Citalopram And When It Is Used   by Sandy Rutherforde

in Health / Medicine    (submitted 2011-11-15)

The article that follows will consider a few of the frequently asked questions about citalopram, such as what it's utilized for, whether it's smart to mix citalopram and alcohol, and lastly; what the most frequent citalopram side effects are.

Just What is Citalopram?

So, probably the most obvious place to begin when looking at any kind of prescription medication has to involve the questions; what exactly is citalopram and what is it used for? Well, first and foremost, citalopram is antidepressant medication and is offered on a prescription only basis. It works by controlling the levels of serotonin in the system of which reduced levels could lead to depression.

Together with being among the major types of medication used to tackle serious depression, Citalopram is also quite often utilized in the treatment of other problems such as anxiety symptoms, obsessive compulsive disorder and also premature ejaculation.

Citalopram and Alcohol?

As with many forms of medications, it is crucial to understand what you can and cannot drink when using this type of a prescription drug. And as far as the combination of citalopram and alcohol is concerned, the general opinion is that the latter needs to be eliminated when using the former when at all possible. If you mix the two, there's the possibility for increased drowsiness, lightheadedness and much slower reactions. Without a doubt, this reinforces the fact that you should not drive when combining citalopram and alcohol.

Citalopram Side Effects?

It is perhaps no real surprise that there are various well documented citalopram side effects and these could consist of:

1. Headaches: Should these become severe, check with your doctor promptly. Otherwise, ask a pharmacist for suggestions for headache relief.

2. Anxiety associated side effects (in other words, an inability to concentrate, insomnia, extreme sweating, heart palpitations, jitters as well as a basic agitated feeling): As with the above, should these get particularly troucblesome, contact your doctor for help and advice.

3. Nausea and diarrhea: Treat this issue just as you might normally, in other words, rehydrate by just drinking more water than normal and don't irritate your stomach with spicy "wet" foods.

4. Increased drowsiness: There are actually few techniques you could use to directly tackle this side effect, but as previously mentioned, reduce alcohol consumption should you still be drinking. Also, if you go through recurring bouts of drowsiness, be particularly cautious when driving and outside of the home.

Despite these side effects being widely known, they affect less than 1 in 10 people, and there is consequently a very good chance that the average individual would avoid them entirely

Ultimately, citalopram is a prescription only drug and for this reason, it needs to solely be taken when prescribed by a doctor. Follow the directions very carefully and at the very first indication of a serious adverse reaction, check with your GP promptly.

About the Author

Have you been prescribed citalopram? For comprehensive information on citalopram and alcohol, be sure to visit patient.co.uk.