Med review: Citalopram
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Today we will review citalopram & we will do so from the perspective of what is good, what is bad and what is ugly about this drug.
DISCLAIMER
The content provided in this Substack post is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer and should not be taken as definitive or authoritative. Readers should not rely solely on the information provided in this post to make decisions about patient care. Instead, use this content as a starting point for further research and consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to treatment or medication regimens.
The Good:
Citalopram, also known by the brand name Celexa, is an antidepressant medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It is also used off label for premenstrual dysphoric disorder, panic disorder, GAD, PTSD and social anxiety disorder. Some potential benefits of citalopram include:
Effectiveness: Clinical studies have shown that citalopram is effective in managing symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders.
Low potential for drug interactions: Citalopram has a low potential for drug interactions, making it a safer option for people taking multiple medications.
Affordability: Citalopram is available as a generic medication, making it a more affordable option for patients who may not have access to more expensive brand-name medications.
The Bad:
Despite its potential benefits, citalopram may also have some drawbacks, including:
Potential side effects: Some people may experience side effects when taking citalopram, such as nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, and sexual dysfunction.
Withdrawal symptoms: If citalopram is stopped suddenly or if the dose is reduced too quickly, some people may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as dizziness, headache, irritability, and flu-like symptoms.
Risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors: Like other antidepressant medications, citalopram may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, especially in children, teenagers, and young adults.
The Ugly:
In rare cases, citalopram can have more serious adverse effects, including:
Serotonin syndrome: Citalopram can cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when serotonin levels in the brain are too high. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, muscle rigidity, and seizures.
Risk of bleeding: Citalopram may increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people taking blood thinners or antiplatelet medications.
Effects on EKG: Citalopram can prolong the QT interval on an electrocardiogram (EKG), which can lead to a potentially dangerous heart rhythm called torsades de pointes. People with pre-existing heart conditions, low potassium or magnesium levels, or a history of heart rhythm problems may be at higher risk for this side effect.