
Can Citalopram Be Taken In Place Of Venlafaxine?

Citalopram is safe to use
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from Icliniq.com
I can understand your concern. I agree with your doctor's decision to change to Citalopram from Venlafaxine considering your age. Citalopram is a SSRI drug and is relatively safe to use compared to Venlafaxine.
Cross tapering as you have been advised is best method to shift the drug. Gradual reduction of dose of Venlafaxine and simultaneous increase in dose of Citalopram is best in such situation. Since you are fine with this regimen so I don't think you will develop any side effects in future.
Citalopram in some individuals in high dose might result in reduction of heart rate and rarely QT prolongation. So you can talk with your doctor and get ECG done which will rule out any cardiac issue with Citalopram.
Citalopram is relatively safer but has side effects like nausea, dizziness, vomiting, gastric upset especially in first few days of starting the treatment. With time these side effects go by own.
Thanks and Take care

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