Citalopram belongs to a class of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Citalopram is used to treat depression and panic disorder. It helps to improve your energy levels and elevates your mood. This medication works by restoring the balance of a chemical substance (serotonin) in the brain which helps to relieve depression and symptoms of panic disorder such as excessive fear, sweating, rapid heart rate, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath, chills etc.

Weight changes may be seen while using Citalopram, so monitor your weight closely. Citalopram belongs to a class of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Although SSRIs are associated with weight loss at first, long-term use of SSRIs may cause an increase in the weight. Long-term use is considered when the treatment lasts longer than six months. If these weight changes bother you, please consult your doctor.

No, it is advised not to take alcohol while taking Citalopram. Citalopram can cause sleepiness or may affect your ability to make decisions, think clearly, or react quickly. And taking alcohol with this medicine will only worsen these side effects. Therefore, you must avoid alcohol if you are on Citalopram.

Yes, Citalopram has been found to cause prolongation of the QT interval (a type of ECG abnormality) that can lead to arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat or heart rhythm), which can be dangerous. However, this is very rare according to scientific research reports. Moreover, abnormalities in electrolyte levels (such as potassium and magnesium) may also increase the risk of abnormalities in the heartbeat of people suffering from heart problems. Such people must have an ECG review, before as well as during treatment with Citalopram. However, the final decision will be only made by your doctor, after analyzing your health condition and considering all possible risks and benefits of this medicine.

The most common side effects of Citalopram are low sexual desire, vomiting, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing), anorgasmia (decreased orgasm), nausea, weight gain, erectile dysfunction, stomach upset, and restlessness. Please consult your doctor if these do not resolve or worry you. Your doctor will suggest ways to prevent or treat these side effects.

It is usually recommended to take Citalopram once a day in the morning since it can keep you awake if taken late at night. You can take it with or without food. You should prefer taking it at the same time each day so that you remember to take it.