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What Are The Side Effects Of Citalopram?

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Posted on Wed, 17 Aug 2016
Question: After 14 weeks taking 200 mg sertraline, i now have citalopram. Will i get side effects?should citalopram work faster because of the work done by Sertraline?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Citalopram would act faster.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries


Sertraline and Citalopram both are SSRI drugs and almost same efficacy. In most individuals when antidepressants are switched we advise to cross taper the drugs. This means dose of Sertraline should be reduced and Citalopram should be increased progressively. You can reduce the dose of Sertraline to 100 for a week and start with Citalopram at the same time. In next week reduce the dose of Sertraline to 50 and increase the dose of Citalopram. In 3rd week stop Sertraline and increase the dose of Citalopram to your prescribed doses. This will reduce any chances of side effects.

Other wise even if you start Citalopram from very first day after stopping Sertraline there would not be serious side effects. Slight increase in anxiety might occur for few days but that would be controlled in some days.

Yes Citalopram would act faster because you are already taking Sertraline which too is a SSRI drug.

Thanks. Take care.

I hope this helps you, please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (5 minutes later)
Many thanks. I had to do a straight swap this morning....so far no side effects but i could easily go to sleep
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Thanks and take care

Detailed Answer:
Thanks, take care. If you have any doubts you can ask any time.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5193 Questions

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What Are The Side Effects Of Citalopram?

Brief Answer: Citalopram would act faster. Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries Sertraline and Citalopram both are SSRI drugs and almost same efficacy. In most individuals when antidepressants are switched we advise to cross taper the drugs. This means dose of Sertraline should be reduced and Citalopram should be increased progressively. You can reduce the dose of Sertraline to 100 for a week and start with Citalopram at the same time. In next week reduce the dose of Sertraline to 50 and increase the dose of Citalopram. In 3rd week stop Sertraline and increase the dose of Citalopram to your prescribed doses. This will reduce any chances of side effects. Other wise even if you start Citalopram from very first day after stopping Sertraline there would not be serious side effects. Slight increase in anxiety might occur for few days but that would be controlled in some days. Yes Citalopram would act faster because you are already taking Sertraline which too is a SSRI drug. Thanks. Take care. I hope this helps you, please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.