Teva Citalopram 20mg Tablets

Teva Citalopram 20mg Tablets: Depression, Anxiety & Panic Disorder UK Guide

Teva Citalopram 20 mg Tablets contain 20 mg of citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant used for the treatment of major depressive episodes and panic disorder, including panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. Citalopram selectively inhibits serotonin reuptake, increasing serotonin availability between nerve cells and supporting neurotransmitter signalling involved in mood and emotional regulation.

For adults, 20 mg once daily is the usual dose for major depressive episodes. For panic disorder, treatment generally begins at 10 mg once daily for the first week before increasing to 20 mg daily. Depending on individual response and clinical circumstances, the dose may be adjusted by a prescriber, with a maximum of 40 mg daily for appropriate adults. Citalopram is generally taken once daily, either in the morning or evening, with or without food, and therapeutic improvement may take several weeks.

What Is Teva Citalopram 20mg Used For?

• Major Depressive Episodes: Citalopram is indicated for the treatment of major depressive episodes in adults. The usual adult dose is generally 20 mg once daily, although the dose may be adjusted according to individual response and clinical circumstances.
• Panic Disorder: Citalopram is indicated for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. Treatment generally begins at 10 mg once daily for the first week before increasing to 20 mg daily according to the prescribed treatment plan.
• Depression Symptoms: Citalopram affects serotonin signalling as part of treatment for depressive illness. Therapeutic improvement develops gradually rather than providing immediate relief.
• Panic and Anxiety Symptoms: Citalopram can form part of a medically supervised treatment plan for recurring panic symptoms. Panic symptoms may temporarily increase when treatment with an SSRI is first started, which is why a lower starting dose may be used.
• Prescription Treatment: Citalopram is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. The appropriate dose depends on the condition being treated, age, treatment response, other medical conditions and medicines being taken.
• Established 20mg Strength: The 20 mg tablet provides an established adult treatment strength and is the usual dose for major depressive episodes. It may also be used after the initial lower dose during treatment for panic disorder.

The appropriate citalopram dose depends on individual clinical circumstances. For major depressive episodes, the usual adult dose is generally 20 mg once daily, while panic disorder treatment commonly starts at 10 mg daily before increasing to 20 mg daily.

How Does Teva Citalopram 20mg Work?

Citalopram selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin by nerve cells in the brain, increasing serotonin availability for signalling between nerve cells. This supports neurotransmitter activity involved in mood and emotional regulation and is relevant to the treatment of major depressive episodes and panic disorder. Citalopram does not normally provide immediate therapeutic relief. Improvement may begin during the first couple of weeks, while a fuller response can take longer, particularly when treating panic disorder. Consistent daily treatment is important for maintaining the prescribed treatment effect.

How to Take Teva Citalopram 20mg Tablets

• Swallow Whole: Swallow the tablet with water or another suitable fluid. Take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Adults: For major depressive episodes, the usual adult dose is 20 mg once daily. For panic disorder, treatment generally begins at 10 mg once daily for the first week before increasing to 20 mg daily.
• Once-Daily Dose: Citalopram is normally taken once daily. Do not change the prescribed dose or take additional tablets unless advised by a healthcare professional.
• Special Patient Groups: Lower doses may be required for some patients, including those with liver impairment or other clinical factors that affect citalopram treatment.
• Morning or Evening: Citalopram may generally be taken in the morning or evening. Taking it at approximately the same time each day can help maintain a consistent treatment routine.
• Older Adults: Patients over 65 are generally treated with lower doses, with the recommended maximum dose limited to 20 mg daily.
• With or Without Food: Citalopram tablets can be taken with or without food. Food does not normally affect the way the medicine is taken.
• Treatment Duration: Citalopram may take several weeks to produce its full therapeutic effect. For depression, treatment is generally continued for an appropriate period after recovery, with treatment often continued for at least six months after recovery from a depressive episode. Treatment should not be stopped abruptly because withdrawal reactions can occur.

