Accord Citalopram 20mg Tablets

Accord Citalopram 20mg Tablets: Strong Depression & Anxiety Treatment UK Guide

Accord Citalopram 20 mg Tablets contain 20 mg of citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. Citalopram is used to treat major depressive episodes and is also indicated for panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. It works primarily by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain, helping regulate mood and related symptoms. The appropriate dose depends on the condition being treated, individual response, age, medical history and other clinical factors.

What Is Citalopram 20 mg Used For?

Citalopram is used for several mental health conditions. UK product information includes the following indications:

• Major Depressive Episodes: Used to treat depressive illness and help manage persistent symptoms associated with major depression.
• Panic Disorder: Used to treat panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, under appropriate medical supervision.
• Mood Symptoms: Regular treatment can help reduce symptoms such as persistent low mood, loss of interest and other difficulties associated with depression.
• Panic-Related Symptoms: Continued treatment may help reduce the frequency and severity of panic symptoms over time.
• Maintenance Treatment: Citalopram may be continued after improvement to help reduce the risk of depression returning when recommended by a healthcare professional.

How Does Citalopram Work?

Citalopram is an SSRI antidepressant that selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. This increases serotonin availability within the central nervous system and contributes to its antidepressant and anti-panic effects. Citalopram needs to be taken regularly as prescribed, and improvement may take several weeks to become noticeable.

How to Take Citalopram 20 mg Tablets

• Follow Your Prescription: Take citalopram exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Once-Daily Treatment: Citalopram is generally taken as a single dose once a day, either in the morning or evening. The timing should follow your prescribed routine.
• Administration: Swallow the tablet with water. Citalopram can generally be taken with or without food.
• Dose Adjustment: For major depressive episodes, the usual adult dose is 20 mg once daily. Depending on individual response, a healthcare professional may increase the dose up to the applicable maximum.
• Panic Disorder: Treatment for panic disorder may begin with 10 mg daily for the first week before increasing to 20 mg daily, as directed by the prescriber. A lower starting dose can help reduce the risk of increased anxiety when treatment begins.
• Treatment Response: Improvement may begin after the first one or two weeks, although a fuller therapeutic response can take longer. Depression treatment is generally continued for an appropriate period after symptoms improve to help reduce the risk of relapse.
• Do Not Stop Suddenly: Citalopram should generally be reduced gradually when treatment is stopped. Abrupt discontinuation may increase the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

Citalopram 20 mg Side Effects

Like all medicines, citalopram can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Commonly reported effects can include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Palpitations
• Difficulty sleeping
• Sexual dysfunction
• Increased sweating
• Nervousness or anxiety
• Sleepiness or drowsiness

Many common side effects become less noticeable as the body adjusts to treatment. However, persistent, severe or concerning symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Important Warnings and Precautions

Citalopram is not suitable for everyone. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history and any medicines you are taking before starting treatment.

• Heart Rhythm: Citalopram can cause dose-dependent QT interval prolongation and may not be suitable for people with certain heart conditions or rhythm abnormalities. It is contraindicated in people with known acquired QT prolongation or congenital long QT syndrome and with certain medicines that also prolong the QT interval.
• MAOIs: Citalopram must not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and appropriate intervals are required between certain treatments.
• Other Medicines: Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies and supplements. Some medicines can interact with citalopram and increase the risk of adverse effects.
• Drowsiness and Alertness: Citalopram may cause dizziness, sleepiness or impaired concentration in some people. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Mental Health Symptoms: Depression and panic disorder can involve changes in mood and behaviour. Any significant worsening of symptoms, unusual behavioural changes or thoughts of self-harm should be discussed with a healthcare professional urgently.
• Other Conditions: Tell your doctor if you have heart problems, epilepsy, liver or kidney problems, or other relevant medical conditions before starting treatment.
• St John’s Wort: Do not take St John’s wort preparations with citalopram because they can increase the risk of adverse effects.

Stopping Citalopram Treatment

Do not stop taking citalopram suddenly without medical advice. Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, sensory disturbances, sleep problems, anxiety, nausea, sweating, headache, diarrhoea, palpitations or irritability. Your healthcare professional can advise you on how to gradually reduce the dose when treatment needs to end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Citalopram 20 mg make you sleepy?

Citalopram can cause sleepiness or drowsiness in some people, although others may experience difficulty sleeping or increased nervousness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how citalopram affects you.

What happens if I miss a dose of Citalopram?

If you forget to take a dose of citalopram, take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

How long does Citalopram take to work?

Citalopram does not usually produce its full antidepressant effect immediately. Improvement may begin after one or two weeks, while a fuller therapeutic response can take several weeks. Continue taking it as prescribed unless your healthcare professional advises otherwise.

Can I stop taking Citalopram 20 mg suddenly?

You should not stop citalopram suddenly without medical advice. Gradually reducing the dose can help reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms, which may include dizziness, sensory changes, sleep disturbances, nausea, anxiety and irritability.

How much Citalopram 20 mg should I take?

The correct dose depends on why citalopram has been prescribed, your age, medical history, response to treatment and other individual factors. For major depressive episodes, 20 mg once daily is a standard adult dose in UK product information. For panic disorder, treatment may begin at 10 mg daily before increasing to 20 mg. Older adults and people with certain liver conditions may require lower doses. Do not change your dose without medical advice.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Citalopram?

It is best to avoid alcohol while taking citalopram because alcohol may increase the risk of side effects. If you are unsure whether alcohol is appropriate for you during treatment, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.