Citalopram is an anti-depressant medication that is used to treat severe depression and mood disorders. In addition, it can be used to treat eating disorders, alcoholism, and other disorders. It is in the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It is believed that this medication works by stimulating a chemical in your brain called serotonin. It is available by prescription from your physician but it can be illegally gotten because of how it functions in your body.
Citalopram Side Effects
This medication has basically the same side effects as any other medication can have but if you take it as your physician prescribes it can be relatively safe and has little side effects. Many people have no side effects at all but if a person becomes addicted to Citalopram the side effects can be more evident. Here are some of the common side effects a person could have.
Missed periods
Weird behaviors, impulsiveness, aggressiveness, panic attacks, hostility, suicidal attempts and thoughts, irritability, worsening of depression, exaggerated feeling of well being
Bloody or black stools
Chest pain, irregular or fast heartbeat
Decreased coordination and concentration, confusion, memory loss, hallucinations
Fainting
Trouble sleeping, restlessness
Stomach pain
Vision changes
Painful, persistent erection
Seizures
Skin that could be swollen, peeling, blistered or red
Effects on Your Body Systems
These side effects on your body systems are from abusing Citalopram and being addicted to. Very seldom, if ever, will you have these side effects on these various systems of your body if you take the medication as prescribed by your physician.
Psychiatric-if you are abusing and addicted to this medication you may suffer deeper depression, amnesia, paranoid reactions, lack or concentration, delusion and more.
Genitourinary-this body system deals with your urinary system and your genitals. You could suffer from impotence or problems with ejaculation. There have also been reports of breast enlargement and pain, vaginal hemorrhage, and other conditions.
Nervous system-this is an area where the side effects may get a little tricky. One thing that is affected by this medication is rapid eye movement. You may also have tremors, sweating, vertigo, leg cramps, hyperkinesias, and dizziness. Basically everything gets affected that is controlled by your nervous system.
Metabolism-there burning sensation in stomach could be an increase in HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and serum total cholesterol. You could loose or gain weight, or have hyponatremia.
Cardiovascular system-you could suffer from postural hypertension, hypotension, and tachycardia. Other side effects could be edema or swelling of your extremities, bradycardia, hypertension, extra systoles, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and cardiac failure.
In Conclusion
If you take Citalopram as prescribed and do not abuse or become addicted to the medication, you will probably have little or no side effects. If you feel you are becoming addicted to this medication talk to your physician immediately.