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On Citalopram. Ran Out Of Prescription. Experiencing Emotional Distress, Mood Swings, Loose Stool And Lack Of Appetite. Guide?
Question: Good afternoon:
My significant other (age 23 years old) recently was on citalopram for about 18 months. She then ran out of her prescription, and went through all the withdrawal symptoms that are common over the course of a month (mood swings, "shocking of the nervous system" panic, many others). About 3 and a half weeks ago she got back on a 20mg dosage. In about that time, there has been an increase in her irritability, her emotional distress, her ease of crying, and often a look of distance in her eyes. Overall, she seems unhappy, and sometimes emotionally flat. Her cholesterol was checked recently and was very high (she's young, very healthy, and not over weight). I just want to know if these are symptoms that someone can experience while being on this and other medications. She also has experienced the loose stool issues, lack of appetite, and an inability to sleep. Also, her anxiety has increased tremendously. Any help that you can provide will be appreciated. Also, what type of impact do cigarettes and alcohol have when taken in conjunction with this medication?
My significant other (age 23 years old) recently was on citalopram for about 18 months. She then ran out of her prescription, and went through all the withdrawal symptoms that are common over the course of a month (mood swings, "shocking of the nervous system" panic, many others). About 3 and a half weeks ago she got back on a 20mg dosage. In about that time, there has been an increase in her irritability, her emotional distress, her ease of crying, and often a look of distance in her eyes. Overall, she seems unhappy, and sometimes emotionally flat. Her cholesterol was checked recently and was very high (she's young, very healthy, and not over weight). I just want to know if these are symptoms that someone can experience while being on this and other medications. She also has experienced the loose stool issues, lack of appetite, and an inability to sleep. Also, her anxiety has increased tremendously. Any help that you can provide will be appreciated. Also, what type of impact do cigarettes and alcohol have when taken in conjunction with this medication?
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for posting on XXXXXXX
I am Dr. Nsah and I am pleased to be able to help you with your health query,
If I understand well, your main concern is the use of the drug citalopram by your partner? The drug is an antidepressant which comes with some significant side effects (and if suddenly stopped can lead to significant withdrawal syndrome which I believe your partner already faced). In some young people when they first start taking the drug, they may develop worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting oneself. If she is experiences any of those, then please report this to her doctor immediately.
Do not use citalopram if she has taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A XXXXXXX drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. It is also contraindicated to take pimozide, or if she is being treated with methylene blue injection. Since she has hyperlipidemia (elevated cholesterol) which is a cardiovascular risk factor, it is best if you could discuss this further with her doctor before she can continue taking citalopram (as the medication is contraindicated in heart diseases).
Alcohol or other drugs use are contraindicated when on citalopram as they may significantly increase the adverse effects of the drug.
Hope this helps and let me know if you have any further questions.
Dr. Nsah
Thanks for posting on XXXXXXX
I am Dr. Nsah and I am pleased to be able to help you with your health query,
If I understand well, your main concern is the use of the drug citalopram by your partner? The drug is an antidepressant which comes with some significant side effects (and if suddenly stopped can lead to significant withdrawal syndrome which I believe your partner already faced). In some young people when they first start taking the drug, they may develop worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting oneself. If she is experiences any of those, then please report this to her doctor immediately.
Do not use citalopram if she has taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A XXXXXXX drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. It is also contraindicated to take pimozide, or if she is being treated with methylene blue injection. Since she has hyperlipidemia (elevated cholesterol) which is a cardiovascular risk factor, it is best if you could discuss this further with her doctor before she can continue taking citalopram (as the medication is contraindicated in heart diseases).
Alcohol or other drugs use are contraindicated when on citalopram as they may significantly increase the adverse effects of the drug.
Hope this helps and let me know if you have any further questions.
Dr. Nsah
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Doc,
Thanks for your input and help. I appreciate it sincerely. Two things come to mind. First, can you please explain the MAO inhibitors more. How do i recognize these? I've googled them and done some research, but a lot of the information on them out there seems very general and a bit overwhelming. Also, if she is battling depression and anxiety, why would she be prescribed something that amplifies her anxiety while not combating the depression correctly. How do you feel about depression medication?
Thanks Doc, please take care.
V/r
-S. XXXXXXX
Thanks for your input and help. I appreciate it sincerely. Two things come to mind. First, can you please explain the MAO inhibitors more. How do i recognize these? I've googled them and done some research, but a lot of the information on them out there seems very general and a bit overwhelming. Also, if she is battling depression and anxiety, why would she be prescribed something that amplifies her anxiety while not combating the depression correctly. How do you feel about depression medication?
Thanks Doc, please take care.
V/r
-S. XXXXXXX
Hello XXXXXXX
Antidepressants are good medications when they work rightly but can also become paradoxical when they have adverse effects as those usually manifest by amplifying or develop other symptoms similar to depression. According to research, this is often seen with use with young people reason why I do not personally prescribe antidepressants in younger individuals as I prefer to take some few hours to give counseling and guidance rather than taking a short cut with an antidepressant. MAO inhibitors are simply medications that are used to combat depression, reason why they are contraindicated with use with another antidepressant as the combination of both might yield an unwelcome adverse effect. I also sited a few examples of MAO inhibitors in my previous reply. Those are the drugs you should be looking out for to make sure that she is not taking an of those in combination with citalopram. Also citalopram could be given upto 40mg dosage but with careful monitoring by her doctor (also seek for his opinion before adding) or the drug could be change to another antidepressant (if she still manifest symptoms of depression despite medication).
Wish you and your wife the best
Dr. Nsah
Antidepressants are good medications when they work rightly but can also become paradoxical when they have adverse effects as those usually manifest by amplifying or develop other symptoms similar to depression. According to research, this is often seen with use with young people reason why I do not personally prescribe antidepressants in younger individuals as I prefer to take some few hours to give counseling and guidance rather than taking a short cut with an antidepressant. MAO inhibitors are simply medications that are used to combat depression, reason why they are contraindicated with use with another antidepressant as the combination of both might yield an unwelcome adverse effect. I also sited a few examples of MAO inhibitors in my previous reply. Those are the drugs you should be looking out for to make sure that she is not taking an of those in combination with citalopram. Also citalopram could be given upto 40mg dosage but with careful monitoring by her doctor (also seek for his opinion before adding) or the drug could be change to another antidepressant (if she still manifest symptoms of depression despite medication).
Wish you and your wife the best
Dr. Nsah
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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