Though the FDA has approved Citalopram to be used only for treating major depression, some doctors also use Citalopram for treating people suffering from different kinds of anxiety disorders. Citalopram was originally created by the company Lundbeck in 1989 and is a drug that has been approved by the FDA.
Side Effects Experienced When Someone Uses Citalopram: Almost all of the antidepressant drugs that are available in the market work by changing the mood of the person that is taking the drug. The chemical compositions of these drugs sometimes have the wrong effect on the person's body. The side effects of Citalopram that people using the drug might experience include: Dizziness, light headedness, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, skin itches, seizures, hallucinations, unusual bleeding mostly from the nose, unusual bruising, confusion, trouble breathing and general fatigue. People who experience these side effects should consult their doctor as soon as possible and ask for further advice. Other side effects of Citalopram that people might experience include: change in appetite, blurred vision, headaches, migraines, increased sweating, insomnia and changes in sexual drive or performance. These side effects of Citalopram aren't considered as being serious but people are still advised to consult their doctors.
What Citalopram Can Treat: Citalopram is also used by some doctors to treat anxiety, body dysmorphic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorders. Citalopram has also been found to reduce the symptoms of premature ejaculation and diabetic neuropathy. Citalopram has also been used by some doctors to treat severe migraines in some of their patients as well as hot flashes.
Things To Be Aware Of When Using Citalopram: Like all other drugs, Citalopram also reacts differently in different people who take this drug. That is why it is important for people to tell their doctors if they have diabetes, heart disease, liver problems, kidney problems, experience seizures, have allergic reactions to the chemical used in this drug or are pregnant or if they are breast feeding. This will allow the doctor to make the proper decision whether prescribing Citalopram for such people is appropriate or not. As people tend to experience dizziness due to Citalopram it has been advised that people who take Citalopram shouldn't drive after they have taken the drug and they shouldn't be handling any machinery.
Citalopram And Having Suicidal Thoughts: As Citalopram is an antidepressant that changes the mood of a person and that is why sometimes unpredictable mood changes might affect a person differently. People who use Citalopram have reported having suicidal thoughts. This is a side effect of Citalopram and thus, caregivers should observe the person who is taking Citalopram and they should report to the doctor if any change in their behavior occurs. That is why the FDA has issued a warning telling people about Citalopram side effects. These thoughts can also be triggered if a person misses their dose. If that happens then they should take the Citalopram dose as soon as possible. Thus, this drug should be taken as advised by the doctor because as mentioned above, this drug comes with its own share of side effects that people might experience if a proper dose isn't administered. Like all antidepressant drugs it is advised that people take their doses in the presence of their care givers and any unusual behavior should be reported immediately to the doctor for help.