What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain laboratory tests and electrocardiograms before you start taking citalopram and during your treatment with this medication.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
How Do Antidepressants Work
Various antidepressant medications are available for prescription use. There is no single best antidepressant, and the best one for you depends on your symptoms and individual needs.
Usually, antidepressants help balance the levels of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals responsible for communications between neurons in the brain. These chemicals include serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Higher levels of these chemicals usually correspond with lower levels of depression.
While antidepressants can be helpful in depression, effectiveness varies from patient to patient. How long the drugs stay in your body also varies. Some drugs stay in your body for about 36 hours, while others last as long as several days.
Other Uses For This Medicine
Citalopram is also sometimes used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder , eating disorders, alcoholism, panic disorder , premenstrual dysphoric disorder , social anxiety disorder , posttraumatic stress disorder, tingling in the hands and feet caused by diabetes, and certain male sexual problems. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Read Also: Things To Do To Fight Depression
How Long Should I Be On Antidepressants
Most people are advised to keep taking their antidepressant for at least 6 to 12 months after they start to feel better, to reduce the risk of symptoms returning. Itâs important to discuss with your doctor about the best time to stop an antidepressant.
In some people, ongoing antidepressant treatment is recommended to maintain long-term control over their illness.
What Side Effects Do Antidepressants Have
Like all medicines, antidepressants may have side effects. For most people, the side effects are not bad enough that they need to stop taking the medication.
Different people may experience different side effects, so itâs important to talk to your doctor about your personal situation. Some people experience no side effects at all.
Side effects differ between antidepressants. Some side effects may include:
For more information, see Beyond Blue and SANE Australia.
If you experience a side effect from an antidepressant, itâs important to let your doctor know. It may be possible to reduce side effects by changing the dose or the time of day the medicine is taken. Some people may need to switch to another antidepressant due to side effects.
Many antidepressants can interact with other medicines. Anybody taking antidepressants needs to make sure their doctor and pharmacist know what other medicines they are taking, including any complementary or alternative therapies.
There are links between antidepressants and suicidal thoughts and behaviours in young people. But sometimes the need for antidepressants outweighs the risk of taking the medicines. The decision to prescribe antidepressants for young people is one that should be taken with great care.
Read Also: What Causes Depression And Anxiety In Teens
Overview Of Antidepressant Medications
Antidepressant medications are kinds of medication used to treat clinical depression in affected patients.
These antidepressant medications have been utilized for over-the-counter usage which means that these medications have been used to treat other psychological disorders other than depression and these are the following psychological disorders.
- Some obsessive symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Symptoms of restlessness in generalised anxiety disorder
- Some re-experiencing symptoms in post-traumatic stress disorder
Some of these kinds of medications such as amitryptiline are used to cure chronic back pain in some affected people.
Uses For Depression Medication
Depression medications are used to help reduce depression symptoms. While these symptoms can vary from one person to another, they may include:
- Change in appetite
- Thoughts of suicide
- Trouble concentrating
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
You May Like: Depression In Men Over 50
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors Antidepressant Medications
MAOIs are an older type of antidepressant medications aside form TCAs that is seldom used recently.
It is always important to make sure that you were prescribed these medications from a licensed health practitioner since this medication is prone to creating adverse side effects.
Medications from this class of antidepressant medications involve tranylcypromine, phenelzine and isocarboxazid.
How Is Depression Treated
Depression is treatable with high rates of success. Treatments may include:
- Antidepressants, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors , Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors , tricyclic antidepressants , monoamine oxidase inhibitors .
Responses to antidepressants vary, and most antidepressants take 4 to 6 weeks for full effect. About 50% of patients respond to the first treatment, whereas others may have to try a few different types of antidepressants before they find the best one for them.
There are several things you can do to help with your symptoms as well, such as:
- Setting realistic and daily goals
- Developing strategies to work through crises situations
- Developing coping and problem-solving skills
- Learning how to develop positive relationships
- Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones.
Also Check: Natural Remedies For Insomnia And Depression
Other Alternative Interventions For Depression
Other interventions aside from antidepressant medications for depression involve psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy or dialectical behaviour therapy .
