Citalopram 20 mg
28 tablets
Agent: citalopram
The all-morning way to the bathroom is like a trip around the world, everyday life becomes the indomitable opponents. Lead heavy overloaded the gloom on the shoulders and any form of hope has become a distant prospect. Depression is the most common and deadly diseases in our country. Between 5 and 7% of all Germans suffer from a form requiring treatment of mental illness. These are in terms of numbers almost 6 million citizens. The real figure is probably much higher. Approximately 12,000 people commit in the Federal Republic of Germany - one of the richest countries with the highest standard of living - each year suicide. It means a temporarily depressed mood certainly not immediately a crash in the disease. Stay symptoms but more than 3 weeks are made, a doctor should be consulted. At this point the antidepressant citalopram may relatively quickly and gently remedy.
Escaping the Sadness - psychotropic drugs as a friend in need
There is a whole range of treatment options for depression. An important pillar here is the pharmacological therapy z. B. with citalopram. In a long-term "religious war" fought depression research on the causes of melancholy. Long the idea was considered impossible, depression could simply an imbalance of biochemical substances in the brain of patients underlie. The psychological suffering as organically detectable disease like a heart attack - it took a long time to be permeated this medical fact. Of course, not provide the chemistry all the answers to the question of the origin of depression. But it is an established fact that a lack of certain neurotransmitters - are mentioned as chemical messengers to the nerves - is responsible for the psychiatric disorder. Therefore, it is possible to intervene with citalopram in the imbalanced brain metabolism.
Drug treatment with Citalopram belongs now an integral part of antidepressant therapy - in addition to modules such as behavioral and sports therapy. About 80% of depressed patients respond to treatment with antidepressants such as citalopram. As effective treatment for depression, the combination of citalopram and psychotherapy has proven.
Citalopram - a modern representative
since the 1950s antidepressants exist. The first representative of this class of agents were called tricyclic antidepressants. These exist today, but are generally seen as a side effect richer than the antidepressants of the new generation - like citalopram. The older products seem less specific, they engage basically in several systems. They change by blocking the corresponding receptors the budget of the signal substances dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Citalopram belongs to a new class of antidepressants - selective serotonin the reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). As the name of this drug class suggests, citalopram acts selectively on serotonin household. This high specificity, it is also that ensures the much more favorable side effect profile of citalopram and related drugs.
The motto is: increase in the serotonin content in the brain
Serotonin is a chemical compound that can be found on completely different sites in the human body: the brain as a neurotransmitter at nerve endings, as tissue hormone, freely circulating in the blood and in the gastrointestinal tract. For the development of depression is its function in the central nervous system of meaning. Serotonin provides a lightened mood, which is why it is sometimes called the "happiness hormone" in the vernacular. Furthermore, a sufficiently high serotonin levels seems to diminish fears. It is certain that many forms of depression to a low concentration of free serotonin is present in cerebrospinal fluid and thus comes to the depressed mood.
After the neurotransmitter has had its effect at the synapse, it will be resumed in the previous nerve cell and is no longer an effect available. Right here intervenes the citalopram: It blocks the mechanisms that transport the serotonin back into the interior of the cell. As a result of citalopram ingestion occurs over time to an increase in the level of free befindlichem in cerebrospinal fluid serotonin, which can be used for the above-mentioned effects. Some studies suggest that citalopram also the body's production of the "happiness hormone" boosts. In a large number of depressed patients, therefore, reduce by taking Citalopram the typical symptoms of depression, such as anxiety, sadness and listlessness. Citalopram has a stimulating effect and makes neither tired nor addictive.
Patience: An important virtue of therapy with citalopram
Although citalopram is one of the most commonly prescribed, effective and side-effect-poorest antidepressants - in one respect it is similar to all other preparations of this drug class: Until the long awaited effect of sentiment begins, at least 14 days. Until the full antidepressant effect of citalopram achieved, can 6 - 8 weeks drag into the country. Until then, there may be side effects have already occurred and ended layman desperate and disillusioned taking citalopram. Patience is the key to success: In the first few days of taking citalopram no positive effect is to be expected and this is perfectly normal. On the contrary: Some depressives deteriorate at the beginning of citalopram therapy symptoms, it sometimes comes to anxiety and nervousness.
