Citalopram used, Side effects, Dose, & more

 Citalopram

Brand name:- Citola ,Palocit, Olarc , C-pram, lopram , Celexa .

Citalopram is one of a group of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. It is thought to be work by enhancing the level of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters called serotonin in the brain. This may help you to improve your energy level and feelings of well-being.

Pharmacodynamic:-

Citalopram belongs to a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It has been found to relieve or manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder among other mood disorders. The antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and other actions of citalopram are linked to its inhibition of CNS central uptake of serotonin.Serotonergic abnormalities have been reported in patients with mood disorders. Behavioral and neuropsychological effects of serotonin include the regulation of mood, perception, reward, anger, aggression, appetite, memory, sexuality, and attention, as examples. The onset of action for depression is approximately 1 to 4 weeks. The complete response may take 8-12 weeks after initiation of citalopram.

In vitro studies demonstrate that citalopram is a strong and selective inhibitor of neuronal serotonin reuptake and has weak effects on norepinephrine and dopamine central reuptake. The chronic administration of citalopram has been shown to downregulate central norepinephrine receptors, similar to other drugs effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Citalopram does not inhibit monoamine oxidase.

 Pharmacokinetics:-

Citalopram is considered safe and well tolerated in the therapeutic dose range. Distinct from some other agents in its class, it exhibits linear pharmacokinetics and minimal drug interaction potential, making it a better choice for the elderly or comorbid patients.

 Mechanism of action:- 

The mechanism of action of citalopram is unclear but is presumed to be related to potentiation of serotonergic activity in the central nervous system (CNS) resulting from its inhibition of CNS neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT), potentially through the inhibition of the serotonin transporter (solute carrier family 6 member 4, SLC6A4).

Citalopram binds with significantly less affinity to histamine, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine receptors than tricyclic antidepressant drugs. Particularly, citalopram has no or very low affinity for 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, dopamine D1 and D2, α1-, α2-, and β-adrenergic, histamine H1, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), muscarinic cholinergic, and benzodiazepine receptors.

Used:- 

Used in the treatment of depression and Panic disorder, including major depressive disorder .

Side Effects:- 

Erectile dysfunction, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Low sexual desire, Nausea, Restlessness, Upset stomach, Vomiting, Weight gain.

Dose:- AS DIRECTED BY YOUR DOCTOR.