recommended washout interval.
  • Pimozide in psychiatry or cisapride.
  • Concurrent escitalopram or using multiple SSRIs at the same time.
  • Procarbazine as part of combination chemotherapy is part of cancer treatment regimens.
  • St Johns wort flower and tryptophan preparations.
  • Certain drugs withdrawn or tightly restricted because of cardiac follow-on effects.

Cautious use is advised. and under supervision

  • Linezolid treatment and other agents that raise central serotonin levels.
  • Triptan class migraine medicines (for example sumatriptan or rizatriptan).
  • Other medications used as antidepressants or antipsychotics that increase serotonergic activity or affect cardiac repolarisation.
  • Stimulants used in medicine and amphetamine-type drugs.
  • Cimetidine treatment option, which can raise citalopram levels.
  • Carbamazepine and some anticonvulsants which may lower SSRI concentrations or alter seizure threshold.
  • NSAIDs, aspirin, anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents because bleeding tendency can be increased.
  • Certain antiretrovirals and drugs that modulate CYP enzyme pathways.
  • Beta-blockers metabolised by CYP2D6 such as metoprolol may require metric monitoring.

This list is only a portion of the total. Always inform your prescriber about every medicine, supplement, herbal product and recreational drug you use. For serious reaction signs see adverse reactions and urgent care.

Safety health monitoring, follow up and precautions

Your health professional should review you at intervals after starting and when doses change. Typical standard precautions include:

  • Allow several weeks to see benefit; do not stop abruptly without clinician advice because withdrawal symptoms can occur.
  • Be alert for new or worsening anxiety, agitation, impulsivity or suicidal thoughts; report these immediately, especially in early treatment or after dose changes.
  • Taper the medicine when stopping rather than abrupt cessation unless advised by a clinician.
  • Until you know how citalopram affects you, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel drowsy or dizzy.
  • Avoid or limit alcohol while taking this medicine as it may worsen accompanying effects.
  • Older adults are more at risk of low sodium (hyponatraemia), falls and QT prolongation; clinicians may arrange ECGs and electrolyte tests as needed.
  • If pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss risks and benefits with your prescriber before starting or stopping therapy.
  • Ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter cold, sleep or allergy medicines that might interact.

Negative reactions and when to seek urgent care

Side effects range from common, usually mild effects to uncommon but serious reactions. Seek prompt medical attention for severe or concerning symptoms.

High priority or emergency signs

  • Allergic reactions: widespread rash, severe itching, swelling of face, lips or throat or difficulty breathing.
  • Convulsions or convulsions.
  • Severe fainting, lightheadedness, or a very fast or irregular heartbeat.
  • New hallucinations, severe agitation, manic symptoms or sudden personality changes.
  • Bleeding with no clear cause or bruising easily.
  • Symptoms of serotonin syndrome: high temperature, heavy sweating, marked tremor, stiffness, severe agitation, confusion, diarrhea or very rapid heart rate.

Common, usually temporary effects

  • Nausea and stomach upset.
  • A suffering from a headache.
  • Sleep onset difficultiess: either drowsiness or insomnia.
  • Sweat levels are elevated.
  • Vision is foggy.
  • Appetite and weight changes.
  • Reduced libido and other sexual undesired effects.

If follow-on effects persist or affect daily life, discuss dose adjustment, a switch to another medicine or supportive measures with your doctor or pharmacist. For emergency help follow local emergency services guidance and see the list under "Grave or time-critical signs" above.

Internal data at rest resides in storage until it is accessed., handling and disposal guidance

  • Keep medicines out of reach and sight of children at all times.
  • Store at typical room temperature, ideally between 15 and 30 C, and protect from moisture and direct heat.
  • Do not use after the expiry date indicated on the pack.
  • Return unwanted or expired products to a pharmacy for disposal via the Return Unwanted Medicines scheme; do not flush or place in household rubbish.

See prescribed dose was missed handling guidelines for what to do if you miss a tablet.

Substitute medicines and analogous drugs

Citalopram, an SSRI antidepressant is one of several antidepressants. The best choice depends on symptom profile, comorbid conditionslikely potential careful management of medication clear the act of engaging with otherss reduce confusion.. and patient preference. Below are common diverse a contingency options and brief considerations.

  • Other SSRIs: sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro - the S-enantiomer of citalopram), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine and paroxetine. Escitalopram (an SSRI) may be better tolerated in some people.
  • SNRIs: venlafaxine XR, desvenlafaxine and duloxetine. These are options when pain symptoms coexist with depression.
  • Mirtazapine prescription medication: a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic agent that can help sleep and appetite.
  • Vortioxetine prescription medication: an option sometimes chosen for cognitive symptoms associated with depression.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline may be used but need cardiac and anticholinergic performance monitoring.
  • Agomelatine: a different the machinery behind it and requires liver function observation and tracking.

Availability and brands vary across Australian drugstore providers. Clinicians usually prescribe by active ingredient and pharmacists dispense generics where appropriate. Discuss the pros and cons of each option with the assistance of your prescriber.

Price guide and comparison in Australia (AUD)

Actual cost depends on whether the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) applies, whether you receive a generic or brand product, pack size in addition to the pharmacy dispensing fee. The figures below are provisional and may alter over time.

  • PBS patient co-payment: approximately AUD 31.60 for standard patients and around AUD 7.70 for concession card holders (confirm current PBS rates before purchase).
  • Private purchase of generic citalopram 20 mg for a month: commonly around AUD 10 to AUD 30 depending on supplier and discounts.
  • Approximate private monthly ranges for comparable agents: sertraline AUD 8 to 25; escitalopram AUD 12 to 35; fluoxetine AUD 8 to 20; venlafaxine XR AUD 12 to 40; duloxetine AUD 15 to 45.
  • Branded preparations, special pack sizes or pharmacist fees may increase out-of-pocket cost. Always ask the pharmacy if the PBS applies and whether a lower cost generic is available.

For exact cost structure contact local pharmacies or use online prescription price comparison sheet tools. Your prescriber or pharmacist can confirm PBS eligibility and likely costs.

Additional aspects about Celexa