Side effects of citalopram

Citalopram

Citalopram is a medication which is given to the patients who are depressed. This medication stimulates the serotonin, a brain chemical which is responsible for improving mood.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of Citalopram are dizziness, drowsiness, dryness of the mouth, excessive perspiration, appetite loss, nausea, tiredness, nasal congestion and diarrhea. You may also notice that your sexual ability and interest in sex are decreased. Side effects which are not considered to be dangerous include drowsiness, sleepiness, slight changes in weight and mild nausea. Some of the side effects of Citalopram may resemble to common cold symptoms, such as nasal congestion, sneezing and sore throat

Serious Side Effects

In case you notice that the symptoms of the depression worsened, contact your doctor as soon as possible. You may experience sleeping disorders, panic attacks, mental or physical hyperactivity, restlessness, changes in mood, aggressive or hostile behavior, impulsiveness and agitation. Some patients may have suicidal tendencies when they start taking Citalopram. Other serious side effects are severe stiffness of the muscles, fever, excessive perspiration, irregular pulse, tremors, headache, focusing problems, general weakness, hallucination, faintness, breathing difficulties and seizures. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, appetite loss and loss of balance. In some cases the side effects include severe skin disorders, pain in the stomach, vision impairment, pain while having an erection and changes in menstrual period. If you took too much Citalopram, you may have an overdose reaction. Such reaction may include fast pulse, dizziness, faintness, loss of consciousness, seizures, nausea and vomiting. An allergic reaction to Citalopram may include breathing difficulties, tension in the chest, swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat, rash, itchiness and irritation of the skin.

Safety Measures

Before you start taking Citalopram, make sure you inform your doctor about any medications that you use because Citalopram should not be combined with some medications. Also notify your doctor if you have any allergies or if you have any medical problem, especially epilepsy, mental disorders, or liver or kidney disease. Pregnant women and mothers who are breastfeeding should be careful while using Citalopram because it may cause harm to the baby. If you are planning to become pregnant, also tell your doctor about it. Since some of the side effects include dizziness and faintness, you should be careful while you drive or operate hazardous equipment. It is not recommended to drink alcohol while you are taking Citalopram because it may increase the risk of side effects.