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What Are The Side Effects Of Seropram?

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Posted on Thu, 26 Mar 2015
Question: Side effects of seropram (citalopram)

Hello, i have started taking 4 days ago the anti-depressant seropram. I used to suffer from anxiety attacks 4 months ago, and, even though they went away, i was feeling dizzy and lightheaded every time i was getting a bit stressed so the psychiatrist suggested seropram so i can completely overcome anxiety. However, from the 1st day i started the medication (half a pill) i cannot sleep i am anxious, when i lie down in bed i suddenly feel dizzy, and today i woke up feeling nausea like i am in a boat. Are these side effects from the anti depressant? how long does it usually take for the body to get used to the medication? I got scared and i want to stop it.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ravi Soni (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It may take one week

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing through HCM.

I have read your query and understood your concerns.

Citalopram is a SSRI antidepressant which can cause anxiety initially in 5 to 10% of patients. Lightheadedness, nausea, decrease sleep, diarrhea, tremors etc. are the initial side effects which will go away within next one week.

In my patients I used to prescribe low dose benzodiazepins to avoid anxiety like clonazepam 0.25 mg twice daily. Benzodiazepins would be stopped within next 15 days.

These side effects will resolve in a week but if these continues you should contact your prescribing doctor and get advice.

Hope i have answered your query. If you have further query then I shall be happy to help.
Wish you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ravi Soni (57 minutes later)
Thanks a lot for your reply doctor.
I wonder, do you think this pill is suitable for me? Or maybe is very strong for me? Because I didn't have anxiety attacks for over 3 months. Just some dizziness every now and then. So i guess my condition was light/mild. But the doctor gave me seropram. Was the medication really necessary?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ravi Soni (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It happens in some individuals

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing again.

Whether the medicine was necessary or not is hard to be suggested online. You should consult your prescribing doctor regarding this.

In my knowledge in some patients this type of reaction can happen. In which dose you were given the citalopram? I usually give my patients escitalopram [lexapro], which has better side effects profile than citalopram.

The usual starting dose for citalopram is 10 mg a day orally. If you were given higher dose than this then you can ask your doctor to decrease the dose or change it to lexapro.

You shall find benefit from this drug but it will take time.

Hope I have answered your query. If you do not have further query then close the discussion and rate the answer.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ravi Soni (1 hour later)
Thanks for your answer doctor XXXXXXX
I am taking half a pill of 20 mg so 10 mg.

But the doctor said that after one week i should start taking the whole pill so 20 mg
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ravi Soni (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Visit your doctor again

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing again.

I here suggest you to visit your doctor again before increasing the dose of citalopram. That would be wise.

Initial side effects will go away and you shall find benefit only after initial 20 days. SSRI drugs will take time to show their effects.

Hope I have answered your query. If you do not have any further query then close the discussion and rate the answer.

Wish you good health.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ravi Soni

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 538 Questions

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What Are The Side Effects Of Seropram?

Brief Answer: It may take one week Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for writing through HCM. I have read your query and understood your concerns. Citalopram is a SSRI antidepressant which can cause anxiety initially in 5 to 10% of patients. Lightheadedness, nausea, decrease sleep, diarrhea, tremors etc. are the initial side effects which will go away within next one week. In my patients I used to prescribe low dose benzodiazepins to avoid anxiety like clonazepam 0.25 mg twice daily. Benzodiazepins would be stopped within next 15 days. These side effects will resolve in a week but if these continues you should contact your prescribing doctor and get advice. Hope i have answered your query. If you have further query then I shall be happy to help. Wish you good health.