Healthy Matters
Resources
  • Healthy Matters
    Drugs A-Z
    Pharmacist Tips | Dosages | Side effects
  • Healthy Matters
    Food & Nutrition
    Nutritionist Tips | Facts | Precautions
  • Healthy Matters
    Chinese Medicine Herbs
    Practitioner Tips | Dosages | Side effects
  • Healthy Matters
    Chinese Medicine Prescriptions
  • Healthy Matters
    Expert Advisory Board
Articles
  • Healthy Matters
    Specialists Guide
  • Healthy Matters
    Other Services Guide
  • Healthy Matters
    Vaccination
  • Healthy Matters
    Parenting Guides
Health Topics ★
  • Healthy Matters
    Allergy & Immunology
  • Healthy Matters
    Baby & Child's Health
  • Healthy Matters
    Beauty
  • Healthy Matters
    Bone & Muscle Health
  • Healthy Matters
    Cancer & Tumor
  • Healthy Matters
    Common Illnesses
  • Healthy Matters
    Digestive Health
  • Healthy Matters
    Eye Health
  • Healthy Matters
    Fitness
  • Healthy Matters
    Food & Nutrition
  • Healthy Matters
    Heart & Vascular Health
  • Healthy Matters
    Infectious Diseases
  • Healthy Matters
    Medical Tests
  • Healthy Matters
    Mental Health
  • Healthy Matters
    Pregnancy
  • Healthy Matters
    Respiratory Health
  • Healthy Matters
    Sexual Health
  • Healthy Matters
    Skin Health
  • Healthy Matters
    Urological Health
  • Healthy Matters
    Women's Health
Search All
  • Healthy Matters
    Doctors
    Specialty | Address | Phone number
  • Healthy Matters
    Clinics
    Opening Hours | Address | Phone number
Popular Locations
  • Healthy Matters
    Central
  • Healthy Matters
    Tsim Sha Tsui
  • Healthy Matters
    Mong Kok
  • Healthy Matters
    Causeway Bay
Healthy Matters
Home
>
Western medicines > Citalopram

Citalopram

Chinese name:
西酞普蘭
Joseph Blais, Pharmacist
Reviewed by
Joseph Blais, Pharmacist
Expert Advisory Board Member
Last Updated: 2022-04-01

What is Citalopram for?

Citalopram belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline. SSRIs are antidepressants that work by allowing a type of chemical, serotonin, to stay longer in the brain in order to boost mood.

 

Citalopram is commonly indicated for depression, anxiety, depressive phase of bipolar disorder, and panic disorder.

How to use it?

Citalopram can be taken by mouth in conventional tablets. It often takes a few weeks to see noticeable improvement in your symptoms. Do not stop Citalopram abruptly since a withdrawal syndrome can occur. It is important for you to check for drug interactions with citalopram with your doctor or pharmacist. People older than 60 years of age, with liver problems, or taking certain medications which raise Citalopram blood levels, should limit their dose to 20 mg per day.

 

The usual starting dose of Citalopram is 10-20 mg per day. The dose may be increased gradually by your doctor based on your response.

What are the side effects of Citalopram?

The most common side effects of Citalopram include excessive sweating, nausea and vomiting, headache, insomnia, and ejaculation disorders.

Who should not take Citalopram?

Anyone who has an allergy to Citalopram.

Pharmacist Tips:

Do not discontinue Citalopram on your own since it may cause withdrawal symptoms. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you would want to discontinue Citalopram and set a proper withdrawal plan.

 

Common dosing schedule:
May be taken with or without food, either in the morning or evening.

 

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

 

Some common medications Citalopram may interact:

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. Selegiline, Rasagiline)
  • QT-prolonging agents (e.g. Amiodarone, Sotalol)
  • Fluconazole
  • Antiplatelet medications (e.g. Aspirin)

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Citalopram in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Citalopram is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

 

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Citalopram in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.

Healthy Matters

Your health resource, made in Hong Kong

Healthy Matters is Hong Kong’s leading health resource. Our mission is to help you make better health decisions and take control of your health.

 

Our team of experts is committed to producing reliable health content that is accurate, engaging and relevant, to cover your health & wellness journey from prevention to treatment.

 

Whether you are looking for trusted information on health conditions, wellbeing or looking for the right doctor or service in Hong Kong, we’re here to help!

 

Your health matters. Begin your health journey with Healthy Matters today!

 

Read about our story

illustrations of a doctor and a mobile phone