Side effects of citalopram
Why does citalopram cause side effects?
Citalopram is a drug used to treat depression. It belongs to the group of drugs that interfere with the messenger system in our brain. It is one of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Read more information on this topic at: Citalopram
Messenger substances are generally also called Transmitter designated. Serotonin is one of the most important messenger substances in our body. This substance performs many functions in the Brain / nervous system, heart-/Cycle-system and in stomach-Intestines-Tract. Latest research shows that for that too Mood responsible for. The drug citalopram is now the admission of serotonin prevented into the nerve cell. This becomes his Increased concentration in the extracellular space. The increased serotonin can now act more intensely via certain receptors. The increased serotonin is used in the treatment of depression mood lifting and drive enhancing.
The increased serotonin concentration but also has Influence on the whole bodyso that some side effects typical for this group of medicines may occur. The initial one Drive increase may affect patients too sleep disorders and nervousness to lead. In addition, the newly acquired drive in depressed people Suicide risk. Since serotonin is also in the stomach occurs, complaints can also occur there. Typical side effects are nausea, Vomit, decreased appetite and diarrhea. It can occasionally Bleeding occur, especially if none Stomach protection tablets be taken in addition. Another known side effect is an increased occurrence of Cariesas the drug becomes a Dry mouth leads and thereby changes the oral flora.
Side effects after stopping citalopram
Medicines that are used to treat depression are said to be not suddenly discontinued become. Because then it can severe withdrawal symptoms come. The reason for this is that Citalopram of the Serotonin levels is increased by the transporter to Resumption of the messenger substance blocked into the nerve cell. Also the Receptors change yours sensitivity after a several weeks of use. You become less sensitive to serotonin because the range of messenger substances is so large. When the drug is eventually stopped, fThe concentration falls of serotonin suddenly drops because the cell can absorb more serotonin again. It takes time to form new receptors to be more sensitive to the low concentration several weeks. The changes at the receptor level must first be readjusted. First there is a Imbalancewhich one of the typical symptoms in Discontinuation of the drug leads.
Read more about the topic here: Antidepressants
These side effects are also called Withdrawal symptoms designated. A normal process that the body goes through while it is back to normal without taking used to the drug. You step approx 24 hours after weaning on. Under the term SSRI heel syndrome become different Symptoms summarized. There are side effects like Sensory disturbances, Twitches, Mood swings and sexual disorders on. Withdrawal symptoms can occur in many cases avoided be when citalopram gradually withdrawn become. This Sneak out takes place within several weeks and the body is given time to get used to lower and lower doses of the drug.
Duration of side effects of citalopram
The duration of the side effects caused by taking Citalopram can be caused different lengths be. For one thing, it often is depending on the dose taken and the Type of complaint. On the other hand, there are also differences from patient to patient. One of the most common side effects is nausea. It usually kicks a lot quickly after first use of citalopram on. You should first wait to see whether the body regulates this itself. If the nausea persists and goes despite it Dose reduction not gone, should be switched to another preparation.
Other side effects like Dry mouth, a headache, increased sweating and also Racing heart also occur directly. When the body gets used to the drug, these symptoms go away on their own after a few days. Often with citalopram therapy there is also one Reduction of libido and others sexual disorders. These appear after several weeks and go after a period of getting used to in most patients several days to weeks gone again. However, this side effect can also occur in some patients remain.
Special side effects
The following is specific to some wright side effects received.
nausea
The nausea With 20-30%, it is one of the most common complaints during therapy with antidepressants such as citalopram. As Serotonin reuptake inhibitors it blocks the transporters for the re-uptake of serotonin into the cell. As a result, there is an increased concentration of serotonin to which the body initially reacts with side effects. After all, through that arise Oversupply many in the messenger substance Changes at cell level. The sharp increase in serotonin concentration in the body initially leads to a Imbalance. This means that the patients can respond to different degrees nausea up to Vomit Suffer.
You can find more information on the topic here
- nausea
- Vomit
The nausea can then Every day occur and also for a longer time stop. The severity of the nausea often varies greatly from patient to patient and also depends on the dose taken. In many cases the body has to adapt to the new serotonin concentration get used to. This can also take different lengths of time and therefore the nausea occur. In the case of very strong and daily nausea, the patient can also refer to one additional drug Consult your doctor against the side effects. After Getting used to it The complaints usually disappear on their own. New complaints can occur again if the dose is modified by citalopram. The nausea can be both in one Humiliation, as well as one increase the dose return.
impotence
Erectile dysfunction are also among those side effects typical of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Shortly after citalopram therapy is started, the Changes in sexual function to adjust. Many patients report a significant one Decrease in pleasure in sexual intercourse. Furthermore can also Emotional disturbances occur. In some patients it can even be Failure of erection come or have trouble withmaintain this.
The complaints can also be accompanied by a general numbing of feelings. These side effects can be very distressing. Especially in one Partnership is the caseas it is often with a lot Shame connected is. In some cases one shows up improvement by itself. With others, the symptoms can persist, even if the dose of citalopram is lower. There is also one Symptoms of impotence after stopping known that too Months to years can persist.
Read more on the subject here Erectile dysfunction
Weight loss
Another common side effect of citalopram is one Decrease in weight of several kilograms. In many patients, a significant reduction in appetite a. You have less desire to eat and lose weight as a result. This effect can be particularly pronounced if the patient is also experiencing other side effects such as Exhaustion, fatigue, Vomit and diarrhea This can also make people lose weight.
The greatest weight reduction occurs in the first Weeks to months after starting treatment with citalopram. Afterwards, the patients usually do not lose any further weight, as the body gets used to it and adjusts itself again. At Affectedwho are generally very slim and show significant weight loss or the patients lose weight unintentionally over the long term, should be spoken to the treating doctor again.
Side effects on the heart
In addition to many side effects that affect the gastrointestinal tract or mood, can Citalopram himself too have a significant effect on the heart. As a result, a mostly arises fast and irregular heartbeatthat is up to Cardiac arrhythmias can develop. The patient may experience various other symptoms such as Racing heart, one low blood pressure or Faint develop.
Studies have shown that there is a context between the frequency and Heaviness of the Disorders of the heart rhythm in relation to the dose taken. The higher the dose, the more complaints occurred. It becomes particularly dangerous when Ventricular fibrillation entry. That’s how he became sudden cardiac death Detected when taking citalopram or related drugs. In young patients, therefore, a maximum Assumed dose of 40mg.
Since older people have a basic heart disease may also be present, a Maximum dose of 20mg prescribed. Patients who are prescribed citalopram for the first time should therefore exactly about the Side effects how ,Palpitations‘Be educated. With symptoms like Palpitations, shortness of breath or others should therefore consult the doctor.