Additionally, more people are being prescribed with these kinds of medications together with alternative treatments of depression such as CBT.
Medications and psychotherapies have different effects on depression where medications can minimize symptoms of depression in the short-term and psychotherapies reduce depressive symptoms in the long-term.
And the combination of these interventions can minimize the depressive symptoms for good.
Regular exercise has been found in current studies to alleviate symptoms and make people with mild depression proactive.
Exercise helps increase levels of neurotransmitters called serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which can boost your mood.
Exercising on a daily basis can increase self-esteem which can help to reduce symptoms of depression.
Your general practitioner may refer you to a qualified and experienced fitness trainer for an exercise plan or you can read about starting exercise and apply it in your own home.
What Are Natural Antidepressants
Natural antidepressants are remedies that are not prescription medications for depression. They may be helpful in improving mood but should not be used to self-manage clinical depression without the supervision of a doctor.
Exercise and pleasurable activities are natural ways to improve mood. Exercise increases the levels of endorphins which can elevate mood. Foods high in omega-3-fatty acids may increase serotonin levels in the brain and contribute to relieving depression. During the winter months, some people may suffer from seasonal depression. Increasing exposure to light alleviates seasonal depression.
Several supplements are promoted for improving depression. Examples include St. John’s wort, 5-hydroxytryptophan , SAMe, fish oil, and L-theanine. Although these supplements may have mild antidepressant properties, it is important to remember that depression is a serious condition that needs proper evaluation and treatment under the care of a physician. It is also important to note that these supplements are not regulated by the FDA their safety and efficacy have not been proven in large clinical studies, and they may interact with other drugs.
Recommended Reading: Success Rate Of Therapy For Depression
How To Use Citalopram Hbr
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking citalopram and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning or evening. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, laboratory tests, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use .
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start taking this drug at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
It may take 1 to 4 weeks to feel a benefit from this drug and up to several weeks before you get the full benefit.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
How Should This Medicine Be Used
Citalopram comes as a tablet and a solution to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day, in the morning or in the evening, with or without food. Take citalopram at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take citalopram exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of citalopram and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once a week.
It may take 1 to 4 weeks before you notice the full benefit of citalopram. Continue to take citalopram even if you feel well. Do not stop taking citalopram without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually. If you suddenly stop taking citalopram, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as mood changes, irritability, agitation, dizziness, numbness, tingling or electric shock-like sensations in the hands or feet, anxiety, confusion, headache, tiredness, nausea, sweating, shaking, frenzied or abnormally excited mood, and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms while you are decreasing your dose of citalopram or soon after you stop taking citalopram.
You May Like: Going Through A Depressive Episode
Noradrenaline And Specific Serotonergic Antidepressant Medications
NASSAs may be effective for some patients who are incapable or find it risky to take SSRIs.
The side effects of these medications are similar to those of SSRIs but these medications are believed to create fewer sexual issues.
However, these kinds of antidepressant medications may also cause more drowsiness in the initial dosage.
The most prescribed medication of this class is mirtazapine or Zispin in the country.
You can learn more about the effects of antidepressant medications by buying this book here.
What Are Antidepressants
Antidepressant medicines are medicines used to treat depression, anxiety and related conditions, such as eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
These medicines affect a number of chemicals in the brain that influence mood and anxiety, such as serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine.
Medication is just one way that depression and anxiety are treated. Other treatments may also be needed, such as psychological treatments or lifestyle changes.
Recommended Reading: Is There Medicine For Depression
How Does It Work
PTSD may be related to changes in the brain that are linked to our ability to manage stress. People with PTSD appear to have different amounts of certain chemicals in the brain than people without PTSD. The 4 recommended SSRIs and SNRIs are believed to treat PTSD by putting these brain chemicals back in balance.
Video
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. They are highly effective and generally cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs help to alleviate symptoms of depression by blocking the reabsorption or reuptake of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter that is used by brain cells to communicate. As SSRIs mainly affect the levels of serotonin and not levels of other neurotransmitters, they are referred to as selective.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors include citalopram , escitalopram , fluoxetine , fluvoxamine , fluvoxamine CR , paroxetine , paroxetine CR , sertraline .
