How much citalopram can i take?

If you’re here, it’s because you’ve probably been prescribed citalopram, and now you’re wondering how much of it is safe for consumption. Well, look no further! We will guide you through everything there is to know about taking citalopram.

What Is Citalopram?

Citalopram is an antidepressant medication that falls under the category Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). Simply put,citalopram increases the level of serotonin in your brain, which brings with it feelings of happiness and well-being. Doctors commonly prescribe this drug as a treatment for various conditions like depression, anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

How Does Citalopram Work?

Citalopram works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin so that more serotonin remains active in the brain longer than usual. It achieves this by stopping the proteins on cells called ‘transporters’ from bringing back recycled neurotransmitters into cells after they have sent their signal across receptive nerve endings.

When there’s not enough serotonin circulating around your brain cells-whether due to life stressors or genetics-you can experience symptoms such as mood fluctuations; suicidal thoughts persisting over several weeks; appetite changes poor concentration excessive fatigue hopelessness worthlessness guilt restlessness difficulty sleeping nightmares irritability hypersomnia feeling overwhelmed etcetera – all hallmarks signs depression.

But once a sufficient amount of SSRIs are present in our brains they help nerve signals travel smoothly across synapses without interruption creating increased levels of good hormones including Norepinephrine Dopamine Serotonin giving us all those happy feels! So essentially we could say: fewer transporters = better moods!

The Right Dosage Matters

While citalopram has shown excellent potential in treating depression, anxiety disorders, and other conditions, taking the correct dosage is crucial. Otherwise, you could suffer from side effects that can range from mild to serious.

How Much Citalopram Can I Take?

The right amount of citalopram varies based on an individual’s age, medical history and underlying disorders where medication interactions with their other medications can result in adverse events such as hot flashes or sweating gastrointestinal discomfort shortness breath high blood pressure – not ideal!

Accordingly,the recommended starting dose for adults lies between 20mg-40 mg per day– This dose takes into account your current level of severity while avoiding any significant side effects. Doctors often start at a lower dose before gradually increasing it over time as they monitor patient tolerance and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

However,for patients older than sixty-five years or those with liver disease (which decreases how well we filter bloodstream), doses may be substantially less sometimes half since our body doesn’t metabolize these drugs as quickly leading to higher risk sedation/dizziness/perhaps even confusion

Doctors stress the importance of following their customized dosing schedule strictly since deviating from it is never advised; however,in general dosages should be increased incrementally until effective symptom relief reached without experiencing excessive undesirable reactions like drowsiness diarrhea inability to reach climax self harm ideations etcetera

It needs also noted that peak plasma concentrations are achieved generally after one week rumination accompanied by maintaining same intake times each day!

Overdose: What Happens If You Exceed The Dosage Limit?

Overdosing on citalopram has more than just adverse physiological implications but ultimately affects cognitive functions:
Physiologically-you should expect symptoms ranging irritability seizures tremors rapid heart rate low blood pressure chest pain dilated pupils blue skin impaired reflexes difficulty breathing congestive heart failure arrhythmias coma gastrointestinal bleeding delirium respiratory cessation

,Cognitively-expecting symptoms like confusion hallucinations suicidal thoughts hyper-reflexia mania it is therefore imperative that in such an event, you reach medical professionals immediately since early diagnosis and rapid treatment increases prognosis for full recovery!

What Are The Common Side Effects of Citalopram?

Like any other medication, citalopram can cause side effects when used. However,these are often temporary and decrease in frequency as the patient grows more comfortable with taking the drug.

Some common side effects include:

  • Changes in sex drive
    that or inability to orgasm
  • Dizziness/Light-headedness/Vertigo/
  • Feeling tired/Fatigue/ Lethargy/
  • Insomnia/Sleepiness
    which may ultimately lead to weight gain
  • Nausea/Vomiting/Jelly legs

These side-effects aside,Furthermore anyone experiencing: severe rashes hives trouble breathing fainting bruising difficulty swallowing facial joint pain urination problems allergies-induced edema blistering peeling green-yellow eyes prolonged sun exposure with skin burning itching rash tremors persistent diarrhea dark urine blurry vision feverish sensations migraines spontaneous bleeding bloody stools etcetera should seek emergency services assistance

Benefits of Taking the Correct Dosage of Citalopram

At this point if scared to medicate take heart? Here are a few advantages of finding your sweet spot! :

1) It lifts your mood significantly
2) Improves sleep patterns
3) Increases energy levels helping you get through everyday challenges unscathed!
4 )Lowers anxiety levels enabling healthier interpersonal relationships.
5) Helps maintain regulated eating habits.

The benefits show how important it is for individuals prescribed citalopram to find their dose’s right amount – just enough that balances lingering depression without inducing harmful reactions over time so that we can fully engage healthily with our daily routines worry-free!

Table. Common Side Effects vs Rare Adverse Effects

Common Side Effects Rare AdverseEffects
Changes in sex drive Trouble breathing
Unable to orgasm Facial joint pain
Dizziness/Light-headedness/Vertigo/ Fainting
Feeling tired/Fatigue/Lethargy Blistering &Peeling
Insomnia/Sleepiness >>Unholistic Body symptoms- Urticaria(Hives), Angioedema, Anaphylaxis <<
Nausea/Vomiting/Jelly legs Green-yellow eyes
Difficulty swallowing
Muscle aches/Tenderness
and General tired feeling
Sudden weight gain

Conclusion

Citalopram is a drug known to revolutionize the lives of those who struggle with various mental disorders like depression and anxiety. However,taking the right amount of dosage matters more than anything else when it comes to experiencing its benefits without unnecessary side effects.

Your physician should customize your medication based on your medical history, age, and conditions whenever necessary so that you can enjoy better mental health while staying safe! With time,you would appreciate every intimate detail about serotonin reuptake inhibitors as I do now!

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