Citalopram is the drug name for a brand of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor called Celexa.
The primary reason citalopram is used is in the treatment of depression. It is believed to work in this setting by boosting the amount of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a natural substance found throughout the body that helps keep mental balance in the brain.
What Else Is Citalopram Used For?
Citalopram is sometimes used for the treatment of conditions other than depression. When a doctor prescribes a drug to treat something for which it has not been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, it is referred to as "off-label". Some of the off-label uses for citalopram include:
- - Eating disorder
- - Alcoholism
- - Panic disorder
- - Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- - Social phobia
This list isn't complete. For more information on off-label uses, ask your physician of health care professional.
Does Citalopram Have Any Side Effects?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are notorious for their side effects, although they tend to be relatively minor. The following is a list of common side effects listed by the National Library of Medicine at the US National Institutes of Health. If you experience any of the following symptoms, if they are severe, or if they are persistent, the National Library of Medicine recommends contacting your physician:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Frequent urination
- Excessive tiredness
- Weakness
- Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- Muscle/joint pain
- Changes in one's sex drive or ability
- Heavy menstrual periods
There are less common but more serious side effects associated with citalopram that may require immediate medical treatment, such as chest pain, dizziness, rash, swelling of the face, throat, or any part of the body, hives, blisters, hallucinating, irregular heartbeat, fever, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Citalopram may also cause other side effects not mentioned. It is important to keep one's health care professional apprised of any changes once taking this drug.
