You are here: PharmacyArticlesMental HealthAntidepressants: Cipralex Vs Citalopram, Side Effects Read more articles on: Mental Health Published on: March 19, 2021 Last Updated On: March 19, 2021 Free Delivery: Your medication is delivered directly to you at no added cost. We even offer same-day delivery in selected locations. Discreet Packaging: Your privacy is important. That's why we send your medication inside a plain delivery box so no one will know what's inside. Antidepressants: Cipralex Vs Citalopram, Side Effects Depression is a common yet severe medical illness that can negatively affect how you think, how you feel, and how you act. It causes feelings of sadness and loss of interest in things you enjoyed. It can also cause various physical or emotional problems that can negatively affect the quality of your life.Fortunately, depression is treatable, and various medicines are available for its management. Deciding on an ideal medicine to treat depression can be challenging, and your doctor may have to try a couple of them before choosing the right one for you. Cipralex and Citalopram are two commonly used antidepressants.Here is more about these drugs so that you understand your options and discuss the same with your doctor.Table of Contents How Does Medication Help in Treating Depression?Cipralex And Treating DepressionComparing the Two- Similarities V/S DifferencesCipralex Side-effectsCitalopram Side EffectsCitalopram ContraindicationsCipralex ContraindicationsCipralex Interactions Citalopram Side InteractionsWhich Is The Right One For You?Prescription, Use, and DosageThe ideal dose of Cipralex is 10 mg/day, and that of Citalopram is 20 mg/day.Cipralex CitalopramFinal ThoughtsHow Does Medication Help in Treating Depression?Before understanding how antidepressants help, it is essential to know why depression occurs in the first place.Brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) are responsible for sending signals from one brain area to another. Their action depends on the type of brain cells they influence. For instance, the neurotransmitter serotonin supplies cells related to mood, social behavior, appetite, sexual desire and function, learning and memory, and temperature regulation.Antidepressants act on one or more of these neurotransmitters that affect your mood, improving their levels in the brain. However, the effect is temporary, and the brain state returns to the previous state once you stop them.Some common classes of antidepressants include:Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)Dopamine reuptake blockerTetracyclic antidepressantTricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)5-HT2 receptor antagonists5-HT1A receptor antagonist5-HT3 receptor antagonistNoradrenergic antagonistMonoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)Both Cipralex and Citalopram belong to the group SSRIs. Cipralex And Treating DepressionAs mentioned before, serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating your mood. SSRIs inhibit the reuptake or reabsorption of serotonin into nerve cells. This increases its level in the brain and improves the transmission of messages between nerve cells. As these drugs affect mainly serotonin and no other neurotransmitters, they are called selective.ALSO READ Antidepressant Addiction and How to Manage Its Withdrawal Symptoms?So, Cipralex works by improving the serotonin level in your brain. It can also help manage other conditions, such as anxiety disorders.Citalopram and DepressionSimilar to Cipralex, Citalopram also belongs to the SSRIs group of drugs and work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.Comparing the Two- Similarities V/S DifferencesLet’s understand their adverse-effects, interactions, and contraindications.Cipralex Side-effectsTable 1: Common side-effectsSide effectsCipralexCitalopramCommonNauseaYesYesSleepinessYesYesWeaknessYesYesDizzinessYesYesTrouble sleepingYesYesSexual problemsYesYesSweatingYesYes AnxietyYesYesLoss of appetiteYesYesShakingYesYesConstipationYesYesRespiratory infectionsYesYesYawningYesYes Dry mouthYesYesDiarrheaNoYesSeriousSevere allergic reactionsYesYes SeizuresYesYes Changes in weight and appetiteYesYes Visual problemsYesYes Suicidal thoughtsYesYes Abnormal bleedingYesYes Maniac episodesYesYes Low sodium levelsYesYesCommon side-effectsBlurred visionInsomniaFeverHeadacheNauseaIncreased sweatingDecreased libido, sexual ability, or ejaculatory delayRestlessnessAgitationDrowsinessDizzinessDry mouthDiarrheaIndigestionFrequent urinationIncreased or decreased appetiteWeight changesTremorsRare side-effectsSuicidal tendencyPain in neck and shouldersInfluenza-like symptomsSevere side-effectsAbnormal bleedingManic episodesHigh feverMuscle rigidityGlaucomaSuicidal thinking and behaviorSeizuresConfusionSlurred speechLow sodiumWithdrawal symptomsTinglingVivid dreamsPoor moodDizzinessTirednessIrritabilityIn order to avoid these symptoms, the dose is slowly reduced, and medicine is not stopped abruptly.Citalopram Side EffectsVery Common side effectsHeadacheDifficulty in sleeping Sleepiness Loss of body strength, weakness Changes in sleeping pattern Nausea Increased in sweating Dry mouth Common side effectsDecreased sex driveAgitationLack of appetiteConfusionAbnormal dreamsNervousness Anxiety Reduced emotionsDizzinessTremors MigraineNumbness in hands or feetProblems in concentration Loss of memory Ringing in earsLoss of weight Prickling of skinFor women, failing to reach orgasm For men, problems with ejaculation and excretionStomach pain FlatulenceConstipationIncreased in salivaYawning PalpitationsPain in muscle and jointsBlocked nose or runny noseALSO READ Treating Depression with Amitriptyline AntidepressantsUncommon side effectsBruised easily Increased weightSwelling in arms or legsDifficulty in urination