For panic disorder, the recommended starting dose is generally 10 mg once daily for the first week, followed by 20 mg daily. The dose may subsequently be adjusted according to individual response. Patients with mild or moderate liver impairment are generally started at 10 mg daily, with a maximum of 20 mg daily.

Teva Citalopram 20mg Side Effects

Citalopram can cause side effects, particularly during the early stages of treatment. Recognised effects include:

• Nausea
• Tremor
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Diarrhoea
• Dry Mouth
• Sleepiness
• Constipation
• Reduced Libido
• Weight Changes
• Sexual Problems
• Sleep Disturbance

Important Warnings and Precautions

• Alcohol: Alcohol may increase some unwanted effects associated with citalopram. Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor or pharmacist.
• MAOIs: Citalopram must not be combined with certain monoamine oxidase inhibitors because of the risk of serious reactions, including serotonin syndrome.
• Serotonin Syndrome: Combining citalopram with other medicines that increase serotonergic activity can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Symptoms may include agitation, sweating, shaking, muscle twitching, confusion and changes in heart rate.
• Heart Rhythm Changes: Citalopram can cause QT-interval prolongation and, rarely, serious abnormal heart rhythms. The risk may be higher in people with certain heart conditions or when citalopram is combined with other medicines that affect cardiac rhythm.
• Bleeding Risk: Citalopram can increase the risk of abnormal bleeding, particularly when taken with anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines or NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
• Driving and Machinery: Citalopram can cause dizziness, drowsiness or other effects that may affect concentration and reaction ability in some patients. Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Suicidal Thoughts: Some people, particularly younger patients, may experience worsening mood or suicidal thoughts when starting antidepressant treatment or changing the dose. Seek urgent medical assistance if these symptoms occur.
• Mania: Citalopram can cause unusually elevated mood, increased energy or other symptoms of mania in susceptible individuals. Significant mood or behavioural changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
• Other Medicines: Medicines such as tramadol, buprenorphine and sumatriptan can interact with citalopram and may increase serotonergic effects. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about other medicines and supplements you are taking.
• Gradual Discontinuation: Citalopram should not normally be stopped suddenly. The dose should generally be reduced gradually under medical supervision to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Stopping citalopram can cause symptoms such as dizziness, unusual sensory sensations, sleep disturbances, anxiety, nausea and sweating. Some patients may require a slower reduction depending on their individual response.

Stopping Teva Citalopram 20mg Treatment

Citalopram should not normally be stopped abruptly after regular treatment. Withdrawal symptoms can include dizziness, unusual sensory sensations, sleep disturbance, anxiety, nausea and sweating. A prescriber can recommend a gradual dose reduction based on the dose being taken, treatment duration and individual response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Citalopram 20mg a standard dose?

Citalopram 20 mg is the usual adult dose for major depressive episodes. For panic disorder, treatment generally starts at 10 mg once daily for the first week before increasing to 20 mg daily.

How long does Citalopram 20mg take to work?

Citalopram does not normally provide immediate therapeutic relief. Improvement may begin during the first couple of weeks, while a fuller response can take several weeks or longer.

Can Citalopram 20mg be taken at night?

Yes. Citalopram can generally be taken in the morning or evening. Taking it at approximately the same time each day can help maintain a consistent treatment routine.

Can Citalopram 20mg be taken with food?

Yes. Citalopram tablets can generally be taken with or without food.

Can Citalopram 20mg cause withdrawal symptoms?

Yes. Stopping citalopram suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, unusual sensory sensations, sleep disturbance, anxiety, nausea and sweating. Gradual dose reduction is generally recommended.

Can Citalopram 20mg affect heart rhythm?

Yes. Citalopram can prolong the QT interval and may cause serious abnormal heart rhythms in susceptible patients. The risk can be higher with certain heart conditions or medicines that also affect cardiac rhythm.