Particularly noteworthy is a existing in the initial stage of the citalopram revenue risk: Many patients suffering from severe depression, tend to suicidal thoughts. It is often the lack of drive, which prevents them from such an act. Citalopram increases the drive before the antidepressant effect takes place, which could increase the risk of suicide in propensity to suicide fantasies people. Caution is warranted if necessary! In any case, Citalopram should be taken long enough; even if the symptoms of morbid melancholy have passed, it is advisable to at least continue to take the drug for six months. Long enough occupied and in combination with an appropriate psychotherapy the chance of cure is very high.
How and in what dose citalopram is taken?
Citalopram is taken in the form of tablets. These are in the following doses are available:
• 10 mg citalopram
• 20 mg citalopram
• 30 mg citalopram
• 40 mg citalopram
The usual daily dose citalopram 20 mg; depending on the intensity of the symptoms, the dose may be increased. The maximum dose citalopram is 60 mg per day. It is recommended at the start of citalopram revenue initially to proceed for several days with 10 mg and then to increase in steps as needed á 10 mg. Conversely, should be taken when exiting the citalopram therapy; a slow tapering of citalopram is highly recommended. Due to the aforementioned stimulating action of citalopram should be taken in the morning. The tablet may be taken with meals made with a sip of water.
What side effects caused Citalopram?
Compared with the active ingredients of the first generation is Citalopram side effects. Some even speak of "antidepressant with the least side effects." In fact, most people tolerate citalopram very good. Nevertheless, it must be expected even with citalopram with some side effects. Many of them may or may not occur, of course. Almost in every patient it comes within a few days after you start taking citalopram to a temporary dryness of the nose and mouth. Diarrhea is also very often observed in citalopram. Mostly these side effects disappear after some time. Overall, increased nervousness, some people observe a slight tremor. Many patients report related to citalopram via increased sweating, and a slight increase in blood pressure.
As with all antidepressants citalopram cause sexual dysfunction: Almost always it comes with citalopram in men to a prolonged time delay of ejaculation. This effect of citalopram is not uncommon in men who suffer from premature ejaculation, exploited. The libido can also - especially at high doses citalopram - fall sharply. However, the desire for sex in the context of a strong depression anyway usually zero, so that the improvement of the symptoms quite well may increase sexual interest again.
Other possible side effects of Citalopram:
• Sleep disorders
• aggressiveness
• palpitations
• Erectile Dysfunction
• absence of orgasm
• weight change
• itching
• arrhythmia
• tinnitus
• abnormal liver function tests
• Difficulty concentrating
• Nightmares
• increased suicidality
Consequences of overdose: The serotonin syndrome
As mentioned increases Citalopram in the brain the content of free, instantly effective serotonin. Is that citalopram dose is too high and thus increases the level of serotonin in too much serotonin syndrome is called. The result. This potentially life-threatening condition is particularly evident by the following symptoms:
* Strong increase in blood pressure
* Sweats
* diarrhea
* Palpitations
restlessness
* hallucinations
* Muscle twitching
* tremors
* Hyperreflexia
* aggressiveness
vomiting
* Dilated pupils
It is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Very rarely indeed solely by citalopram to the syndrome. Rather, often different, occupied the citalopram of the effect her similar drugs together. The motto "more is better" when antidepressants is dangerous and counterproductive. The patient should strictly adhere to the recommended by his therapist kind of dosage. In this case, is the Citalopram medication available that many, caught in the gloom people can be any realistic hope of a better life. A guarantee of a cure there is never, of course; but the chances of the Valley of sadness to escape is extremely increased with the development of the drug presented here.
