This belongs to the group of medicines known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Citalopram is available in tablet and oral liquid form.

Before taking Citalopram

Before taking citalopram make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from heart, liver or kidney problems
• if you are under 18 years of age
• if you suffer from epilepsy, diabetes, glaucoma, psychiatric illness (mental problems) or a blood disorder
• if you are being treated with ECT (electroconvulsive therapy)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to take Citalopram

• Always read the manufacturer’s information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Try to take citalopram at the same times each day, to avoid missing any doses.
• If you have been supplied the oral drops of citalopram, the prescribed dose can be added to water, orange juice or apple juice before taking.
• Do not stop taking citalopram without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will want to reduce your dose gradually, as stopping suddenly can cause problems.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of citalopram contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any "over-the-counter" medicines check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside citalopram.
• If you are under the age of 18 and are currently taking citalopram you should make an appointment to see your doctor to have your treatment reviewed. This is because the prescribing recommendations have been changed.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor.
• Citalopram can cause drowsiness, dizziness and problems with eyesight. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.
• You may experience light-headedness or faintness, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly should help, but if the problem continues speak with your doctor.
• Citalopram can occasionally cause dry mouth. If you experience this, try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If dry mouth becomes a problem speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Citalopram can cause some people to sweat more than they usually do. If you experience this, take care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather.

• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking citalopram.

Can Citalopram cause problems?

Feeling or being sick, indigestion, tummy ache, diarrhoea, constipation, loss of appetite and weight loss or increase in appetite and weight gain, dry mouth or increase in saliva production, nervousness, anxiety (worry), headache, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), shakiness, dizziness, weakness, seeing things that aren't real, drowsiness, discharge from the nipples, sexual problems, sweating, movements of the body without control from the patient, a fast or fluttering heartbeat, coughing, yawning, confusion, difficulty concentrating, difficulty remembering things, skin rashes, muscle pain, pins and needles, problems with eyesight, problems with taste, a sore or runny nose, ringing in the ears or problems urinating (passing water).

Important: If you experience severe drowsiness, confusion or convulsions (fits) or any unusual bleeding or bruising or blackened stools contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once.

If you experience any other symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.