Excessive menstrual bleedingSensitivity to sunlightRashLoss of hairIncreased appetiteAggression ManiaHallucinations Large pupilsFainting Fast heartbeatSlow heartbeatNettle rashRare side effectsFeeling unwellBleedingHepatitis CoughingIncreased sex drive Involuntary movementsTaste disturbances ConvulsionsCitalopram ContraindicationsLiver disordersKidney disorderAbnormal heart rhythmDiabetesMania or panic disorderEpilepsy Bleeding disorderIf you have a history of bleeding in the stomach or intestineLow sodium levelsProblems with eyes such as glaucoma Electroconvulsive therapy Low heart rateIf you experience a fast or irregular heartbeat, collapse, fainting, or dizziness on standing up.History of heart attack Cipralex ContraindicationsTalk to your doctor before starting the medicines if you have the following conditions:Liver disordersKidney disorderAbnormal heart rhythmDiabetesMania or panic disorderEpilepsy Bleeding disorderIf you have a history of bleeding in the stomach or intestineLow sodium levelsProblems with eyes such as glaucoma Electroconvulsive therapy Low heart rateA fast or irregular heartbeat, collapse, fainting, or dizziness on standing up.History of heart attack Pregnancy and lactationTable 2: Common InteractionsInteracting drugsCitalopramCipralexAnxiety drugsYesYesBlood thinnersYesYesCarbamazepineYesYesDrugs for sleepYesYesKetoconazoleYesYesLithiumYesYesMAOISYesYesMental illness drugsYesYesMigraine drugsYesYesNSAIDsYesYesPimozideYesYesSeizure drugsYesYesAmiodaroneYesNoChlorpromazineYesNoGatifloxicinYesNoMethadoneYesNoMoxifloxacinYesNoPentamidineYesNoQuinidineYesNoSotalolYesNoCipralex Interactions Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine, iproniazid, isocarboxazid, nialamide, tranylcypromine. Even if you have finished taking one of the following MAOIs: phenelzine, iproniazid, isocarboxazid, nialamide, or tranylcypromine, you will need to wait for two weeks before you start taking your Citalopram tablets.MoclobemideSelegilineLinezolidSumatriptanTramadolLithiumCimetidinePimozideImipramine and desipramineFluconazoleBupropionMefloquineAspirinIbuprofenDiclofenacMetoprololNeuroleptics (used in the treatment of schizophrenia)PhenothiazinePimozideHaloperidolSparfloxacinMoxifloxacinErythromycin IVPentamidineHalofantrineAstemizoleMizolastineALSO READ How to Care for Someone Suffering from Major Depressive Disorder?Citalopram Side InteractionsMonoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine, iproniazid, isocarboxazid, nialamide, tranylcypromine. Even if you have finished taking one of the following MAOIs: phenelzine, iproniazid, isocarboxazid, nialamide, or tranylcypromine, you will need to wait for two weeks before you start taking your Citalopram tablets.MoclobemideSelegilineLinezolidSumatriptanTramadolLithiumCimetidinePimozideImipramine and desipramineFluconazoleBupropionMefloquineAspirinIbuprofenDiclofenacMetoprololNeuroleptics (used in the treatment of schizophrenia)PhenothiazinePimozideHaloperidolSparfloxacinMoxifloxacinErythromycin IVPentamidineHalofantrineAstemizoleMizolastineWhich Is The Right One For You?As you can see, these drugs have similar side-effects, interactions, and contraindications. However, there are differences as to who can take based on these factors.Your doctor will take a detailed history and determine the best option for you.Prescription, Use, and DosageThe ideal dose of Cipralex is 10 mg/day, and that of Citalopram is 20 mg/day.Table 3: Use and DosageMedicineCipralexCitalopramClass of drugSerotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)UseDepression and anxietyDepression and anxietyAge for which it is approved for12 years and older18 years and olderAvailable formsOral tablet, oral solutionOral tablet, oral solutionAvailable strengthsTablet: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, Solution: 1 mg/mLTablet: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, Solution: 2 mg/mLUsual starting dose10 mg/day20 mg/dayUsual treatment durationLong-termLong-termRisk of WithdrawalYesYesCipralex Take it precisely the way your doctor tells.It is usually prescribed to be taken orally, once daily, preferably at the same time every day.You can take medicine with or without foodThe medicine is available in various strengths including, 5, 10, and 20 mg, and your doctor will decide the right dose for you. If you are taking it in the form of drops, your doctor will tell you the number of drops to be taken.If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed dose. CitalopramTake this medicine orally once a day in the morning or evening. It can be taken with or without food or as prescribed by your physician.Take this tablet daily at the same time every day.Follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Do not stop taking this medication abruptly without consulting your doctor.Do not take it more or less, or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.Do not stop using it even if you feel well.If you happen to miss a dose of Citalopram, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed dose. Your physician may start you with a low dose and gradually increase your dose. It may take 1-4 weeks before you begin to notice the full benefits of the medication.Final ThoughtsAll in all, Cipralex and Citalopram work well for depression. These drugs have similar interactions, contraindications, and side-effects. However, there are differences too, including dosage and who can take them. All these factors influence which drug you can take.So, consult your doctor before taking them, and they will help you decide the best choice for you. We're Here for You: Our pharmacists are happy to answer your questions. Get in touch by text, live chat, phone or email. We're standing by 7 days a week. 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