Side effects of SSRIs may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sexual dysfunction, headache, weight gain, anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, and trouble sleeping.
Although SSRIs are relatively safe, there are some safety concerns regarding their use.
Significant Warnings
Suicidal thoughts or behavior: All antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults .
Recommended Reading: What Is The Depression Hotline
What Can I Expect
To receive medications for PTSD, you will need to meet with a provider who can prescribe these medications to you. Many different types of providers, including your family provider and even some nurses and physician assistants, can prescribe antidepressant medications for PTSD. You and your provider can work together to decide which antidepressant medication may be best for you.
In general, the 4 different SSRIs and SNRIs listed above appear to work equally well for PTSD. Once you fill your prescription, you will begin taking a pill at regular time each day. It may take a few weeks before you notice the effects of the medication. It is important to continue to take it even if you do not notice changes right away. You will meet with your provider every few months or so. Your provider will monitor your response to the medication and change your dose, if needed.
Video
What Are The Differences Between Antidepressants
There are distinct differences between the different classes of antidepressants available because they all work in a different way. In addition, within each class, there are differences between individual antidepressants with regards to how long they remain in the body, how they are metabolized, and how much they interact with other medications.
You May Like: Crying Out Of Nowhere Depression
Are There Other Medication Options For Ptsd
There are other medications that may be helpful, although the evidence behind them is not as strong as for SSRIs and SNRIs . These include:
- Nefazodone A serotonin reuptake inhibitor that works by changing the levels and activity of naturally occurring chemical signals in the brain.
- Imipramine A tricyclic antidepressant which acts by altering naturally occurring chemicals which help brain cells communicate and can lift mood.
- Phenelzine A monoamine oxidase inhibitor which inactivates a naturally occurring enzyme which breaks down the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.
How Do I Stop Taking Antidepressants
You should always stop taking antidepressants slowly, and under a doctorâs supervision. Stopping most antidepressants suddenly can result in unpleasant symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or feeling edgy.
Itâs important to work closely with a doctor to lower the dose, stop or switch antidepressant medicines.
You May Like: My Partner Has Depression How Do I Cope
Do I Need Antidepressants
As with many other medications, there are benefits and risks to taking antidepressants.
They are often effective for moderate to severe depression. They can help to improve mood and increase motivation for people who may have lost interest in activities they once enjoyed. They can also help improve sleep, thinking and concentration.
Antidepressants might also help people with anxiety-related disorders like generalised anxiety disorder , eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder .
However, antidepressants are not particularly effective for mild depression. Lifestyle changes and psychological treatments work better for mild depression.
The decision to start an antidepressant should be made only in consultation with a doctor.
Other medicines may also be needed as well as or instead of antidepressants. These include anti-anxiety medication or sleeping tablets.
You Are About To Leave Ustrintellixcom And Enter A Website Operated By An Independent Third Party
The links to third-party websites contained on this website are provided solely for your convenience. Neither Takeda nor Lundbeck control the content contained on any third-party website linked from this website. Neither Takeda nor Lundbeck is responsible or liable for any third-party website, and the website may not be appropriate for all audiences. Your activities at those websites will be governed by the policies and practices of those third parties.
Please select “Continue” if you wish to be taken to this third-party website.
You May Like: Can Brain Injury Cause Depression
Common Side Effects Of Antidepressants
Antidepressants can improve the symptoms of depression, but, like all medications, they can also cause side effects. The frequency and severity of these side effects vary depending on the class of medication you’re taking.
- Sleep disturbances
Antidepressants may also increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior , especially during the first few months of treatment, or when your dose is increased or decreased. Teens and young adults are especially at risk and should be monitored closely.
Side effects tend to be mild and go away as your body adjusts to the medication. If your side effects are severe or last for longer than a few weeks, your prescribing doctor may adjust your dosage or recommend a different antidepressant.
If and when you and a doctor decide to stop your medication, it’s important to wean off most antidepressants slowly. If you suddenly stop taking an antidepressant medication, you can experience withdrawal symptoms, such as mood swings, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, and headaches.