Friday, November 18, 2011

Citalopram Is One Way To Treat Depression

By Sandy Rutherforde


The article that follows will examine a few of the frequently asked questions on citalopram, such as what it's used for, whether it's advisable to mix citalopram and alcohol, and lastly; what the most common citalopram side effects consist of.

What is Citalopram?

So, probably the most obvious place to begin when talking about any kind of prescription medication has to include the questions; what is citalopram and what's it used for? Well, above all, citalopram is antidepressant medication and it is available on a prescription only basis. It functions by controlling the amounts of serotonin in the body in which reduced levels may cause depression.

Together with being among the major forms of medication used to deal with serious depression, Citalopram is in addition frequently used in the treatment of various other disorders like anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder as well as premature ejaculation.

Citalopram and Alcohol?

Just as with a lot of types of medication, it's essential to understand what you can and cannot drink when you are taking such 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 if using the former where at all possible. Should you combine them, there is the possibility for increased drowsiness, dizziness and much slower reactions. Indeed, this reinforces that you should never drive if mixing citalopram and alcohol.

Citalopram Side Effects?

It is most likely no great surprise that there are several well documented citalopram side effects that might include:

1. Headaches: Should these get severe, seek advice from your GP promptly. Otherwise, ask your pharmacist for recommendations for headache relief.

2. Anxiety associated side effects (in other words, the inability to really concentrate, sleeplessness, extreme sweating, heart palpitations, jitters as well as a general agitated feeling): As with the above, if these become particularly troucblesome, contact your GP for guidance.

3. Nausea and diarrhoea: Take care of this condition as you might normally, in other words, rehydrate by drinking a lot more water than normal and do not aggravate your stomach with spicy "wet" foods.

4. Increased drowsiness: There are actually few approaches you could take to specifically deal with this side effect, but as previously mentioned, cut down on alcohol consumption should you currently be drinking. Also, if you experience reoccurring rounds of drowsiness, be particularly careful when driving and outside of your home.

In spite of these side effects being widely known, they have an effect on less than 1 in 10 people, and there is therefore a good chance that the typical individual would avoid them completely.

Ultimately, citalopram is really a prescription only drug and for that reason, it needs to only be taken when prescribed by a doctor. Follow the directions carefully and at the first sign of a severe adverse reaction, consult your GP promptly.




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